Arthungal village, lies very close to Cherthala town and this place is very famous for the holy Basilica which has Saint Andrew as its patron. But it is famous for the Feast of St. Sebastian which is conducted every year in January for about a week.
St. Sebastian is considered to be guardian Saint of the village and thousands visit this church every year seeking the Saints blessings. People who are maimed, sick or going through difficulties visit the Basilica and find relief and solace at the feet of the saint.
During the Feast, an idol of St. Sebastian is taken out in procession and thousands participate in the worship. Many devotees crawl on their knees or roll on the ground to express their gratitude to the Saint during the Feast for the favours they received.
There is an old church behind the main Basilica with excellent carvings and Altar.
Pilgrims from Sabarimala on their return trip visit this church to seek the blessings of the saint.
In 1647 an of idol St.Sebastian struck with arrows was brought from Italy in a ship and was placed in the church and since then devotees believe He is the guardian angel of the village.
Officially it is known as the Arthungal St. Andrew's Forane Church and was elevated to the level of Basilica in 2010.
19 comments:
Wow, such beautifil pictures! Love the feeling here! Have a happy midweek!
Thanks for the wonderful information on St. Andrew’s Basilica. When I hear the word “Basilica”, until now, immediately came to mind is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Now, this one is a nice addition. Will certainly visit here one of these days.
I am so happy you made this post on the famous Basilica.This crawling or doing angapradakshinam is common amongs Hindus also to express their thankfulness when their prayers are answered.The pictures do good justice to the post.Blessed are you in visiting so many shrines.
Happy Ugadi
Martina, thanks a lot. Today is a festival day for us.:))
SG
there is 2 Basilicas in Kochi one in Mattancherry and other one in Vallarpadom both in EKM dist. there is lot to see. Time is the factor.
Yes, there's is also a dwajasthambha and it feels so good to be in the holy shrine. I am so happy I can bring the pictures. thanks for the greetings.
Ayyapa devotees visit this shrine on their return trip from Sabarimala.
The church looks very beautiful. Thanks for sharing this.
www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
I am happy to learn about this Basilica. I visited Vallarpadam last year. The photographs are so nice. The side entry to the Basilica is superb. (After a long time I am able to write comments. The Blogspot.in remained inaccessible.
Love the tranquility of the church. Many thanks for sharing and taking us along, a visit to your blog is always peace inducing. :)
Quite a change from your usual posts but still just as awe inspiring.
There are quite few old churches and basilicas even outside of Goa. Thanks for sharing. it looks serene
like my dear friend tracy says..quite a change..and v all like it...best wishes always to u chitraji..god is one..some followers' stupidity is the problem..
thanks PW, a bit late in replying..sorry..
Thanks Niranjan
Insignia, yes very old ans steeped in history..
Thanks Ramesh, I love visiting all type of religious institutions. Some are still in my list. thanks for the visit.
Thanks Arti..
PNS I did read somewhere that you had probelm with blogspot. Hope everything is back to normal now. I havent visited vallapdom.
Beautiful Church, wonderfully well covered Chitra..
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