When visiting Chennai, it is a good idea to keep 2 days on your itinerary to visit the holy town of Vailankanni. Vailankanni is famous for its Vailankanni shrine. It is believed that requests asked for through prayers at the shrine of Our Lady of Vailankanni are granted.
Legend has it that Mother Mary arrived at Vailankanni with baby Jesus and hence the shrine was established here. Devotees of all faiths visit the shrine throughout the year and make a return trip once their prayers are fulfilled. The annual 10 day feast, known as "Feast of Our Lady", begins on August 29th.
Location of Vailankanni: The small town of Vailankanni is located about 350 kms. from Chennai. You can hire private taxis to and fro from Chennai itself if you are staying in Chennai. It is also accessible by road from Bengaluru.
How to go to Vailankanni
How to go to Vailankanni
* The nearest airport to Vailankanni is no the Chennai Airport, but the Tiruchirapalli airport (also known as Trichy airport).
Contact Phone Number of Tiruchirapalli Airport: 91-431-2340551, 91-431-2341810
* The nearest railway station to Vailankanni is at Nagappatinam. It is part of Southern Railways and is located on the Erode-Nagore rail route.
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Tips for Visitors when visiting Vallankanni:
* The Our Lady of Vailankanni shrine is not simply one single church, but a large complex. Hence, you should not assume that you will be able to complete your visit in one hour. There is plenty to see, so you should ideally have 4-5 hours for visiting the shrine.
* You can stay in the town of Vailankanni itself and not find it necessary to make a quick dash to and fro from Chennai or other nearby cities. The local officials have set up simple accomodations in what is called 'The Mega Mahal'. You can also stay at the nearby MGM Resort.
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| Map of Vailankanni Shrine location and shrine complex |
* If you have not taken along any special offerings, but would like to offer something in the form of gold or silver, there is an Offering Center at the premises. Your own unique petition or letter can also be dropped into the large boxes kept for the purpose.
* Visit the museum to see the display of what devotees have been offering at the shrine over the years.
* Make sure you visit the old chapel near the enclosed water tank and not just the newer extensions which were built later - this is said to be the place where Mother Mary first appeared with baby Jesus. |
| Vailankanni shrine altar |
Very Rev. Fr. P. Xavier
Rector,Shrine Basilica
Vailankanni 611 111 Rector,Shrine Basilica
Nagapattinam District
Tamilnadu, INDIA
04365 : 263 530 (Father's personal)
04365 : 263 517 (Father's Fax)
04365 : 263 423 (Shrine Number)
Email : info@vailankannishrine.org
Photos of Vailankanni Church
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