Ancient places of worship
St. Peter’s Church, Erumapra
St. Peter’s C.S.I. Church, Erumapra, located at Erumapra near Melukavu in Kottayam District, is the first CSI (Church of South India) church in eastern Kerala.
This historic church was established in 1849 by Rev. Henry Baker Jr. It is an important landmark in the religious and historical heritage of eastern Kerala.
The history of the Madhya Kerala Diocese dates back to the work of the Church Missionary Society in the state of Travancore. R.H. Kerr and Claudius Buchanan, visited the Malabar Syrians in 1806, during the episcopate of Mar Dionysius I. Lord William Bentinck sent Kerr to Travancore for the purpose of investigating the state of the native church. During the British period, CMS missionaries started a relationship with Saint Thomas Christians; a division occurred between Orthodox Syrian Christians and a minority from the Church, who were in favor of the Reformed theology of the CMS missionaries. According to some estimates, about 6,000–12,000 Orthodox Syrian Christians joined the Church of India, Burma and Ceylon in 1837; these were known as Syrian Anglicans.
Upper Mancomb
Early in 1876, the Society began negotiations with the Secretary of State for India so that a new diocese can be formed under the Jerusalem Bishopric Act for the Church of England in the Native States of Travancore and Cochin. The Diocese of Travancore and Cochin (in the Church of India, Burma and Ceylon) was erected with its See at Kottayam in 1879 and John Speechly, then Principal of the Cambridge Nicholson Institute (CMS Theological college, Kottayam), was announced as the first Bishop of Travancore and Cochin. Speechly was consecrated a bishop on 25 July 1879 at St Paul's Cathedral; he arrived at Kottayam on 27 January 1880
Mankombu Devi Temple Moonnilavu
Mankombu is a beautiful region located at the foothills of the Illickal mountain ranges and is well known for its scenic natural beauty. The peak of Illickal Mountain can be clearly seen even from Poonjar.
There are mainly three temples in this area. The Bhagavathy Temple is situated at the foothills of the mountain. A Vanadurga shrine is also located near a small stream, a few steps below the temple.
Festivals
Various festivals and traditional rituals are celebrated every year at Mankombu Devi Temple with great devotion. The major festivals include:
Pathamudayam Mahotsavam
Pathamudayam Mahotsavam is an important annual festival celebrated at Mankombu with great devotion and traditional rituals. Special poojas, ceremonies, and religious rituals are conducted during the festival.
Large numbers of devotees visit the temple to worship the Goddess and seek her blessings. The festival creates an atmosphere of spiritual unity and devotion and is deeply cherished by the local community.
Thiruvonam Festival
The Thiruvonam Festival at Mankombu is another important celebration. Devotees gather at the temple to participate in special poojas, prayers, and traditional rituals.
The festival is celebrated in an atmosphere of devotion and spirituality while preserving the traditional beliefs, customs, and practices of the region.
