About the Church
The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, commonly known as Velankanni Church, is a renowned Roman Catholic shrine located in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, India. Often referred to as the "Lourdes of the East," this basilica attracts millions of pilgrims annually from various faiths. The church's origins are linked to several reported miracles in the 16th and 17th centuries, including apparitions of the Virgin Mary and miraculous healings. These events have contributed to its reputation as a place of divine intervention and healing.
Description
The church is known for its stunning white facade and Gothic architecture. The legend speaks of apparitions of Mother Mary with the Infant Jesus to a shepherd boy and later to a lame boy, both of which are believed to be miraculous. The church also commemorates the miraculous survival of Portuguese sailors who built the original shrine.
Speciality
The church is known for its stunning white facade and Gothic architecture. The legend speaks of apparitions of Mother Mary with the Infant Jesus to a shepherd boy and later to a lame boy, both of which are believed to be miraculous. The church also commemorates the miraculous survival of Portuguese sailors who built the original shrine. Speciality
Known for miraculous healings and spiritual solace.
Celebrates the annual feast from August 29 to September 8, culminating in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Multilingual Masses and a peaceful environment.
Church Address and Location
Known for miraculous healings and spiritual solace.
Celebrates the annual feast from August 29 to September 8, culminating in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Multilingual Masses and a peaceful environment. Church Address and Location
Address: Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu 611111, India.
Location Coordinates: 10.6823° N, 79.8449° E.
Church Timings and Services
The basilica is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Masses are conducted in multiple languages to cater to the diverse pilgrim population.
Daily Services:
6:00 AM: Mass in Tamil
7:00 AM: Mass in Tamil
10:00 AM: Mass in English
12:00 PM: Mass in Tamil
6:00 PM: Mass in Tamil
Weekly Services:
Sunday:
8:00 AM: Mass in Telugu
11:00 AM: Mass in Hindi
4:00 PM: Mass in Malayalam
Saturday:
7:00 AM: Mass in Tamil at Our Lady’s Tank
The schedule may vary during special occasions and festivals.
Sevas (Religious Services and Offerings)
Novena Prayers – Special prayers conducted daily for devotees.
Candle Lighting – Pilgrims light candles as an offering for blessings.
Holy Water Distribution – Considered to have miraculous healing properties.
Special Masses for the Sick – Prayers for healing and well-being.
Confessions – Daily confession services for the faithful.
Rosary Processions – Conducted in the evenings at the basilica.
Flag Hoisting Ceremony – A significant ritual during the annual feast.
Traveling Facilities
By Road (Bus Routes to Velankanni)Velankanni is well-connected by road with frequent bus services from various cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.From Chennai – Approx. 320 km; frequent government and private buses available.
From Trichy – Approx. 150 km; regular TNSTC and private buses operate.
From Madurai – Approx. 275 km.
From Pondicherry – Approx. 165 km.
From Bangalore – Approx. 500 km; overnight buses available.
By Rail (Train Routes to Velankanni)
The Velankanni Railway Station (VLNK) is around 2 km from the church.Direct trains from Chennai Egmore (Chennai-Velankanni Express).
Trains from Nagapattinam Junction (12 km away) provide connectivity to Thanjavur, Trichy, Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore.
Pilgrims can take a train to Nagapattinam and then a short bus/taxi ride to Velankanni.
By Air (Air Routes to Velankanni)
The nearest major airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), around 150 km from Velankanni.
From Chennai – Frequent domestic and international flights to Tiruchirappalli.
From Bangalore – Direct flights to Tiruchirappalli; taxis and buses available for onward travel.
From Mumbai/Kolkata/Delhi – Flights via Chennai or Tiruchirappalli.
By Air (Air Routes to Velankanni)
The nearest major airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), around 150 km from Velankanni.
Nearby Transport Hubs
Nearby Railway Station: Velankanni Railway Station (2 km) and Nagapattinam Railway Station (12 km).
Nearby Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (150 km).
Nearby Bus Stand: Velankanni Bus Stand (TNSTC and private buses operate here).
Accommodation (Stay Facilities)
Velankanni offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget lodges to luxury hotels.
Pilgrim’s Rest Houses (Church Guest Houses): Affordable stay options maintained by the church.
Hotels: Ranges from budget hotels to star hotels near the church.
Lodges and Guest Houses: Available within walking distance from the church.
Beach Resorts: Available near Velankanni Beach.
Food Facilities
Velankanni has a variety of eateries and restaurants serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine.
Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Restaurants: Many eateries serve South Indian, North Indian, and Continental cuisine.
Seafood Specialties: Due to its coastal location, fresh seafood is a highlight.
Local Delicacies: Tamil Nadu-style dishes like idli, dosa, fish curry, and rice varieties are popular.
Nearby Cities to Velankanni
Nagapattinam (12 km)
Karaikal (35 km)
Thiruvarur (45 km)
Thanjavur (100 km)
Trichy (150 km)
Nearby Visiting Temples & Tourist Attractions
Nagapattinam Kayarohanaswami Temple (12 km)
Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple (35 km)
Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple (100 km)
Sikkal Singaravelan Temple (18 km)
Nagore Dargah (18 km)
Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (55 km)
Velankanni Beach (right next to the basilica)
Church Museum (inside the basilica complex)
Preferable Visiting Season
August–September: The Velankanni Annual Feast is held from August 29 to September 8; huge crowds are expected.
November–February: Best time for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
March–July: Warmer months, but still a good time to visit.
Shopping in Velankanni
Velankanni is known for its religious souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Religious Articles: Holy crosses, candles, statues of Mother Mary.
Handicrafts & Textiles: Traditional Tamil Nadu silk, wooden carvings.
Seashell Items: Jewelry, decorative pieces.
Local Snacks & Spices: Authentic Tamil Nadu-style sweets and spices.
The Velankanni Church stands as a symbol of faith, devotion, and divine grace, welcoming people from all backgrounds regardless of religion. Its historical significance, miraculous associations, and spiritual aura continue to inspire countless devotees seeking solace and blessings. With its breathtaking Gothic-style architecture and deep-rooted traditions, the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health remains a beacon of hope and a testimony to the enduring power of faith.
The Velankanni Church stands as a symbol of faith, devotion, and divine grace, welcoming people from all backgrounds regardless of religion. Its historical significance, miraculous associations, and spiritual aura continue to inspire countless devotees seeking solace and blessings. With its breathtaking Gothic-style architecture and deep-rooted traditions, the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health remains a beacon of hope and a testimony to the enduring power of faith.
