Velankanni is one of the most taken pilgrimages in India. Situated
amidst shores of Bay of Bengal, Velankanni is a picturesque town. The city is
famous for the shrine Basilica that is dedicated to 'Lady of health'. The
shrine draws pilgrims from all faiths and from all over the world. It has not
came as a surprise that the Pope has declared Velankanni, a holy city.



This Roman Catholic Church has an extended Basilica, which has two floors where
one can find the statue of Jesus Christ. The Gothic style of architecture is a
unique feature of the Church. The environment around the shrine is spick and
span, radiating rays of hope and piety. There is also a shrine of 'lady of
sorrow' where in the sorrowing Mother is depicted carrying infant Jesus in her
hand.



A museum is situated opposite to the Basilica. The museum has a very rich
variety of exhibits. The precious offerings made by the devotees are also on
display here. Biblical incidents are depicted on both sidewalls with beautifully
produced frescos. The annual carnival is celebrated here with all pomp and
gaiety every year on August 29th.

 

Velankanni
Tourist Information

Situated along the coast of Bay of Bengal at a distance of 14 kms south of
Naggapatim. Velankanni is prominent as a tourist destination and is given the
nickname of 'Lourdes of the East' because like Lourdes in France, there is also
a great influx of pilgrims in to the place. Tourists in thousands come and
visit the church of Mother Mary. It has almost become the synthesis and the
vital destination of all Marian Sanctuaries located in the world. Peoples from
every religion, caste and creed come to pay respect to the great Lady.



The small hamlet on the sandy shore of the Bay of Bengal is 350 kms far from
Chennai. Towards the south of the Velankanni village flows a small tributary of
the Cauvery River. The sacred place was once a port and people of this region
traded with countries like Rome and Greece, which was the ancient commercial
center of the western countries.

Major Tourist Attractions of Velankanni

Velankanni Church : The Velankanni Church is in honor of the Lady of
Health popular as the Madonna of Velankanni. Devotees to the church believe
that the Lady of Health possesses miraculous powers. The Church is located on
the shores of the Bay of Bengal more particularly at the Eliot's beach in
Besant Nagar. Completely dedicated to virgin Mary and the Heavenly Mother.



It was even recorded in the manuscripts, that Mother Mary appeared once with
Jesus in this small place somewhere near the 16th or early 17th century. From
then onwards it is the favored destination of then Christians. Mother appeared
in the dreams of Rev. Father Arulappa and expressed her desire of having a
church in her name in that place. Arapulla toiled day and night along with Jp
Dsouza, an engineer and finally dedicated it as Annai Velankanni Church. The
Church had a humble beginning in 1971from a small dwelling to a magnificent
basilica declared open for the public in 1972. It houses an imposing 97 feet
Belfry.



The devotees in Velankanni offer to Our Lady of Health candles in various forms
in days of ailments.. The tradition is that in case of cardiac complications, a
heart size candle is offered , in case of jaundice, liver shaped candles, lungs
problem then a case of tuberculosis and many others. After being cured of the
disease many bring as offering small golden or silver replica of the organ that
has been cured.