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== '''Kokkamangalam-The Cradle of Indian Christianity''' == St.Thomas,one of the twelve, Apostles of Jesus Christ, landed at Kodungalloor,the ancient port of Malabar Coast in 52 A.D. From the Holy Bible we learn that St.Thomas was a valiant disciple of Jesus and he was ready to take any amount of risk to pursue the steps of his Master. When, in the lots, he had to go to India, a far away country, to preach the Gospel he did nothesitate to undergo the difficulties of journey. After arriving in Kerala he had to travel far and wide for evangelization. According to tradition and history, before he was martyred in Mylapore he succeeded in founding seven Christian communities in Kerala,namely, Kokkamangalam, Kodungalloor, Kollam, Chayal, Niranam,Parur and Palayoor.St. Thomas sailed to kokkamangalam and he preached gospel about an year there and 1600 people embarrassed Christian faith through him. ---- '''APOSTLE ST.THOMAS PILGRIM CENTRE KOKKAMANGALAM.''' St. Thomas sailed to Kokkamangalam and he preached gospel about an year there and 1600 people embarrassed Christian faith through him according to the narration in "Rampan Pattu", the ancient form of Christian folk-song which become 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. They get ample favours through the intercession of the saint. A dynamic Christian Community is now flourishing at Kokkamangalam. The miraculous portrait of ST.THOMAS venerated here, was brought from the Carmelite Monastery Mannanam in 1897 by one "Albhutha Mathai", persuant to a revelation. Now the portrait is implanted in a decorated waft of great artistic value. The Relic of Apostle St. Thomas enshrined here was brought from "Ortona" in Italy to India by Pope John Paul II in November 1999.The special Novena prayer on Friday evening is an occasion to venerate the Relic. Devotees those who aspire job especially in foreign countries seek the intercession of the Apostle. Nowonder ST.THOMAS who himself made an adventurous voyage to accomplish his task is generous to those who approach him for these favours. The seven storied Kerala lamp burning in front of the Relic denotes the integration of seven Christian Communities founded by the Apostle. Pouring coconut oil in this lamp is a sacred practice here. The matchless archives of Kokkamangalam is charm for historians, pilgrims and tourists. Research scholars are eager to study the history and culture of this land through the exhibits here. The principal feast of Kokkamangalam the "Puthunjayar Thirunal" is observed on the first Sunday after the Easter. Thousands of people irrespective of caste and creed participate in the feast with utmost serenity. The celebration begins on Thursday and concludes on Sunday. The colorful procession of the feast is a special attraction. The feast of July 3rd "Dukharana" making the martyrdom of ST.THOMAS is also celebrated with great devotion. A special "Pachor Nercha" is distributed among the participants. The "Thiruseship Prathishta Thirunal" celebrated on every 13th of November commemorate the enshrining of the Relic attracts people from India and abroad. Kokkamangalam, the enchanting evergreen landscape forms the part of Kerala in South India. Universally Christians appreciate the divinity of the land for its association with the mission of Apostle ST.THOMAS. It was a centre for attraction of pilgrims and historians, for the last two millenniums. Kokkamangalam church holds the midway position among the seven churches founded by ST.THOMAS, are in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamally. Kokkamangalam is situated midway in Cochin-Kumarakom International tourisum route. pilgrims can reach Kokkamangalam by road from Cherthala town. The nearest railway station is at Cherthala. The Cochin International Airport is 70 kilometers away from Kokkamangalam. The fourty kilometers boat cruise from Cochin to Kokkamangalam through "Vembanad Lake" is a thrilling experience with lagoons, heritage fishingnets, coconut plantations etc.... There is convenience for picnic boating at Kokkamangalam. The long view of "Vembanad Lakeexpans" with green margin of coconut palms gives bliss and tranquility which we can't witness anywherelse. The village Kokkamangalam is a place of traditional coconut processing cottage industry and numerous small coir spinning units. Thannirmukkom saltwater barrier, Pathiramanal Island,Kumarakom Bird Sacnctuary are among the places of interest nearby. Visit Kokkamangalam at [1]