Article by Afyakhan
Velankanni, also known as Vailankanni, is a parish of Tanjore Roman Catholic Diocese as well as a panchayat town in Nagapattinam district, situated in Tamil Nadu. This is relatively a very small town and is strategically located on the banks of Bay of Bengal. The port of Velankanni earlier used to be the important port, which was used for the trade between Rome and Greece. However, this ancient commercial hub lost its importance after the establishment of larger Nagapattinam.
The establishment of this small coastal town dates back to the mid-16th century and three miracles are strongly attached to its existence. These miracles include the one where Mother Mary and Christ Child were seen by a Shepherd boy in the place followed by the curing of a lame buttermilk vendor and the Portuguese sailors being rescued from a violent storm. Velankanni acquired the status of a Parish, when Fr. Antonio de Rozario was declared as the first Parish Priest in 1771.
The most significant feature of this town is the Roman Catholic Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health, which also forms a major part of all the vacation plans to Velankanni. This shrine was built in the late 16th century CE and went through some modifications by Portuguese later on due to the influx of pilgrimages.
The most prominent feature of this shrine is the feast of the Nativity of Mary, which is served every year on the 8th of September. This day is celebrated as the one when Mary made a safe landing. The Gothic style architecture of this church is also quite attractive. Whole of its building has been painted white and its roof is made of striking red tiles.
A 24 feet chapel with a 12 feet overhead dome is also present in this church as a token of honour to Mother Mary. There are several plates in here that displays bible scenes along with some cultural arts of the ancient times. Velankanni also experiences a soothing and enjoyable coastal weather for being situated on the banks of a minor branch of the Cauvery River known as the Vellayar. This river runs to the south of this town to finally discharge into the sea. The Church of Roman Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health along with this coastal weather in the place is the two most important factors that encourage people to make vacation plans to Velankanni.
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