Kurisumala, once known as Kondaketty Mala, has a rich history dating back to the 1940s. George and Esthron, humble farmers who lived in a cave on the summit, discovered the healing power of the Cross. On March 27, 1957, Fr. John Baptist OCD, a Belgian missionary, along with a small group of parishioners, climbed the summit and established a wooden Cross, marking the start of the pilgrimage. Over time, the wooden Cross was damaged by bad weather, and in its place, a 24-foot (7-meter) concrete Cross was erected, symbolizing faith and spiritual devotion for pilgrims.