Arakuzha
| Arakuzha | |
|---|---|
| village | |
|
Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Church - Aayiram mappilamarku vendi aayirathil vacha palli | |
| Coordinates: 9°55′54″N 76°35′57″E / 9.931614°N 76.599094°ECoordinates: 9°55′54″N 76°35′57″E / 9.931614°N 76.599094°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Ernakulam |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 686672 |
| Telephone code | 91 485 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-17 |
| Nearest city | Muvattupuzha, Thodupuzha |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Idukki |
Arakuzha is a village 6 km south east of Muvattupuzha in Kerala, India. It is located on SH 41 towards Koothattukulam, the alternate route for Main Central Road. Moozhi bridge connects Arakuzha to Vazhakulam town which is also 6 km from Arakuzha.
History
The village has a large population of Syrian Catholic Christians. Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church has an important role in the life of the people. Saint Thomas Christians of Arakuzha have more than 1500 years of recorded history. This region comprising Kothamangalam, Vazhakulam, Arakuzha, Mylakompu, Nagapuzha, Muthalakodam of erstwhile Travancore kingdom has some very old Syrian churches. Arakuzha, being an ancient Syrian Christian centre has given asylum to many migrant Syrian Christians during the Tipu's persecution of Nasranis. Servant of God Mar Varghese Payyappilly Palakkappilly had served as the parish priest of Marth Mariam Church in Arakuzha (1920-22).[1] During his tenure in Arakuzha he started St. Mary's School there.[2] He also purchased 12 acres (49,000 m2) of land in M.C.Road for constructing the famous St. Joseph's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Meenkunnam.[3]
Several families migrated to different parts of Kerala, mainly to Malabar and high range areas, in search of agriculture land.