Places Of Worship

St.George Church

Parish History
In ancient days the Catholics of Muhamma depended on the churches at Pallippuram and Vechur for worship and prayer. With the erection of a Catholic church at Kudavechur in 1463, all the Catholics who had been living on either banks of Vembanattukayal south of Pallippuram and Vaikom under the jurisdiction of Palluppuram parish were brought under the new parish. The Catholics of Muhamma were also brought under Vechur Parish Church dedicated to Holy Mary. An area of land inhabited by people who are attached to a church is called a parish. The word ‘parish’ is derived from the Greek word ‘parochia’. The verbal meaning of the word ‘parish’ is ‘a community of pilgrims’;’people who are close to God’ The Catholics of Muhamma had to depend on Vechur Church for baptism, marriage, funeral, etc. As the journey through Vembanattukayal had been dangerous and difficult, especially during the rainy season, the foundation stone of a church dedicated to St. George was laid at Perumthuruthi (Muhamma)in 1817 A.D.( kollavarsham 992 – karkidakam) due to the efforts of the faithful of Muhamma .It is recorded in the annals of the church that Pattara Chandi Chacko had leased his land to the church in 1817 A.D. (On 10 Kanni 992(Malayalam Era) and the same land where the church stood was donated freehold to the church on 11 kanni, 994(Malayalam era) (1819A.D.)on the condition that a ‘raza’ for the dead was to be said annually .In all the letters to H.E. Mar Mathai Makil, the church was referred to as Perunthuruthi church. It was also recorded that the inhabitants (karakkar) had executed a title deed bond for the land on which the church stood with Manchezhathu family which had free hold right over the property on 26 kumbham 1002(1827 A.D.).St.George’s Church at Muhamma was consecrated as a parish church in 1826 A.D. The Catholics of Muhamma had been the parishners of Vechur church from 1463 to 1826 A.D. 
Raising its dome-like head proudly from the courtyard of the vast expanse of silvery water of Vembanattukayal lying on the east of Karappuram made enchanting by the densely growing coconut palms, St. George’s church is a long cherished dream come true for the Christians of Muhamma. During the tenure of Rev. Fr. Abraham Mupparathara, the old church was pulled apart and a new church was erected. The cupolas at Mannancherry, Kanichukulangara and Konadu are the kurusupalli of the church at Muhamma. There are about 480 Catholic families and more than 2500 Catholics in this parish which is spread in the panchayaths of Mannancherry, Kanichukulangara, Kanjikkuzhi, Muhamma and Mararikkulam. 

The most important place of worship of the Christianity is the St.George church. It is situated at the beautiful lake side of Vembanadu. The blessed and God given St. George church is worshiped by a huge mass comprising of more than hundred Christian families The church is a main attraction of Muhamma because of the beautiful scenery around it. The small elevation of the lake that extends up to the market place runs along by the side of the church. The boat service from Muhamma to Kumarakom starts from the boat-jetty situated near by the church. The passers by will certainly have a look at the church. The church is comprising of three main buildings and beautiful cemetery. The first is the serene place of worship. The second is the parish hall and the third is Sunday school.
The church was established by the Rev. Alexander, pattarayil in the Malayalam year 1001 in the month of karkidaka on the day of 28th(AD1826) Before the church came in to being the Christian community at Muhamma attended the rituals relating to their religion at their diocese church of kudavechoor the property for the construction of the church was donated by chandy chacko pattarayil. It was an appropriate place for the church because the vembanadu lake was then an important commercial route. The popular landlord of the place manjezhath menon exteded his full support to the Christianity for the church. Chengalakattu Thomman Tharakan, Pattara chandy chacko, and chalangady Mathan were the important personalities behind the building up of the church in 1855AD The church was reconstructed. In 1930 Rev. Fr. Joseph Nelluvelil buil tup a new church Fr. Abraham Chanhamkary builtup rooms in two stories. KARMALEETHA MADAM was also established by him. The cross the junction of Muhamma was constructed by Fr. Zacharias The present church was constructed at the time when Fr. Abraham was incharge of the church on 18th may 1981 and the parishhall also was established by Fr. Abraham mupparathara. At present a holy number of eleven fathers and seven sisters work for gold for Muhamma church
Now Rev. Fr. Varghese Kalayil in charge of the St. George church and he is assisted by Rev.Fr.Jacob kuraserry.

Vanaswargam Church

St. Jude’s Church, Vanaswargam is located near the place called S. L. Puram, Cherthala which is a part of the district of Alappuzha, St. Jude’s Church Community is a vibrant community within the diocese of Alleppey and as the communion of ‘The Latin Catholic’ in Kerala. Parish of St. Jude seeks to provide opportunities for members of all ages to learn more about what it means to be a Christian in our society and to respond, as a caring fellowship of Christian people, to the needs of others in the parish and beyond..

” History of Vanaswargam Church “
St. Jude’s Church, Vanaswargam is located near the place called S. L. Puram, Cherthala which is a part of the district of Alappuzha, St. Jude’s Church Community is a vibrant community within the diocese of Alleppey and as the communion of ‘The Latin Catholic’ in Kerala. Parish of St. Jude seeks to provide opportunities for members of all ages to learn more about what it means to be a Christian in our society and to respond, as a caring fellowship of Christian people, to the needs of others in the parish and beyond.

St. Jude’s Church began its life as a mission station in the year 1986 as a small Church and by the God’s grace, the church was canonically erected as the new parish on 16th July 1987. At this time the parish was given to O.C.D Congregation [Manjummel Province] to care of the pastoral needs of the parishioners of this parish. The first parish priest was Fr. Berthalomia Kannegery.

The newly and a beautiful church was constructed during the time of Rev.Fr. Johny Arattukulam. The novena of St.Jude was started by Rev. Fr. Johny Arattukulam and Rev.Fr. Andrews on 2nd May, 1991. From that day onwards, thousands of people are gathering together and praying for their wants and needs at the holly foot-feet of St. Jude.“

Vanaswargam Church, S.L Puram:
Phone : 0091 478 2861448
Email: mail@vanaswargamchurch.org

Aryakkara Temple

Muhamma was under the reign of kings at Edappally.AboutA.D 1540 two ladies from edappally royal family migrated to muhamma doe to some family disputes. Elder lady of them married a young man from nayar family named kayikkarakkotta who were the bill collectors of the kings at edappally and had acquired land lordship from the king .younger lady of them married an ezhava young man from the ooralissery family.For the latter family king has given the 169 acre land in favour at aryakkara .In their land at aryakkara they have erected a Devy temple.In 1936 they have given this temple for the local people at their good will. The temple is known as ARYKKARA SREEE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE .It is belived that Bhagavathy protects the people with her mighty powers; due to this reason people adore the Bhagavathy at ARYAKKARA.

MUKKAL VETTOM Temple,

Cheerappan Chira family and their Kalari, are as old as the mythology of Lord Ayyappa and his abode at Sabarimala. This temple is situated in the Muhamma at Cherthala thaluk of Allepey District of Kerala.
It is believed that Lord Ayyappa studied martial arts in this ancient Kalary; remnants of which still exists. 
This temple is built in the same pattern of Sabarimala Temple. 
The temple also has lord Siva, and Parvathy, Goddess Annapoorneswary, Goddess Malikappuram, Ganapathy, Sarpam as other deities.

SABARIMALA AND MUKKAL VETTOM.
The importance of the relation of these two ancient temples is evidenced by the “Thirupattaya Charthu” (the royal decree) of the Pandalam King, by which the right to conduct the fireworks offerings at Sabarimala was given to cheerappan Chira family. 
In the year 2001, as instructed by the Ashtamangala Deva Prasnam, (the astrological findings) held at Sabarimala, Sabarimala temple authorities conducted special poojas and offerings as penance at this temple.
Till this date, people of old age and women who cant undertake pilgrimage to Sabarimala come to this temple to offer their prayers on the belief that, by the darshan at Mukkal vettom, Lord Ayyappa will shower the same blessings as the darsan at Sabarimala.

HISTORY
Cheerappanchira, the famous Kalari (martial art) exponents of Lord Ayyappas times, taught this only to the people of karappuram area ( place around Muhamma ). Ayyappa- the then crown prince of Pandalam Kingdom- approached the Mooppan (senior most member of the family) who is the Guru, to learn Kalarippayattu. Having mastered this technique, Lord Ayyappa, rushed to Pandalom on hearing the sudden attack on kingdom, virtually disaapearing from Cheerappan chira. Before his departure he left behind his royal belongings to reveal his identity to his guru. [His quarters at cheerappan chira is maintained till date as Swami Mattom.]
On realizing the divine identity of Lord Ayyappa, his earthly Guru started his annual pilgrimage to Sabarimal temple. On becoming old, when he was not able to make his annual pilgrimage to Sabarimala temple, Lord Ayyappa apeeared in the dream of the saddened Guru and consoled him for his inability to take the annual pilgrimage. Lord Ayyappa also instructed the Guru to construct a temple at cheerappan chira, where he will reside with his full powers for Ãâₚ¾ th ( 3 quarters of the year- which in Malayalam is Mukkal . Hence the nameMukkal Vettam) of the year. He also informed that a log of sandalwood would appear against the flow of the waters at Vembanadu Lake the next day, which should be used for constructing the temple. Folklore has it that the log of sandalwood appeared in the waters the next day and with which the Mukkal Vettam temple was built. 

POOJAS and RITUALS.
In the early days of the temple, poojas were conducted on every sankrama day of each Malayalam month. At present poojas are held on every Wednesdays and Saturdays. Poojas are also held on every day of Malayalam month Karkidaka (ie the Ramayana Month). During the 41 days of mandala vrutham, (ie from first of Vrichikam ââ‚Âââ‚Å“ 14th of November to 11th Of Dhanu), poojas and special offerings are held on everyday. 
During the makara samkrama day (makara villakku day) the temple is closed, as it is believed that Lord Ayyappa with his full powers resides at sabarimala

OFFERINGS.
Payasam, Aravana, Neeranjanama, Appam, Ghee abhishekam, and Anna danam are the main offerings in this temple. Just like in sabarimala, Sahasranama archana, pushpanjali, ashtothara japam etc are also conducted here. For people with “Seni Dosham”, these offerings are believed to give immediate relief.
MARUNNU KANJI (Medicinal Porridge).
During the month of Karkidakam, medicinal porridge is distributed by the temple authorities, which is a speciality of this temple. This porridge- the sacred medicine- believed to have been prepared for the martial arts exponents, is prepared strictly based on the secret recipe, which has been handed over by generations of this ancient family.

KESAV LAL- The Chief Priest.
The family patriarch Sree C.K.Soma Sekhara Panicker’s son, Sri Kesav Lal is the chief priest of the temple. Having mastered the Vedic Rituals from the famous Dayananda Vaidika Gurukulam, Vaikkom, and Tantric Rituals from Sree Vadakkan Paravur Sreedharan Tantri, he devotes major portion of his time in providing relief to people with doshas by performing Guruthy, (an extreme form of offering to Goddess Kali), Uchadanom- the remmooval of negetive entities like Yakhi, gandharvan etc and other various powerfull Tantric Rituals like Sudarshana Homam, Sulini homam, Akhora Homam etc.
An exponent of Pranic healing and energy scanning, and a true Sreevidya upasaka, he is an expert in Pendulam astrology and Spiritual healing.

Kochanakulangra Temple

Muhamma was under the reign of kings at Edappally.AboutA.D 1540 two ladies from edappally royal family migrated to muhamma doe to some family disputes. Elder lady of them married a young man from nayar family named kayikkarakkotta who were the bill collectors of the kings at edappally and had acquired land lordship from the king .younger lady of them married an ezhava young man from the ooralissery family.For the latter family king has given the 169 acre land in favour at aryakkara .In their land at Kochanakulangra they have erected a Devy temple.In 1936 they have given this temple for the local people at their good will. The temple is known as Kochanakulangra SREEE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE .It is belived that Bhagavathy protects the people with her mighty powers; due to this reason people adore the Bhagavathy at Kochanakulangra.   

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