Velankanni is situated 12 km south of Nagapattinam on the Coromandel
Coast, in Tamil Nadu. The shrine here is devoted to Our Lady of
Health, the Madonna of Velankanni and is universally known as 'Sacred
Arogya Matha Church'. Virgin Mary is believed to have phenomenal
healing powers. Thousands of pilgrims belonging to various castes
and communities flock daily to this 'Lourdes of the East'. The church
has an impressive facade with tall spires and the wings present
the shape of a cross. In a niche in alter is enshrined the statue
of Our Lady of Health.
Tourist
Destinations: Make your Tour to Velankanni memorable by visiting
these famous tourist places near Velankanni
» Velankanni
Church
The
shrine here is dedicated to Our Lady of Health, the Madonna of Velankanni,
and is well-known as Sacred Arogya Matha Church. Fully consecrated
to Virgin Mary and the Heavenly Mother, this church has an extended
Basilica. There is also a shrine of Our Lady of Sorrow, where the
sorrowing Mother is portrayed carrying Infant Jesus in her arms.
» Church
Museum
Situated
opposite the Basilica, this museum has diverse exhibits, with biblical
incidents depicted on both sidewalls. Also, the precious offerings
made by the devotees are displayed as well.
» Nagapattinam
One
of the popular harbors of India, Nagapattinam on the Coromandel
Coast is home to the Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman
Temple, Sowriraja Perumal Temple, and Nellukkadai Mariamman Temple.
Other places worth a visit here are the mini museum, the lofty lighthouse
and the sprawling golden beach.
» Arokkaiyamatha
festival
Commencing
on 29th of August, this 10-day grand festival commemorating the
Feast of Our Lady is celebrated at the Velankanni Church. Pilgrims
from different parts of India and even abroad throng to the site,
bathe religiously in the sea, and tonsuring their heads walk on
their knees or roll up to the shrine as rituals.
» How
to reach Velankanni
By
Air : The nearest airport is at Tiruchirappalli (165 km).
By Rail : The closest railway station is at Nagapattinam,
from where you can travel to all major cities in South India.
By Road : Velankanni is well-connected by a network
of roads, with buses available from all parts of the state to
reach Velankanni.
