Velankanni or Velangani is a panchayat town in Nagapattinam district in Tamilnadu. Velangani was once a port used for trade between Greece and Rome but it soon lost its importance to the bigger and larger city of Nagapattinam. The place holds a lot of importance for Christians and Velankanni church is a popular pilgrim’s destination for Catholic Christians mainly.
Nearly 20 million pilgrims visit Velangani throughout the year from across the globe. Velanganni witnesses a high number of crowds especially during the festival of Mother Mary’s feast celebrated from August 29 till September 8th. The eleven day celebration ends in the celebration of Nativity of Mary feast.
The main attraction in Velanganni is the Basilica of Our Lady of good health regarded as the Lourdes of East. The church dates back to as old as 16th century and its existence is connected to the apparition of Jesus and Mary to a shepherd boy, a lame buttermilk vendor getting cured and the survival of Portuguese sailors when they were about to drown in the maddening killer waves of a violent storm. Pope John XXIII called the church a Basilica in 1962. Velangani is well connected by Rail and Road and after the tsunamis it has certainly managed to recover and re-establish itself better than it was.
Velangani Attractions
- One of the most important religious sites the Velanganichurch islocated on the Bay of Bengal and attracts several tourists and pilgrims round the clock throughout the year. The 2004 tsunami wreaked havoc to this place which is so close to the shore but that did not hamper the structure and the churches standing tall even now. The shrine was dedicated to Lady of Health also known as Madonna of Velangani. The Mother was believed to possess miraculous powers and peopleworship the goddess to receive miracles.
- After the church Velangani beach is a prominent tourist attraction beach. Known as Lourdes of the east the beach visit is always an extended tour after a deep rooted prayer and offering made to the Goddess.
- Though attracting several Christian pilgrims, Velanganni is also known for its temples. The beautiful Murugan temple in Sikkal city is dedicated to lord Singaravelan. The temples premises and its pillars are intricate designed with stone carvings. The unique features of teh temple make it a place worth visiting.
- A peaceful and serene place for tearful prayer, the Basilica of our Lady of Good Health is a small chapel in the city where you will find yourself deeply involved in their prayers.
- The shrine museum of Velankanni is also worth a visit. From housing ship wrecks to the metal wares, the museum is a place for you to gain some deep knowledge about the history behind Velangani
- Ranked amongst top ten places in Velankanni, Veeran Kovil is a must visit in Velankanni
- Naduthittu church and missionaries of charity convent are other top ten places worth paying a visit in Velangani tour.
- Madabeach is another hotspot destination for leisure tourists to retreat to.
- Velanganni is all about churches mainly. Infant Jesus church, Church of Our Lady of Velankanni are prominent go to places.