Our Lady of Sorrows Church (Vyakula Matha Church),
Vellicode, Kanyakumari
Our Lady of Sorrows Church is located at Vellicode
in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. This Church is also called as Vyakula Matha Church. Vellicode (Sarva Valli Code as it
was formerly known) lies in the Kalkulam region of Nanjil Nadu. It is one of
the oldest inhibited places in Nanjil Nadu.
History
During
Sangam Tamil period, this place was called as Idai
Nadu. The region was ruled by tribal Villivan chieftains
before being annexed by the Chera Dynasty during the 11th century as
Kalkulam. The ancient name of Vellicode was Sarva Vali Kode which
means a place where all religions are followed. A church, said to have
been built by St Thomas the Apostle is nearby. Also flanged to the south is the Bhagavathy
Temple. In 1738 an exponent of martial art "Adi Murai" named Mallan
Asan of Arapurai family went to the palace grounds of Udaya Marthanda Varma and
won many fights. So, the king gave a silver chest armour and a silver sword. He
renamed his native village as Vellicode (Velli means Silver and code means
cutlass).
Nadar
Catholic Family's, as it is known, history traces back its legacy to 10th
century. During those period the Pandya
kingdom was ruled by Koon Pandian. He got converted to Hinduism from Jainism. It’s a
custom in Hinduism to give a girl as offering to the priest who does the homam.
Rajappa & Devappa who were working in the courts of Pandya king were also
requested to convert into Hinduism and give their sister as offering. The
Brothers never liked the idea, so they killed their sister and fled down south.
They
reached the place called Sarva Valli Kodu in Travancore state. Travancore had a
Church constructed by St. Thomas the disciple of Jesus. (Presently, it is the
oldest standing church in the entire world). They converted themselves into
Christians and settled down. For the next 1000 years (till today) the family
got expanded and today, there are 800 families living here and all are staunch
Roman Catholic. The best part is that the last eight generations are very much
traceable and even all the families still hold the links together.
Contact
Our Lady of Sorrows Church (Vyakula Matha Church),
Vellicode, Kanyakumari – 629 167
Phone: +91 4651 275389
Mobile: +91 94420 76656
Connectivity
The church is located at about 6 Kms from Thuckalay,
8 Kms from Marthandam, 12 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 13 Kms from Colachel, 10 Kms
from Thiruvattaru, 10 Kms from Eraniel, 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 44 Kms from
Kanyakumari and 54 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is
located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.
