Kokkamangalam

Kokkamangalam is a village in Alappuzha district of Kerala state, south India. Tradition holds it to be one of the seven Christian communities in Kerala founded by the Apostle Thomas.

Kokkamangalam is situated midway between Cochin and Kumarakom. It is on the western shore of Vembanad Lake, 5 km east of the town of Cherthala, which has the nearest railway station.

History

In the first century, Kokkamangalam was a prosperous Hindu village. According to tradition, St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus, landed at Kodungalloor, an ancient port on India's Malabar Coast, in the year 52. He founded Christian communities in Kokkamangalam, Kodungalloor, Kollam, Chayal, Niranam, Parur, and Palayoor before he was martyred in Mylapore. The Apostle Thomas performed a miracle in Kokkamangalam, and converted several local Hindu families to Christianity. A church was erected near the village's Hindu temple. The present church was rebuilt in 1900 on the same site.

Local attractions include picnic boating at Kokkamangalam. The long view of "Vembanad Lakeexpans" with green margin of coconut palms is also considered a must see. Kokkamangalam village itself is a place of traditional coconut processing cottage industry and numerous small coir spinning units. Thannirmukkom saltwater barrier, Pathiramanal Island, Kumarakom bird sanctuary are among the places of interest nearby. The Cochin International Airport is 70 kilometers from Kokkamangalam.

Apostle St. Thomas Pilgrim Center Kokkamangalam

Kokkamangalam Church

St. Thomas sailed to Kokkamangalam where he preached the gospel for about a year. 1600 people embraced Christian faith through him according to the narration in "Rampan Pattu", an ancient form of Christian folk-song prevalent in Kerala. He formed a Christian community at Kokkamangalam and enshrined a Cross for the faithful. The people of Kokkamangalam and nearby places venerate St. Thomas as their beloved heavenly patron.

External links

• Kokkamangalam Church