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Velankanni is located 12-km south of
Nagapattinam, which is one of the most
popular pilgrim spots in southern part of India. Velankanni is also called
as the Mecca of Christians. The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Health,
the Madonna of Velankanni and it is located on the shore. This church in
honour of Virgin Mary is popularly called as 'Sacred Arockia Madha Church'
and is visited by people of all faiths and religions.
The church has an imposing facade with tall spires and the wings present
the shape of a cross. In a niche in the alter is enshrined the statue of
Our Lady of Health. Many bring with them small gold and silver replicas of
parts of the body to donate to the church.
Velankanni is particularly crowded during the festival period in
August-September. There is a small church museum, which has a display of
the offerings made by those whose prayers were conceded.
Legend
Wondrous legends surround the church-the most famous being that of the
ship-wrecked Portuguese sailors, who in the 16th century, vowed to build a
great shrine for the Virgin Mary, for saving their lives in a terrible
storm. The greatest of miracles is the devotees in Myanmar, Malaya and
South Africa reaching this church safely being picked and conveyed by
fishermen. Such articles are exhibited in a hall here.
Festival
The Velankanni festival
attracts thousands, clad in orange robes to the sacred spot where the ship
landed. Equally famous are the Virgin Mary's miraculous healing powers -
earning for the church the name 'Lourdes of the East'.
Rail: Velankanni being an important tourist place
is easily accessible. It can be accessed from
Tiruchy,
Chennai and
Thanjavur by rail.
Road: Buses are available for
Chidambaram,
Chennai, Madurai,
Pondicherry, Tiruchy,
Thanjavur and tourists can
find plenty of buses Buses and trains frequently run from
Nagapattinam.