CHURCH ARCHITECTURE OF KERALA

PARUMALA CHURCH IN THIRUVALLA-KERALA

Architect-Charles Correa
The leadership of the Malankara Orthodox church was very particular that the new
church at Parumala should be designed and constructed in consideration of antiquity
of the Orthodox church and the basic customs and traditions of the people of Kerala.
In 1989, Charles Correa visited Parumala church, after intensive study he submitted
the 3d model which is circular in design with an inner diameter of 39 meters. This
circle is again divided into three segments by two chords of 16 meterslength. The
eastern segment consist of 3 altars and the vestry. The western segment consists of
veranda and Natakasaala(porch). The hikela and space for congregation come in
middle segment.
The church can accommodate 2000 people inside the walls and 3000 outside. The
form of the church has been derived from tri-partite structure of Coptic and Syrian
traditions. However the rituals themselves, with the faithful sitting and kneeling on
the floor are completely indigenous.

GREETY MARIA THOMAS C I S9 BARCH I 11BAR1013 1

 CHURCH ARCHITECTURE OF KERALA

PAZHAYA SURIYANI PALLI(OLD SYRIAN CHURCH),CHENGANNUR

It is believed that the church was built about 1700 years ago, now co-owned by
Indian Orthodox church and the Mar Thoma church.
The church resembles a temple. It has retained the ancient form, pattern and
architectural style. It has the figures of St.Paul and St.Peter occupying the place of
dwarapalas in Hindu temples.
Padippura is the entrance into the church precincts. It is two storey with two rooms in
ground floor and a hall on top with verandah running around.
It has a gopuravathil,poomukham,kalivilakku,doors and walls adorned with carved
figurines including Hindu god Hamuman holding a baton.
Materials used: granite, Timber, Laterite
The Madbaha : It is the sanctuary and has been accorded the highest position. None
other than clergy can enter this area. It has been separated from the kestroma with a
curtain. It has a timber vaulted canopy over the madbaha which is rectangular in
plan.
The Kestroma : It is lower than madbaha and has a flight of granite cut steps lending
to the madbaha. It is separated from the hykela by a wooden railing.
The Hykela : It is long and narro which is 4m wide.Half the wall is cut out of single
granite stone. There are three doors into the hykela. One from poomukham, two
from two sides.
Ancient brass lamps are hung from ceiling along the nave.
Poomukham : there are two poomukhams on western and northern sides. Both of
which have sloping wooden roof with interesting carvings of animals, birds and
humans.

ST.MARYS SYRO MALABAR CATHOLIC FORANE CHURCH,CHAMBAKULAM

plan

church architecture
Church historians claim that it can be assumed that the present church building was
built in AD 1151 and it has undergone several renovations. The church we see today

GREETY MARIA THOMAS C I S9 BARCH I 11BAR1013 2

 CHURCH ARCHITECTURE OF KERALA

at Chambakualm was renovated /partly rebuilt in 1885. The height and width of
church was increased without altering walls, facades of existing church. It is one of
the rare churches which retained east syriac scheme of church architecture with
madbaha, kestroma, santuary veils, bema, hykala, etc.
Chambakulam open air rock cross
Open air rock crosses are a unique feature in St.thomas Christian churches, here
this rock cross is from AD 1151 with inscriptions.
Madbaha : The madbaha and its decorations show strong Portuguese influence.
This might be the modifications made by Missionaries. Also ancient murals on the
side walls and ceiling of whole length decorate madbaha.
Hykela : The inside of church is relatively darker completely seen with mural
paintings of blue sky, angels, etc.
Poomukham or Atrium : There is long unique atrium unlike the other indigenous
kerala churches.
Facades : The church has four facades, one at the poomukham, at the end of
hykela, two on either sides of madbaha.
The arcade with pointed arches is typically a western archiectural feature.
Thus it is a very old church which reflects the influence of traditional Kerala
architectural features, early Syrian church architecture and also Portuguese
church architectural styles.

ST.MARY'S ORTHODOX CHURCH,KALLORPARA

St.Mary's orthodox church is situated at the heart of a small village called
kallorpara(on the banks of river Manimalayar) in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala
which is one of the oldest and renowned churches. The church is a perfect example
of ancient temple architecture and is elegant representation of beautiful shingled roof
tops in the early Kerala style. The study of archaeology department has revealed tht
this church was constructed in 2nd millennium, the sculpture and figure carved in
wood also indicates the same.(AD 1339)
 Materials used : wooden pillars, false ceiling and rafters, flooring done in granite,
laterite walls and terracotta tile roofing.
 It has a baroque style facade with a sloping roof over the front porch. There are
brass lamps on each of the openings on top floor and use of wooden gables and
truss work which are incredible.
 There is a verandah on either side of church with a wooden staircase leading to
the top floor. There are stone pillars to support the roof at the sides, which has
carved serpents on its four sides which indicates those similar to old Hindu
temple carvings.
 The original church had only one poomukham ,later four were added, so now
totally five poomukhams.
 The kestroma or altar is separated from hykela by wooden railings and is
ornaments with painted wall backdrop.
 It has two thronos, baptismal stone and service table.
 Hykela : It has an 18 m long hykela with laterite walls. There is a balcony which
indicates that period. There are 11 entrances into hykela.
 Madbaha : the entry into madbaha from kestroma is through an arched opening
and through flight of granite steps. It has semi circular timber vault with carvings
on it.
 Wooden carvings and mural paintings , the two decorative media of temples are
seen to have been adopted in this church.
 Coffered wooden ceiling decorated with deeply carved lotus medallions.

GREETY MARIA THOMAS C I S9 BARCH I 11BAR1013 3

 CHURCH ARCHITECTURE OF KERALA

 The belfry is places in front of church.

 Except in the case of altar and facade, the influence of western church
architecture is not visible anywhere else.
 Many decorative features especially discernible from outside are replicated from
traditional Kerala temple architecture with pure Kerala tastes.

GREETY MARIA THOMAS C I S9 BARCH I 11BAR1013 4