Arappalli-The
international pilgrim centre:
The St.Mary''s Church,also known as Arappalli(Half Church) at Thiruvitamcode in Kanyakumari district(situated in the southern most part of India)has been declared as an
international St.Thomas pilgrim centre.It is believed to have been established by the Apostle St.Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.
Churches in Kerala trace their origin to St.Thomas who is said to have reached Kerala in the first century AD.With the help of the Jews residing in Kerala,he built seven churches all over here.Many historians reject the story of St.Thomas by pointing out the fact that his Kerala visit is not mentioned in the Bible and credible proofs are not available.But the words of Jawaharlal Nehru,the first Prime Minister of India has the answer for it,"This is a myth stronger than history".
Not only the historical and religious factors but also the architectural beauty of the church is also important-this structure has only half the size of a church of today''s fashion .