Overview

Basilica of St. Mary, Champakulam (Champakulam Kalloorkadu Marth Maryam Syro-Malabar Catholic Basilica Church), also locally known as Valiya Palli, is one of the oldest Christian churches in India. Established in AD 427, it serves as the mother church (Ammappalli) for almost all Syrian Christian churches in Central Travancore.Historically, the church was linked to the Niranam Church, which was founded by St. Thomas the Apostle. The parish holds deep spiritual traditions and ancient archaeological relics, including rock inscriptions around the premises. It played a pivotal role in 18th-century ecumenical efforts and produced courageous leaders like Ikkako Kathanar, a priest who gave his life to preserve the indigenous East Syriac heritage of Kerala's St. Thomas Christians.On 27 November 2016, Pope Francis elevated this sacred shrine to the status of a Minor Basilica. It became the first basilica in the Archeparchy of Changanacherry and the 23rd in India.