Visitors, both domestic and foreign, to our country’s historic and picturesque spots have

always been fascinated by the rich and vibrant history that make up the grandiose and

lore of the land. Though most of these sightseers are often drawn to the more popular

sites like Agra or Ooty, there are doubtless many more scenic and breath-taking vistas

to explore in our vast nation. A fully paid-up member of this category is the Pattumala

Church and Monastery in Kerala.

Nestled in the magnificent Nilgiri mountains bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the name

Pattumala literally means “Silk Mountain” (Pattu – silk, mala – mountain). The whole

countryside is a kaleidoscope of tea garden estates, steep cliffs and winding mountain

fresh springs. Rich undulating slopes, cool refreshing breezes, tea-scented whispers of

wind and the sunny yet chilly climate is the traveler’s paradise. Small wonder that it

has been called the “Ooty of Kerala”. Rising more than three thousand meters above

sea level, this location is indeed a sight to behold. Among others, the aromas of pepper,

cloves and cardamom also add that extra spice to the area. Though rich in tourist spots

and scenic wonders, no visit can ever be complete without a tour of the grand old church

of the land – Pattumala Church.

Locally known as a famous pilgrim center of late, the Pattumala Church sits squarely

on the top of a hill overlooking the town of Peermade. The art style of construction

is classical Gothic in nature. The most curious fact about this structure is that it is

made entirely from granite. Not a stick of wood or side of brick has been used in its

construction. As with most historical buildings, the Church has gone through various

stages of refurbishing and expansion before reaching its final look in 1989.

In the early 1960-s, it was a time when Christian missionaries were venturing into the

inlands of Kerala spreading the faith of Christ. It was a normal practice to find a serene

location, build some temporary lodgings and live in service to the local populace. So

it was that the Franciscan order of Missionary Brothers, on their travels, found a calm,

remote and absolutely beautiful land named Pattumala. They constructed an ashram and

began catering to the needs of the indigenous people. A small chapel was also built for

religious purposes. After some years, it was noticed that prayers offered to the Mother

Mary, mother of Christ, were being answered and boons being granted. Although viewed

with askance at first, this strange happening captured the imagination of the people,

prompting the local priest to report this to the Church. Convinced of the benevolence of

the Lady Mary and the sanctity of the spot, the church has a sculpture of the Lady made

and blessed, later transporting it to Pattumala, via a procession that extended sixty-eight

kilometers. The huge statue, weighing over 8 tonnes, were hauled up the church and

fitted with just manpower minus any machinery!

The church is built from black and white granite taken from the local stone hills and

etched into beautiful descriptions depicting various moments from the life of Jesus

Christ and extolling the greatness and magnificence of the Almighty. The granite pillars

supporting the building rise twenty-eight feet into the air and are intercrossed with stone

carvings of flying pigeons and delicate floral markings. The rough-hewn stone on the

outside, making up the base of the structure exudes a feeling of solidity and permanence

to the church and give it a old-world feeling.

The altar, located at the very front inside, is encompassed on three sides by stone

seraphims holding cymbals and depicting them as chanting hymns in the presence of

God. The great church hall is cavernous and being devoid of any real furniture, shows an

echoic character, further accentuated by the stone characteristics of the building. Legend

says that the local people, fearing bandits, used to hide their valuables behind the altar,

knowing any footfall in the church would be magnified, alerting the monks living there.

No visit to Pattumala Church would be complete without a stroll of the amazingly

beautiful flower gardens adjoining the compound. The roses, orchids and anthoriums are

indeed a lovely sight to behold, more so being surrounded by the native beauty and silent

splendor of the Nilgiris.