Holy Place in Velankanni

Velankanni is a small holy town located in Nagapattinam. Located 12 km to the south, this town sits on the Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu. The most significant place at Velankanni is the Shrine of Virgin Mary which is dedicated to the Madonna of Velankanni often called Our Lady of Health.

Velankanni has a long history that dates back to 1560, when Virgin Mary is said to have visited this place. According to the tale, Mary asked for milk from the shepherd in order to quench thirst of the baby, the baby she had was known to be Lord Jesus. This site was then marked with the construction of a thatched chapel.

Virgin Mary reappeared in the 16th century and this incidence further lead to the construction of the church, which is ever increasing in popularity and is emerging as a strong religious centre among people of all faiths and religions.

The shrine here is commonly known as the Sacred Arogya Matha Church. The Virgin Mary is alleged to possess magical healing powers which attract many pilgrims from different religion coming here to what is called the Lourdes of East.

The church has been constructed intricately and displays an exquisite facade with many large spires and wings that are created in the appearance of a cross. In the alter, nestles the statue enshrined as Our Lady of Health.

Velankanni is a Parish or a Panchayat Town in the district of Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. This small town shares its borders with Bay of Bengal and is easily reached from Chennai. This is situated to the south of Chennai at the distance of 350 km.

This was once a trading port for the Romans and Greeks, but eventually lost its significance to Nagapattinam. Vellayar, a small protruding of Cauvery River runs to the south of this town.

A ten day festival from 28th of August to the 10th of September is celebrated and attracts pilgrims from not just the country, but abroad. There are many rituals that truly make these ten days as the days to purify and feel the power of almighty in true sense. The best time to visit this calm, tranquil place is from August to September.