Velankanni, Thanjavur - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Velankanni

At a distance of 11 km from Nagapattinam, 31 km from Karaikal, and 93 km from Thanjavur, Velankanni is a panchayat town in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Lies on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, the town is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health., one of the most visited Latin Catholic shrines in India, and among the most prominent Christian pilgrimage sites near Pondicherry as well as Thanjavur. Besides, Velankanni has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme of the Government of India.

History of Velankanni

The origins of Velankanni are deeply intertwined with the belief that the Virgin Mary manifested to a Hindu boy during the 16th century. In honor of this apparition, the boy constructed a thatched chapel at the location of the event. Several years later, Our Merciful Mother intervened to save a group of Portuguese merchant sailors from a fierce storm that had caused their ship to capsize. In gratitude for their deliverance, the sailors erected a small permanent chapel upon their return. With each subsequent visit, they made enhancements to the structure. It was designated as a parish church in 1771 and, on 3 November 1962, was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica by Pope John XXIII, merging with the Major Basilica of Mary in Rome.

In 2004, Velankanni town experienced devastating effects from the catastrophic tsunami triggered by the Indian Ocean earthquake. The tsunami struck at approximately 9:30 am on that fateful Sunday, coinciding with the attendance of pilgrims from Kerala at the Malayalam Mass within the church. Although the rising waters did not breach the shrine, the retreating waves tragically swept away hundreds of pilgrims who were gathered on the beach, resulting in the loss of around 600 lives.

Mythology of Velankanni

The town of Velankanni was historically a port where the inhabitants engaged in trade with nations such as Rome and Greece, recognized as the ancient commercial hub of the western world. Its transformation into a pilgrimage site occurred due to three miraculous events that transpired in the area. According to legend, in the 16th Century, Mother Mary appeared twice to two different boys from the village, requesting milk for her infant son, and both boys complied. Upon returning home, the first boy was astonished to find his milk tank still full, while the second boy was miraculously healed of his disability. She instructed the healed boy to request a wealthy merchant from the nearby town of Nagapattinam to construct a chapel at the site of the miracle. Subsequently, a group of Portuguese sailors was also saved from peril during a storm at sea in a similar manner. This series of events elevated the village's religious significance, establishing it as a prominent pilgrimage destination for Roman Catholics.

Years later, Our Merciful Mother intervened to save several Portuguese merchant sailors from a fierce storm that had damaged their vessel. Upon reaching the shores of Vailankanni, local fishermen escorted them to the thatched chapel. In gratitude to Our Lady, the sailors constructed a small permanent chapel during their return journey. With each subsequent visit, they made enhancements to the chapel. The merchants dedicated this chapel to Our Lady on September 8th, commemorating both the feast of her nativity and the anniversary of their safe arrival in Velankanni.

Things to do in Velankanni

Among the must visit places in Velankanni is the Roman Catholic Latin Rite Basilica of Velankanni, dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. The Shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni is one of the most frequented pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu. Its origins trace back to the mid-sixteenth century when it began as a modest structure. Constructed by Portuguese sailors, it was elevated to the status of a parish church in 1771. In 1962, Pope John XXIII conferred upon it the designation of a Minor Basilica, linking it with the Major Basilica of Mary in Rome. An extension of the Basilica was completed in 1974-75, inspired by the architectural design of the Basilica in Lourdes, France.

Exhibiting Gothic architectural elements, the church is adorned in white, with a roof of red tiles. The Basilica encompasses three chapels, Our Lady's Tank, a Church Museum, a residence for priests, an Offering Center, as well as the Stations of the Cross and the Stations of the Rosary. Often referred to as the 'Lourdes of the East', this shrine embodies a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and promotes international and religious harmony.

Devotees believe that the Lady of Health, or Madonna of Velankanni, possesses miraculous abilities. Individuals from various religions, castes, and backgrounds visit the church to pay homage to this revered figure. A notable tradition among pilgrims involves offering candles shaped according to their ailments, seeking healing through this act. Additionally, Velankanni Beach serves as another nearby attraction to this sacred site.

Festivals of Velankanni Church

The Velankanni Church organizes a festival of Our Lady of Health from 29 August to 8 September annually. It is the most famous festival that is grandly celebrated in Velankanni. Annually, 20 million pilgrims flock to the shrine from all over India and abroad,] out of which an estimated 3 million people visit the shrine during this festival.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Velankanni Church

When planning a visit to the Velankanni Church, it is recommended to adhere to modest dress standards. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.

Velankanni Church Timings

Monday: 5 AM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 5 AM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 5 AM - 9 PM
Thursday: 5 AM - 9 PM
Friday: 5 AM - 9 PM
Saturday: 5 AM - 9 PM

Velankanni Church Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Velankanni

The most favorable time to visit Velankanni is during the winter months, typically from October to March. This season offers a serene and cool climate that enhances the experience of the location. Furthermore, the months of August and September hold particular significance due to the annual feast of Our Lady of Good Health, which attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims who come to participate in special prayers and ceremonies. The period from April to May is characterized by high temperatures, and the limited rainfall during the monsoon season exacerbates the humidity. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid visiting Velankanni during the summer and monsoon months.

How to Reach Velankanni

Velankanni enjoys excellent connectivity by both road and rail to various parts of the country. The East Coast Road (ECR), which extends from Chennai to Kanyakumari, links the town to the broader national network. The closest functioning airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, located 165 kilometers from Velankanni.