Our Lady of Ransom Basilica - Vallarpadam

Our Lady of Random Basilica – Vallarpadam is not only one of the major Kochi tourist places, but also an integral part of the holy places to visit in India. The Catholic Church council in India has 23 registered churches, and this is one of them. This church is a part of Arch Diocese of Verapoly or Varapuzha. Vallarpadathamma is the name that was given to Mother Mary, and people believe that Vallarpadathamma has saved and nursed and helped many injured and sick people while the storms were raging.

Architecture

When Vasco Da Gama visited India in 1524, the picture of infant Jesus and Mother Mary was brought, which is installed in the top main altar at Our Lady of Random Basilica – Vallarpadam. The old church was known as the Church of Holy Spirit, which did not survive the 1676 floods. The then Prime Minister of Maharaja of Cochin, Paliyath Raman Valiyachan recovered the picture and donated the land to build this church. On his honour, his sanctuary lamp has been continuously kept burning from 1676. The new church is bigger, with Portuguese styled construction techniques and symbols all around. Even foreigners take the Kerala tour package to visit this church.

History

A young woman named Meenakshi Amma and her son were trapped in a boat while a terrible storm was going on. She begged to Mother Mary for saving their lives, and in return, she would devote her remaining life to the church. A miracle happened, and she was rescued with her son. Both her son’s and her picture is put up in the church at present. This incident made this church one of the prime places to visit in Kochi.

Festivities

The Vallarpadathamma feast lasts from 16th September to 24th September, and the primary feast day is celebrated on 24th December every year. With Kochi tourism, this feast day is must inclusion. Make sure to incorporate this spot into your Kochi tour package.