St. Mary’s Church at Kuruvilangad, located 22 kilometres north of Kottayam town, is an ancient Syrian Catholic pilgrimage centre, with its roots tracing back to early centuries of Christianity in Kerala. The shrine, a significant cultural and religious landmark in the region, stands as a testament to centuries of faith, history, and architectural splendour. 

History and Architecture
Historians trace the establishment of the Kuruvilangad St. Mary's Church back to 355AD, but local folklore links the origins of the church to 105 AD.  The church is believed to have been established by St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, that underscores the profound antiquity of the church.

The architecture of St. Mary's Church is a harmonious blend of various styles, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Kerala over the millennia. The church was renovated several times and it got the present form in 1954.

The church features a grand facade adorned with murals depicting the Baptism of Christ, and Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God.

Treasures of the Church
A stone cross, a stone statue of the Virgin Mary, and a model of a ship are among the rare archaeological artifacts found here. The stone statue of the Virgin Mary holding the holy child is centrally placed in the Southern Sankeerthi within a special framework for statues. Nearby, statues of St. Augustine and St. Thomas can also be found. 

The stone cross, the largest in Kerala, stands at 39 feet tall, featuring seven round steps at its base and a twenty-foot-long pillar.

The church also houses a traditional coconut grater or chirava, crafted from a single block of wood with eight branches. The wooden model of the ship, depicting the scene of the prophet Jonah being spit out by a fish, is believed to have been donated by sailors from Kadappoor, which was once a bustling harbour.

Additionally, the church boasts bells made of bell metal, brought from Germany, which are considered the oldest and largest in Asia. One of these bells bears an inscription translating to "Mother of God."

Legend
Local legends add a mystical aura to the church. It is said that the church was founded following a divine revelation to a group of local women who saw the apparition of Mother Mary. 

According to folklore, a miraculous spring emerged at the spot where the vision occurred, and the faithful still draw water from this sacred source, believing in its healing properties.

Celebrations and Festivities
The church comes alive with vibrant celebrations, the most notable being the feast of St. Mary, celebrated with great pomp and fervour. 

The highlight of the festivities is the unique Kappalottam, a vibrant ritual featuring a 40-foot wooden ship carried in a grand procession. This re-enactment of the Virgin Mary's statue's arrival by ship pays homage to the church's ancient legends. 

Devotees participate with great enthusiasm, accompanying the beautifully decorated ship with traditional music, dance, and fervent prayers, creating a mesmerizing and spiritually uplifting spectacle. 

The church and its surroundings are adorned with lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that embodies the community's deep faith and cultural heritage.

Kuruvilangad St. Mary's Church is not just a shrine steeped in the region's rich Christian heritage but also a living symbol of enduring faith and community spirit. Its ancient origins, architectural splendor, and vibrant celebrations, such as the unique Kappalottam ritual, continue to captivate and inspire. Visiting this historic church offers a profound experience that blends history, culture, and spirituality, leaving an indelible mark on all who step into its hallowed grounds.