Annai Vailankanni Church
Annai Vailankanni Church
Annai Vailankanni Church
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Besant Nagar
Named after the noted lady theosophist Annie Besant, Besant Nagar is one of the
most preferred areas to reside in Chennai due to the presence of the beach. The
extremely calm and serene area with its colonial hangover is studded with sea-
facing homes owned by the affluent families and has a string of restaurants, cafes, shops and boutiques around it. Home to Elliot’s Beach, The Theosophical Society and Kalakshetra, the world famous dance school along with beautiful temples and churches, this is where Chennai loves to chill. The confluence of best of nature, art and history within the greenest parts of the city limits is evident in the culture of this neighbourhood, which makes it one of the most favourite hangout zones for all the locals.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
14 reviews
Excellent
3
Very good
11
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
niluanu
Chennai (Madras), India671 contributions
Jan 2022
The new church, located adjacent to the existing one in Besant Nagar, is a beautiful church with exquisite Gothic architecture. One needs to climb quite a few steps to enter the church. There is sufficient parking within the premises. We did not find much crowd at the time of our visit. Definitely worth visiting
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnAir05325128140
Chennai District, India2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Nothing to say its a pilgrimage place, with lot of amenities available for the general public mostly free or with some concessions. Better to visit in the week days for a pleasant Mass with peaceful visit. Weekends will be flooded with all religion people.
Written 15 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bangalorian2016
Bengaluru, India2 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
Vailankanni basilica is one of the most holy, prayerful atmosphere only inside the church premises, especially for Catholics we consider as mother house, keeping in mind we, plan a month prior and reach the place with all hope and prayers.
Coming to outside the church, people are wolves, watching for a prey. we, devotees are basically the middle class people who wants to go in pilgrim once in year or so on with our savings, the SHOP KEEPRS / LODGES / CHURCH WARDENS show their attitude. (I agree, even the devotees may have attitude, but let me give an incident)
when ever i go to vailankanni I always buy water bottles from any medical stores, hence i had to buy a 5 liters water can from "ÄNNAI MEDICAL " at vailankanni bus stand road, near hotel Saravan Bhavan,, when i started checking for the expiry date the pharmacist was getting irritated, then i showed the date to my son as the expiry date was just like old, my son also said no the date is not clear cos , there is some correction on it, hence i requested him to give another one, immediately he started shouting "YOU ALL BANGALORE PUNDA: that means Bangalore 'íans . i still patiently asked him whether this is a pharmacy or a local shop, he is trying to manhandle me with bad words,
Still i doubt whether he is a pharmacist or not, because he looked like a rogue, with shirts button open and showing his thick long gold chains, no were there is a symptoms with him for atleast he would have passed +2, hence devotees and tourists please be careful with the fake person who is going to dispense you. (I REALIZE ALL THE SHOPKEEPERS WILL COME TOGETHER/ NOW VAILANKANNI HAS BECOME ROUDY'S DEN)
finally, the second bottle what he gave after the argument seal was broken, kindly do not procure any thing FROM THIS " ANNAI MEDICALS "BLACK LIST IT
Coming to outside the church, people are wolves, watching for a prey. we, devotees are basically the middle class people who wants to go in pilgrim once in year or so on with our savings, the SHOP KEEPRS / LODGES / CHURCH WARDENS show their attitude. (I agree, even the devotees may have attitude, but let me give an incident)
when ever i go to vailankanni I always buy water bottles from any medical stores, hence i had to buy a 5 liters water can from "ÄNNAI MEDICAL " at vailankanni bus stand road, near hotel Saravan Bhavan,, when i started checking for the expiry date the pharmacist was getting irritated, then i showed the date to my son as the expiry date was just like old, my son also said no the date is not clear cos , there is some correction on it, hence i requested him to give another one, immediately he started shouting "YOU ALL BANGALORE PUNDA: that means Bangalore 'íans . i still patiently asked him whether this is a pharmacy or a local shop, he is trying to manhandle me with bad words,
Still i doubt whether he is a pharmacist or not, because he looked like a rogue, with shirts button open and showing his thick long gold chains, no were there is a symptoms with him for atleast he would have passed +2, hence devotees and tourists please be careful with the fake person who is going to dispense you. (I REALIZE ALL THE SHOPKEEPERS WILL COME TOGETHER/ NOW VAILANKANNI HAS BECOME ROUDY'S DEN)
finally, the second bottle what he gave after the argument seal was broken, kindly do not procure any thing FROM THIS " ANNAI MEDICALS "BLACK LIST IT
Written 19 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thangam M
Chennai1,460 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Apart from the main shrine of Our Lady of Health at Vailankanni (Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu) itself, the Annai Vailankanni Shrine at Besant Nagar, Chennai, is possibly the most visited church dedicated to Our Lady of Health. "Annai" means mother in Tamil. This unpretentious shrine, located at one end of Elliots Beach Road in Besant Nagar, has been in existence for almost the last fifty years. In the backdrop is the sandy beach and the restless waters of the Bay of Bengal.
In 1971, Reverend Father P T Arulappa, then Parish Priest of St Louis Church, Adyar, commenced work for the Annai Vailankanni Shrine at Besant Nagar. It became a separate Parish in 1972. In the same year, an almost 100 feet tall belfry was erected.
A much bigger church just across from the smaller one, came up in 1985. Over the course of the years, many additions were made, the most impressive being a huge stage built on eight grounds (19200 square feet) of land to mark Jubilee 2000.
This was followed by a small Eucharistic Chapel for silent prayer and a Grotto showing the miracles of Our Lady of Good Health. In 2005, this church was ordained as a Shrine of the Archdiocese of Madras - Mylapore. A tall new metal flag post was also erected to the side and in front of the big church.
The relatively small Arogya Madha (Mother of Health) shrine is the focal point of the church complex. The walls within have paintings of the various apparitions of Our Lady of Good Health. Devotees offer flowers, garlands and candles. At the altar they touch the feet of the Holy Mother's statue. Right opposite the altar and just outside the shrine is a small shed where devotees light their offerings of candles.
Opposite the Arogya Madha shrine is the big church where mass is held on Sundays. Marriage Services, 1st Friday and 1st Saturday services are also conducted here.
Mother Mary's Square pays homage to four apparitions of Mother Virgin Mary recognized by the Catholic Church which are: Our Lady of Guadalupe (1531), Our Lady of La Salette (1846), Our Lady of Lourdes (1858), and Our Lady of Fatima (1917).
The Adoration Chapel (Eucharistic Chapel) meant for silent prayer is open from 7am to 8.30pm on all days of the week. On Thursdays, special adoration service is held here from 7.30-8.30pm. At other times the chapel is open for personal prayer, reflection and meditation.
The Grotto under a banyan tree just to left of the Arogya Madha shrine, shows three apparitions of Our Lady of Good Health at Vailankanni. Here devotees tie sacred yellow threads and offer sarees in thanksgiving to Annai Velankanni.
In the church complex there is also a Museum that houses offerings from devotees in gratitude to Mother Mary for favours received through Her intercessions. The offerings typically take the form of replicas of favours received. This Museum functions between 4pm and 7pm on all days.
A stall selling religious items such as sacred oil, rosaries, calendars, candles and statuettes functions between 9am - 1pm and 4pm - 9pm on all days.
A Matrimonial Centre for Catholics and the Rev P T Arulappa Community Hall are the other institutions forming part of the church complex.
In line with the celebration at Vailankanni (Nagapattinam), the Annual Festival here commences with the hoisting of Our Lady's flag on August 29 and concludes with the flag being brought down on September 8.
Mass Timings
Weekdays(Mon to Fri)
06:30 a.m. Tamil
11:00 a.m. Tamil
06:00 p.m. Tamil
Saturday
06:15 a.m. Tamil
07:30 a.m. English
11:00 a.m. Tamil
06:00 p.m. Tamil
Sunday
04:00 a.m. Tamil (1st Sundays)
06:15 a.m. Tamil
07:45 a.m. English (for children)
07:45 a.m. English
09:00 a.m. Tamil (for children)
09:00 a.m. Tamil
10:30 a.m. Malayalam (2nd Sunday)
12:00 noon Tamil
05:30 p.m. Tamil
06:30 p.m. English
Regardless of caste, creed, nationality and religion, everyone comes to this church. In perfect congruence with the main Shrine Basilica of our Lady of Health, Vailankanni, the Annai Vailankanni Shrine at Besant Nagar, Chennai too is a living embodiment of the innate goodness that binds all humanity. This shrine offers much needed proof of religious harmony in these troubled times and stands as a powerful yet soothing symbol of love, hope and undying faith in our oneness.
In 1971, Reverend Father P T Arulappa, then Parish Priest of St Louis Church, Adyar, commenced work for the Annai Vailankanni Shrine at Besant Nagar. It became a separate Parish in 1972. In the same year, an almost 100 feet tall belfry was erected.
A much bigger church just across from the smaller one, came up in 1985. Over the course of the years, many additions were made, the most impressive being a huge stage built on eight grounds (19200 square feet) of land to mark Jubilee 2000.
This was followed by a small Eucharistic Chapel for silent prayer and a Grotto showing the miracles of Our Lady of Good Health. In 2005, this church was ordained as a Shrine of the Archdiocese of Madras - Mylapore. A tall new metal flag post was also erected to the side and in front of the big church.
The relatively small Arogya Madha (Mother of Health) shrine is the focal point of the church complex. The walls within have paintings of the various apparitions of Our Lady of Good Health. Devotees offer flowers, garlands and candles. At the altar they touch the feet of the Holy Mother's statue. Right opposite the altar and just outside the shrine is a small shed where devotees light their offerings of candles.
Opposite the Arogya Madha shrine is the big church where mass is held on Sundays. Marriage Services, 1st Friday and 1st Saturday services are also conducted here.
Mother Mary's Square pays homage to four apparitions of Mother Virgin Mary recognized by the Catholic Church which are: Our Lady of Guadalupe (1531), Our Lady of La Salette (1846), Our Lady of Lourdes (1858), and Our Lady of Fatima (1917).
The Adoration Chapel (Eucharistic Chapel) meant for silent prayer is open from 7am to 8.30pm on all days of the week. On Thursdays, special adoration service is held here from 7.30-8.30pm. At other times the chapel is open for personal prayer, reflection and meditation.
The Grotto under a banyan tree just to left of the Arogya Madha shrine, shows three apparitions of Our Lady of Good Health at Vailankanni. Here devotees tie sacred yellow threads and offer sarees in thanksgiving to Annai Velankanni.
In the church complex there is also a Museum that houses offerings from devotees in gratitude to Mother Mary for favours received through Her intercessions. The offerings typically take the form of replicas of favours received. This Museum functions between 4pm and 7pm on all days.
A stall selling religious items such as sacred oil, rosaries, calendars, candles and statuettes functions between 9am - 1pm and 4pm - 9pm on all days.
A Matrimonial Centre for Catholics and the Rev P T Arulappa Community Hall are the other institutions forming part of the church complex.
In line with the celebration at Vailankanni (Nagapattinam), the Annual Festival here commences with the hoisting of Our Lady's flag on August 29 and concludes with the flag being brought down on September 8.
Mass Timings
Weekdays(Mon to Fri)
06:30 a.m. Tamil
11:00 a.m. Tamil
06:00 p.m. Tamil
Saturday
06:15 a.m. Tamil
07:30 a.m. English
11:00 a.m. Tamil
06:00 p.m. Tamil
Sunday
04:00 a.m. Tamil (1st Sundays)
06:15 a.m. Tamil
07:45 a.m. English (for children)
07:45 a.m. English
09:00 a.m. Tamil (for children)
09:00 a.m. Tamil
10:30 a.m. Malayalam (2nd Sunday)
12:00 noon Tamil
05:30 p.m. Tamil
06:30 p.m. English
Regardless of caste, creed, nationality and religion, everyone comes to this church. In perfect congruence with the main Shrine Basilica of our Lady of Health, Vailankanni, the Annai Vailankanni Shrine at Besant Nagar, Chennai too is a living embodiment of the innate goodness that binds all humanity. This shrine offers much needed proof of religious harmony in these troubled times and stands as a powerful yet soothing symbol of love, hope and undying faith in our oneness.
Written 12 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan R
Johor Bahru, Malaysia70 contributions
Dec 2019
its a place people cannot forget and also its a place for all your troubles to be shared to the mother who is really admired by her devotees and people who still have faith in her. She is a lovely MOM
Written 31 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wales K
11 contributions
Sept 2018 • Family
Excellent churches, best place to visit is during the feast time usually starts from 26thAug to 9thSept..the shrine of vailankanni is at its best and a huge statue of Jesus christ is been recently build is amazing must watch,Marina beach is excellent, dont miss the black and orange halwa to buy during the feast time its awesome.lots of hotels near by stay close to church areas for eaay access..my recommendation would surely go for G.S Resorts hospitality food staff and clean rooms. 2 kms Far from church but quiet and cozy place from traffic sound and lust green place with good swimming pool.
Written 2 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SporeArduino
Singapore, Singapore343 contributions
Apr 2017
The main church hall is small, and by my estimates can sit no more than a hundred. However, the number of devotees visiting this church ground is amazing. It demonstrates the connection of this spiritual ground with the residents around the area.
Written 13 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T_Senaratne
Colombo, Sri Lanka297 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
Fortunately, the church was not very crowded at the time we went. People were there ready for the next service. There is a small shop at the entrance that sells candles and flowers to devotees.
Written 26 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tVikasg
New Delhi, India687 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
Have a stopover at this shrine (Church) for a peaceful and enlightening time. Services here are very good and you van even have a magazine subscription.
Written 9 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indi Rea
Mauritius32 contributions
May 2024 • Family
A spiritual and inner journey..all people as one praying with fervour and devotion.it is almost tangible.We all need to believe in miracles,in our prayers and thank God.it is very touching to see people so humble and modest ,asking or thanking.Very peaceful and positive atmosphere.
Written 2 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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