ABOUT

Pullichira Church, officially known as the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, is one of Kerala’s most cherished Marian pilgrimage centers. Set along the tranquil banks of Pullichira Lake in Mayyanad Panchayath, just 12 kilometers from Kollam, the church has been a sanctuary of grace, healing, and devotion for over four centuries.
Its origin traces back to a miraculous event in the early 16th century. A Portuguese ship sailing through the Arabian Sea was caught in a violent storm. Facing imminent danger, the sailors prayed fervently to the Virgin Mary for deliverance. When the storm subsided, they honored their vow by casting into the sea a wooden box containing a sacred statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, promising to build a church wherever it reached land. That box drifted ashore at Pullichira around 1520 A.D., where local villagers discovered the statue and began to venerate it. Recognizing the miracle, the Portuguese returned in 1572 and constructed a church at the site. They installed the statue atop a finely carved wooden altar brought from Portugal, symbolizing both their gratitude and devotion. The statue was placed facing east, as revealed through divine inspiration, and is affectionately known by devotees as Kizhakku Nokkiyamma (Mother facing east) and Malanoakkiyamma (Mother facing the hills). This sacred altar and statue remain preserved within the current church, built in 1974 to accommodate growing pilgrim numbers. On December 8, 2004, Pullichira Church was officially declared a Marian Pilgrimage Shrine.
Pullichira Church is known for its heartfelt offerings. One of the most distinctive is Palayum Kayarum — a bundle of palm sheath and coir — often paired with Uppum Mulakum (salt and pepper) by those seeking healing from skin ailments, along with gold, silver, and metal replicas of body parts, homes, cradles, vehicles, or animals. During the feast, devotees roll across the sand-covered ground after dipping in the lake, then wash again to complete the ritual. Offerings also include Nercha podi (crushed rice or wheat with jaggery), vibrant muthukkuda (royal umbrellas), and Adima kettal, a priestly blessing received in fulfillment of vows.
The church is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Its most significant celebration is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, held annually during the second and third weeks of December. The main feast day, a Sunday, falls on the second Sunday of the Malayalam month Dhanu. The ten-day festival culminates in a grand procession, where the miraculous statue is carried with reverence — a powerful expression of faith and unity. Other feasts include St. Sebastian, Lourdes Matha, St. Joseph, St. Antony, Carmelite Matha, and Fathima Matha.
The parish comprises over 2,000 families, organized into Basic Christian Community (BCC) units that foster prayer and fellowship. Youth formation is supported through catechism, Vacation Bible Classes, retreats, and the Logos Quiz. Ministries like KCYM promote holistic development and Christian values, while others serve in faith formation and social outreach.
Pullichira Church remains a beacon of devotion — where history, faith, and community continue to flourish in harmony. All are welcome to experience the grace of Pullichira Church.