Welcome to Chempithanam Family Web !

Chempithanam is a very ancient family with origin at Thottakad, Kottyam District in Central Kerala, South India and has its family members spread all over the world. This web page is an attempt to bring the members of the associated families together and record its rich heritage and relationship between its members for unity,research,  better understanding and to know each other.

Mr. C.T. Alexander, Head Master (Retd.) is the inspiration behind to build an electronic history of the Chempithanam and its associated families. His encouragement, interest, knowledge and research greatly helped to build this electronic page.

The new generation can appreciate and study the ancient heritage of the family and understand the relationship between the members of chempithanam and associated families. Since there is no complete written history available, the oral heritage told to generations by the forefathers and written records from Late M/s Kakki Illiparambil, K.A. Joseph Kavalechira, C.K. Cherian Chakkupurakal and from land documents,deeds and wills were used to prepare this web site.

If you feel you are a member of this family please write [email protected]  with your comments,contact information and how you belong to this family

Syrian Christian Heritage

According to the history, St. Thomas the Apostle of Jesus came from Syria and landed at Maliankara or Kodungalloor (Cranganore),  the capital of the Chera empire in the year 52 A.D.

St. Thomas preached the gospel in South India. The apostolate of St. Thomas was fruitful among the people of Kerala. It is  believed that four high caste families of Kerala;Palamattam(Pakalomattam),Sankarapuri,Kali and Kallian Kavu believed in his Gospel and  received Christianity from him. St. Thomas founded seven churches;Maliankara,Palur or Palayur, Parur or Kottakavu,Kokkamangalam, Niranam,Chayal or Nilackal,Quilon or Kollam. Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Thomas on the summit of the Malayattoor mountain.He was martyred near Little Mount, Madras and his body was brought to Calamina or Mylapore (Near Madras) and was buried there. Apostle lived 17 years in India. Later the body was removed to the city of Edessa in Syria.[Ref: In the steps of St. Thomas by Herman D'Souza]

The Chempithanam family is a branch of  Chothirakunnel family and it is believed to have its roots to Pakalomattom, Kuravilangad Community[Ref: "Sanmanaprabhavam" by Prof C.C. Chacko, Thottakad,"Family history of Chakkupurakal/ Kavalechira" byC.K. Cherian, Chakkupurakal,Pulincunnoo].

Mother of Blessed Fr. Chavara Kuriakos Alias, Late Mrs. Maria, Kainakari belongs to Chothirakunnel family.

Dedication

"Prayerfully dedicated to our forefathers and foremothers who left this world and is resting in everlasting eternal peace".