Vailankanni Matha Suprabatham# Tamil

The Vailankanni Matha Shrine, officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is one of the most sacred Christian pilgrimage sites in India.1 Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, it is often called the "Lourdes of the East" due to the millions of pilgrims who visit seeking physical and spiritual healing.21. The Three Miracles of OriginThe shrine’s history is rooted in three legendary events from the 16th and 17th centuries, which established the site as a place of divine intervention:3The Shepherd Boy (1570):4 A young boy delivering milk was resting under a banyan tree when a beautiful woman with a child appeared and asked for milk for her son.5 After giving her milk, the boy found his jug miraculously refilled when he reached his destination.6The Buttermilk Vendor (1597):7 A lame boy selling buttermilk was visited by the same woman and child.8 Upon her request, he stood up and discovered he was instantaneously healed.9 He was then sent to a wealthy Catholic man in Nagapattinam with a message to build a chapel.10The Portuguese Sailors (17th Century):11 A Portuguese merchant ship caught in a violent storm in the Bay of Bengal was miraculously guided to safety at the shores of Velankanni.12 In gratitude, the sailors rebuilt the original thatched chapel into a permanent stone structure.132. Architecture and StatusThe shrine is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, characterized by its stark white exterior, pointed arches, and soaring spires.14Basilica Status: In 1962, Pope John XXIII elevated the shrine to the status of a Minor Basilica.15Unique Iconography: The statue of Our Lady of Good Health is unique because Mary is often depicted wearing a traditional Indian Sari, reflecting a beautiful blend of Catholic faith and local culture.16Morning Star Church: A massive modern extension built to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, it is currently one of the largest churches in India.173. Festivals and TraditionsAnnual Feast: The grand ten-day festival is held from August 29 to September 8 (the Feast of the Nativity of Mary).18 Millions of people from all over the world, including many non-Christians, attend the car processions and flag-hoisting ceremonies.19Healing Offerings: A unique tradition involves devotees offering small gold or silver replicas of body parts (like a heart, eye, or leg) as a petition for healing or a token of gratitude for a cure received.20Holy Water: Many pilgrims visit Matha Kulam (Our Lady’s Tank), the site of the first apparition, to collect water believed to have healing properties.21Key Information for VisitorsFeatureDetailsLocationNagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu (Approx. 350 km from Chennai)LanguagesMass is celebrated in Tamil, English, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, and KonkaniBest Time to VisitSeptember (for the feast).