Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Gothic Revival Catholic shrine in Villianur, India.
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine is a church building with Gothic architectural elements located in Villianur, Puducherry. The complex features a central chapel structure, and a pond sits near the entrance to the grounds.
The shrine was founded in 1877 when missionaries acquired the land after negotiations with local authorities. In 1886, the site received papal recognition, which officially confirmed its religious importance.
The shrine is the setting for a major feast with nine days of novena prayers, ending with a ceremonial procession where a decorated cart moves through Villianur's streets. Worshippers gather here to pray together and participate in this long-standing tradition.
The shrine is accessible throughout the year, allowing visitors to explore the grounds at their own pace. Visiting during the major February celebrations offers a particularly vibrant experience when many worshippers gather here.
The shrine holds a statue of Our Lady that was brought directly from France in 1877 and has remained central to worship here. This statue connects the place to the European pilgrimage site and holds deep religious meaning for visitors.
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