According to tradition, St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in Palayur in 52 AD and converted several Brahmin families to Christianity. He is said to have established a church at the site of a former Hindu temple, converting the temple pond into a baptismal font. The church has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the centuries, reflecting different architectural styles. Despite these changes, the church has retained its historical significance and continues to be an important center of Christian worship and pilgrimage. Archaeological findings and historical records support the antiquity of the church and its connection to St. Thomas.