Velankanni, Pilgrimage center in Nagapattinam district, India
Velankanni is a town in Nagapattinam district, India, located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The basilica with its white facade and red tile roof forms the central building, spanning two floors and displaying Gothic architectural features.
The shrine emerged in the 16th century when accounts of apparitions and healings along the coast became known. The site grew into a major pilgrimage destination and received basilica status from the Vatican in 1962.
The basilica takes its name from Our Lady of Good Health and houses many votive offerings left by visitors as thanks for recovery from illness. Pilgrims light candles in several areas of the shrine as they move through the spacious indoor and outdoor areas set aside for prayer and contemplation.
The town is accessible via Velankanni railway station, which connects to Nagapattinam through a broad-gauge line. Train service increases during the peak season in August and September when most pilgrims arrive.
A small water body nearby hosts Puntius sanctus, a barb species found only here. This endemic fish was named for the religious character of the place and lives nowhere else in the world.
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