Velankanni/Velanggani ~ Vailankanni

From my past entries re my trip to India, doesn't it seem like I was on a pilgrimage to India? :-). Looking back now, it was more of the holy grounds - temples/church that were never missed. Feeling good about it, though ! Anyway, today I am writing about Velankanni. Velankanni is a coastal village in Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. Even though it is commonly known as Velankanni, the correct spelling is Vailankanni. Here, in Velankanni is the famous Church of Our Lady of Health, popularly known as "Sacred Arogya Matha Church". Virgin Mary is believed to have miraculous healing powers. Apparently, thousands of pilgrims belonging to various castes and communities flock daily to this "Lourdes of the East". This beautiful church has an imposing facade with tall spires and the wings present the shape of a cross. Snapshots of church included here for your viewing.

Regarding the healing powers of the church - the miracles experienced in the life of thousands of devotees, speak volumes of love and mercy of the Mother of Health - The Mother of Velankanni ! A to Z of this church can be found here - at this link : http://www.vailankannishrine.org/about.php

So, after saying my prayers for family and loved ones (that of my dear buddies - you know who you are :-) - we continued our journey.....

Btw, if you plan to visit Velankanni, stay a night at Seagate Church View Resort - we had a splendid stay there. A wonderful resort with private cottages. We stayed in the lower ground but if you get one on the upper level, the balconies open out to the pleasant view of the church - unobstructed views ! The place was peaceful and you'll also wake up to the sound of prayers - the morning mass from the divine church !

And, I must tell you this - In India, it's a different kind of feeling at all the holy places, be it the temples or the church - when I set foot there, there is an instinctive feeling that I am on holy ground - and the feeling of God's presence is there ! Ahaa....am I getting closer to becoming a nun ? Haha...no, nothing like that yet...have not felt "the calling"....so I remain, the lil' ol' playful but faithful me ....Dan....Danem !...just j/k :-)

Inside the church - pictures are not in sequence

Me outside the church - "you can agree with me or you can be wrong" :-)

Emm...now you know why you don't get to see the inside of the church :-(

28th August ? That's on my....hmmm...:-)

I secretly captured this shot inside the church

and this one too....shhooo...don't tell anyone :-)

done with my prayers...on the way out 

This is at one of the medical hall in Velankanni - a goat taking its
rest and me trying to shoo it away....how brave of me !!!  :-)