Parumala Perunnal 2023: Every year on November 2, Kerala commemorates the death of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the first canonised saint of Indian origin who belonged to Kerala’s Malankara Orthodox community. The bishop was laid to rest in the church on this day. It is one of the most well-known festivals in South India and is held in the town of Parumala in the Pathanamthitta district. Devotees from all around the state flock to the church grounds to mark this lovely day with special rites and a well-attended, lively parade. On the commemorative day known as Orma perunnal, devotees give special prayers at the church.
Parumala Perunnal 2023
Parumala, a small village in South India, is situated on the banks of the Pampa River. A great saint by the name of Malankara Metropolitan Joseph Mar Dionysius once travelled to these exact locations. He was highly regarded because of his immense wisdom and enchanting aura. His birthplace was Kunnamkulam. He got the idea to build a seminary in this region for the good of all people.
Arikupurathu Mathen Karnavar granted him two acres of land as compensation for this. A building called Azhippura was erected on this specific piece of property with the sole purpose of housing Syriac language instruction. Dionysius finally gave Mar Gregorios the task of effectively carrying out his teachings over the course of time.
Here, on November 2, 1902, at the age of 54, Mar Gregorios passed away. This church currently houses his tomb. In 1947, the Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan Baselios Geevarghese II declared him a saint of the Church.
The distinctive feature of this yearly festival is that the entire event is centered around devotion. There are no cultural events planned for the occasion, unlike other festivals. The celebration stands out because it attracts attendees from all walks of life and communities throughout Kerala, not only Christians. As a result, it acts as a celebration of peace and unity, adding to Kerala’s celebrations’ allure.
Parumala
It is a small village on the banks of the Pampa River in South India. Once upon a time, these exact areas were visited by a renowned saint by the name of Malankara Metropolitan Joseph Mar Dionysius. People really admired him because of his tremendous wisdom and magical aura. He was born in Kunnamkulam. He had the vision to establish a seminary in this area for the benefit of all humanity.
Parumala Perunnal is celebrated in the Parumala Church in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala and this is a week long festivities celebrated here.
It is a village in the taluk of Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district. River Pamba flows by this village. The famous Christian church under the Jacobite church is situated here. Saint Mar Gregorious Geevarghese is the one who established the church and this is also his final resting place. The magnificent annual feast of this church is celebrated on the 1st of November and is attended by thousands. On the saint’s orma perunnal (commemoration feast), special prayers are offered at the church. The festival day is marked by special services and a well-attended colourful procession.
Parumala Church
St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Orthodox Church also known as Parumala Church is a well known Christian pilgrim center of Kerala situated in the Pathanamthitta district. Locally known as Parumala Pally, it is a renowned parish church of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian community. Located on the banks of River Pamba, this church is believed to be more than 2000 year old. It is the tomb church of Parumala Thirumeni or Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios.
The commemoration day (Orma perunnal) is a great event associated with the pilgrim center which is celebrated on 1st and 2nd November every year. Thousands of pilgrims visit the church during these days to offer prayers to the saint. Parumala church is a must-visit Christian pilgrim center in the state. Chengannur is the nearest railway station to this holy spot which is about 10 kilometers away. The nearest Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is almost 125 kilometers from this shrine. Kerala is home to many ancient churches and pilgrim centers.
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