Kanyakumari, or Cape Comorin as it was known during colonial rule, was the cradle of Christianity in India. It is believed that it was introduced in the year 52 AD by the Apostle Saint Thomas, one of the twelve holy Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fables say that Christianity in the state is more than 2,000 years old, and the Saint Thomas Christians are the oldest Christian group living in the district.
Colonial rule saw the advent of British, Portuguese, Dutch and Italian Christians who flocked to and settled in Kanyakumari. Being staunch believers in their faith, the priests spread Christianity among non-Christian subjects and colonizers. This led to a large number of converts converting to Christianity and accepting it as their religion. Today, the Kanyakumari district has a majority of Christian residents. According to the 2001 census, conducted by the Government of India, the Christian population of Tamil Nadu is concentrated in Kanyakumari. Almost 48.7% of the population here is Christian.
Considering the demographic details above, it’s obvious that Kanyakumari has a religious heritage and is dotted with churches and shrines all over the city. While each church is symbolically and religiously important, some of them are also famous tourist destinations. Churches such as ‘La Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Buena Salud’ and ‘Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rescate’ are known for their historical importance and the beauty of colonial architecture that is reflected in their construction and design.
Some of the most visited churches in and around Kanyakumari are listed below:
1. The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health
Although not strictly in Kanyakumari, this church is under district administration. Located in the village of Velankanni in Tamil Nadu, this is the most famous and celebrated church in South India. It’s a few hours’ drive from Kanyakumari, but it’s worth the trip. Built in the Gothic style of architecture, the basilica has three sanctuaries, as well as the Tank of Our Lady, the Church Museum, the Priests’ Residence, the Offering Center, the Stations of the Cross, the Rosary Stations, the Mega Mahal Sanctuary and Velankanni Beach. The entire building is painted a pristine white, except for the roof, which is made of bright red tiles. The Latin Rite Roman Catholic Basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health, who is believed to have had three apparitions in the city.
2. Church of Our Lady of the Rescue
Three towering spires, basking in the golden sun and radiating its pure white! This is how the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora del Rescate receives tourists. Visible from the coast, where ships and ferries are moored, the church provides a welcoming and pleasant sight to all those who come here to pray or admire the beauty of the architecture of this beautifully built church.
The Church of Nuestra Señora del Rescate is over 100 years old and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, Mother Mary. But what first catches a tourist’s eye is the 46-meter (153-foot) tall, towering and imposing central tower of the sanctuary. Adorned in white and crowned with a Cross of pure gold, the structure is truly beautiful and breath-taking against the picturesque deep blue sky. The façade is built in a grand Gothic style and its splendor contrasts further with the bare interiors.
Entering the imposing towers, one is struck by the emptiness of the interiors, which is further accentuated by the soft colors cast by the stained glass windows, almost like an artist’s palette. The center is adorned with a beautiful idol of Mother Mary and a small cross on the altar. Wrapped in a sari, the idol makes the atmosphere calm and serene and instills peace and calm in a being. The church holds regular masses on the sandy ground. Since the parish here mainly catered to the local fishermen, the mass is always held in the regional Tamil language.
3. All Saints Church, Muttom
All Saints Church is the most prominent church in Muttom. It has almost 800 followers and is also a famous tourist destination. Located on the banks of the majestic blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, this church is beautifully landscaped and well connected by water and roads. It is a Catholic church and was built in the period 1875-1914 during the Portuguese rule. The beauty of Portuguese architecture can be clearly seen in the luxurious façade and the simple but beautiful interiors.
4. Thiruvithamcode Arappally
Also known as the ‘Royal Church’, it is located in Thiruvithamcode. Also known by names like Thomayar Kovil or Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church, it is believed to have been built by Saint Thomas, known as the Apostle of India, one of the twelve holy apostles of Lord Jesus Christ. The church was built in the 17th century and had three parts at the time. Further construction took place in the 20th century and an entrance hall was made. Its walls are built from locally quarried stone and chiseled by skilled workers with multi-pointed hand chisels, a technique known in Kerala and possibly introduced there by foreign contact in the 16th century. The church today is maintained by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Catholics of the East and Metropolitan of Malankara, Baselios Mar Thoma Didymos I proclaimed the church as an international center of pilgrimage of Saint Thomas on December 16, 2007.
Although religion is not as strong as before and people are becoming more liberal about their faith, churches, shrines and basilicas still hold great importance in terms of historical reference and architectural insight. They play a huge role in the city’s landscapes and cater to foreign tourists who like to glimpse their past through these churches. With its picturesque beaches and sunsets, the land of Triveni Sangam, Kanyakumari is further blessed with beautiful old churches that are just another jewel in its crown.