St. Mary’s Basilica Champakulam, Kalloorkad, Alleppey, Kerala, India

Saint Mary’s Basilica, Champakulam or Champakulam Church in Alappuzha is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas in AD 427. Situated on the western bank of River Pamba. Champakulam Kalloorkad Church is the first one under the church at Niranam which is believed to have been founded by St.Thomas, the Apostle himself. Other churches founded by the Apostle were at Palayoor, Kodungalloor (Cranganoor), Kottakkavu, Kokkamangalam, Kollam and Chayal (Nilackal).

The churches at Mylakkombu, Kaduthuruthy, Aruvithura and Kuravilangad took their origin by end of the fourth century AD while the churches at Champakulam (Kalloorkad), Udayamperoor and Edappally were founded during the early years of the fifth century AD. Considering the time of founding, Champakulam Kalloorkkad Church is one among the second generation of churches in kerala.

Saint Mary’s Basilica, Champakulam rebuilt many times and the many rock inscriptions found around the church tell us about the history of the church. The open air Rock Cross at Champakulam church is one of the most ancient ones with clear documentation of its antiquity up to AD 1151. There are many archaeological artifacts found around the church about its history. Champakulam church was once under Niranam Church, which was founded by the Apostle Saint Thomas himself.. Champakulam Church had very friendly relations with the Jacobite Syrian group and had a pivotal role in many ecumenical efforts in the Eighteenth century. 

Saint Mary’s Basilica, Champakulam several renovation works had been carried out since the inception of the Church.The inscription on the pedestal of Granite Cross at the south court yard shows that there had been a renovation in 1151 AD, though it is said that in 1720 AD the Chempakassery ruler took the initiative and gave all cooperation and full encouragement for the reconstruction of the church, no concrete evidence is available in this regard. One thing is certain that as the Christian families within the parish proliferated and faithful increased in the number, the need for a larger church might have become a necessity.

Around the year 1720 AD the general body of the members of the parish appears to have arrived at he the decision. They might have received immense help, instructions and pieces of advice from the Chempakassery ruler. On the plot reclaimed from the land under water out of the sheer generosity of the Chempakassery King the works of the church began in 1720 and completed in 1730. In this regard it is but reasonable to accept the inscription on the grider (Sheelanti) donated by Thamalloor ittykkuruvila Kthanar.