Paliakara Church

Paliakara Church (celebrated as Paliakkara St. George Orthodox Syrian Church and the ancient mural jewel of Thiruvalla), situated in the historic Christian quarter along the Manimala river basin in Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, is one of Central Travancore's most revered, artistically treasured, and historically historic Syrian Orthodox pilgrimage sanctums.

Tracing its spiritual roots back to the 1st century Christian conversions by Apostle Saint Thomas at nearby Niranam, this ancient parish was established by noble Christian families who migrated upstream to Thiruvalla, reconstructing the church into its present architectural splendor in the 17th century (circa 1686 AD) and dedicating it to Saint George (Geevarghese Sahada), celebrated for centuries as a powerful protector against venomous serpents and life threatening perils.

It's the home of priceless 17th century Eastern Christian mural frescoes depicting biblical episodes painted with natural vegetable dyes on the sanctum walls, exquisite hand carved Malabar rosewood timber altars decorated with gold leaf, an imposing Kerala Gothic facade featuring arched belfries and stone crosses, historic baptismal fonts carved from monolithic granite, and the grand annual 10 day Feast of Saint George celebrated every May with lively brass band processions and holy feast offerings.

It represents a rich artistic and spiritual sanctuary where early Saint Thomas Christian antiquity, rare Indo Persian Christian mural art, traditional wooden temple style church architecture, and deep Saint George devotion unite in Pathanamthitta district.

Located on Paliakara Church Road in central Thiruvalla, it sits just 1.5 km from Thiruvalla Railway Station (TRVL), 30 km west of Pathanamthitta town, and 110 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by auto rickshaw, town bus, or private vehicle.

The 1686 AD Heritage & St. George (Geevarghese Sahada)

Historical records indicate that the present stone and-timber structure was renovated in 1686 AD, blending traditional Kerala temple woodwork with Portuguese influenced Gothic arches.

Saint George is venerated here as the miraculous patron saint, with thousands of pilgrims offering golden and silver chicken and snake effigies in gratitude for protection against illnesses and accidents.

Truth is, standing in the quiet candle lit nave surrounded by four hundred-year old painted saints brings a rare sense of spiritual timelessness.

Rare 17th Century Biblical Murals & Floral Frescoes

Priceless Natural Dye Murals: The walls of the Holy of Holies (Madbaha) feature ancient fresco paintings executed using natural mineral and plant pigments, illustrating the Last Supper, Passion of Christ, and Saint George slaying the dragon.

Carved Teak Altar: The multi tiered wooden reredos is hand carved with intricate depictions of cherubim, grapevines, and Syrian Orthodox crosses coated in traditional lacquer.

The Grand May Perunnal & Illuminated Pageants

Annual Saint George Feast: Celebrated annually from May 1st to 10th, the grand parish Perunnal draws over fifty thousand pilgrims from diverse religious backgrounds.

Raza Procession: The concluding festival day features the grand holy Raza (ceremonial procession) where hundreds of multi colored silk umbrellas (Muthukkuda) and silver crosses are paraded through the streets accompanied by pipe bands.

After exploring Paliakara Church, visit the ancient 54 AD Niranam Church, tour the historic Sreevallabha Temple with its Kathakali traditions, or explore the sacred tomb at Parumala Church.