Friday, February 16, 2018

Kurisumala Pilgrim Centre, Kanyakumari

Kurisumala Pilgrim Centre, Kanyakumari
Kurisumala is one of the most prominent Christian Pilgrim Centers in South India. It is situated in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu, under the Diocese of Neyyattinkara. The word Kurisumala literally means Mount of the Cross. The mountain is much steeper so climbing up is a little tough task for pilgrims. It lies about three thousand feet (more than 900 m) above the sea level on the Western Ghats.






The scenic beauty and serenity make this mount most suited for prayer meditation and God experience. It is on the fringes of Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari districts adjacent to the Kerala Tamilnadu border. Singing, chanting prayers and taking temporary recess at each of the fourteen Stations pilgrims commemorate the journey of Christ to Golgotha. The devotees while climbing the mount experience the healing touch of God.






A good number of pilgrims get relief from torments, heart breaking thoughts and emotional crisis. The scenic beauty and serenity make this mount most suited for prayer, meditation and God experience. More than 40 lakh people, irrespective of the caste, creed or religion undertake this holy pilgrimage every year. This place is also called as Thekkan Kurisumala.






History
Five decades ago Kurisumala was known as 'Kondaketty Mala'. The history of Kurisumala can be traced back to 1940s. The humble farmers, George and Esthron resided in a cave on the summit and experienced the wonders and healing power of the Cross. On 27th March 1957 Fr. John Baptist OCD, a Belgium missionary climbed the summit with a small group of parishners and established a wooden Cross. That marked the beginning of the pilgrimage. The Cross on the summit has a history of its own. Due to bad weather the wooden Cross was partially damaged. Therefore a 24 feet (7m) high concrete Cross was established in its place.






In the 1980s the 14 Stations of the Cross were erected. In 1984 it was declared the official Pilgrim Centre by Rt. Rev. Dr. Jacob Acharuparambil, Bishop of Trivandrum Diocese. With the bifurcation of Trivandrum Diocese, Kurisumala became part of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara. Because of the untiring efforts of many priests, religious and lay people further developments were brought about. In 'Sangamavedi' (the meeting place) the Holy Altar, the Shrines of Pieta and Gethsamane were built.






Kurisumala Pilgrim Centre
The journey to 'Neruka', the summit of the mount, is very strenuous. The path is narrow, stony and dusty winding through steep rocks.
1. The Sangamavedi (Meeting place):
It is at the foot of the hill where all pilgrims gather before they start their journey to 'Neruka'. Here we find a Holy Altar, Shrine of Pieta and Shrine of Gethsemane.
2. Shrine of Gethsemane:
The Shrine at Sangamavedi, founded on a small hill, catching the sight of the Cross at 'Neruka'. The figure of Christ praying in the garden of Gethsemane reminds the pilgrims of Christ's words "Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation". From here one learns the need for self-surrender in life and proceeds the journey to the 'Neruka'.
3. Shrine of Pieta:
Pieta is one of the most attractive shrines in Sangamavedi, it stands facing the Holy Altar. The Shrine of Pieta makes all pilgrims meditative and they forget their worries on seeing the sculpture of Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus Christ.
4. Statue of Rev. Fr. John Baptist. OCD (Father of Kurisumala):
The Statue of Rev. Fr. John Baptist. OCD (Father of Kurisumala) is stands in the nearest of Shrine of Gethsemane. Rev. Fr. John Baptist. OCD was born in Belgium on 1904. After his primary education, he joined the Carmelite Order on 1927. He was ordained a priest on 1934. He left Belgium after one year of priestly service. He came to Travancore on 1935 as a missionary. From 1939 to 1973, he continued his zealous missionary work. On March 27th, 1957, he erected the Cross at the zenith of Kondaketty which came the beginning of the Kurisumala Pilgrimage.
5. Spot for rest:
It is the place beside the fifth station of the Cross on the way to 'Neruka'. The pilgrims can enjoy cool breeze under the shade of trees. After the rest, then proceed their journey to 'Neruka'.
6. The Last Supper in Rock:
The famous paint “The Last Supper is painted in the rock near the way of journey to Neruka.
7. 14 Stations Pilgrims:
Singing, chanting prayers and taking temporary recess at each of fourteen stations pilgrims commemorate the journey of Christ to Golgotha.
8. Neruka:
Neruka is the abode of the Cross on the summit. The whole atmosphere gives the pilgrims a deep experience of the presence of God. It is the destination of all pilgrims. The view of the surrounding valley and the horizon from 'Neruka' is enchanting and it holds the pilgrims spellbound.
Contact
Diocese of Neyyattinkara,
Bishop's House, Neyyattinkara,
Aralummood P.O.
Trivandrum – 695 123
Phone: +91 471 2223133 / 2220693
Fax: +91 471 2222262
Connectivity
Kurishumala Pilgrim Centre is located at about 5 Kms from Vellarada, 5 Kms from Vellarada Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Pathukani, 22 Kms from Marthandam, 22 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 23 Kms from Neyyattinkara, 18 Kms from Parassala, 49 Kms from Nagercoil, 68 Kms from Kanyakumari and 44 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Parassala, Kuzhithurai and Neyyattinkara. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.