The statue of Mother Marie in the shrine of Adaikal Madha in Elakurich, who is a sports radiant necklace, earrings and bracelets. The wooden statue, which was assumed that it was brought from Manila in the Philippines of Constantine Joseph Beschi, who built the sanctuary at the beginning of the 18th century, is an indicator of how deeply the Italian Jesuit during his mission work assimilated Tamil’s culture. This is one of the two statues of Mother Mary, which is assumed that Beschi has obtained from Manila – the other is in the pennies Periyanayagi Madha in the Cuddalore district in the Cuddalore district. Here the mother is depicted in Sari, a traditional clothing of Tamil’s woman.
Exemplary
Beschi himself accepted the lifestyle of the region and even wore a saffron robe as an Indian ascetic. Valiant Sage, better known as his Tamil name, also managed Tamil, and is known for his exemplary literary works such as Tembavans, Thirukavalur Kalambagam and Parmaratha Guru Kathaigal.
The shrine he built in Elakurich was then referred to as thirukavalur, and also stood the test of time and continues to attract devotees from far and close. Many people believe that the healing spirit of Adaikala Madha will cure them from disease. Elakurichi became a pilgrimage center in the ARIYALUR district not only for Roman Catholics, but also for the inhabitants of other vortex.
It is assumed that Beschi arrived in India in 1710 and moved to Tamil Nadu. “Fr. Beschi arrived in Elakurichi in 1716 and at that time the Catholics who suffered persecution under the King Tanjore moved to Elakurichi seeking shelter. He offered them a small chapel. Palayakarara, a cancer, with the blessing of the Holy Mother, assumes that spring appeared near the church during the burning summer and the application of his water and mud was cured
Land
Pleasure Fr. Beschi’s service, Palayakara, donated about 175 acres of land to the Church. However, a recent digital survey has shown that only 45 acres are under the control of the shrine, according to Fr. Thangasamy.
According to legend Constantine Joseph Beschi he cured Arangappu Mazhvarayar, Ariyalur Palayakar, cancer, with the blessing of the Holy Mother. Pleasure Fr. Beschi’s service, Palayakara, donated about 175 acres of land to the Church. Table showing Arangappa Mazhvarayar and Fr. Beschi, with “Kal Patta” (deeds engraved on stone), is shown on Veeramamunivar Mani Mandapam in the church campus. | Photo Credit: M. Moorthy
In the church there is an inscription that records a gift and engraved on a stone plate. Table showing Arangappa Mazhvarayar and Fr. Beschi, with “Kal Patta” (deeds engraved on stone), is shown on Veeramamunivar Mani Mandapam in the church campus.
In the middle of the sacred pond in 2022, a 53 -meter -high brass statue of Adaikaly Madha, built with contributions to devotees, was installed. Lourda Sam and Rev. Fr. SUVAKKIN. Here he believes that the Holy Spring has appeared, and many devotees continue to take home his “holy water and mud” as a cure for their disease. Children couples and singles who want to marry a flock to the church to get the blessing of a mother who, as they believe, would fulfill their wishes.
The Church also mixes many local customs in its celebrations. His annual holiday, beginning on the second Saturday after Easter, offers a large car next Saturday. And on August 15, each year, Kuthuvilak Pooja, baptized “Oli Visha”, is held by a special matter, when the devotee ignites about 1,200 lamps to fill their prayer.
Pongal is celebrated with a special service. Celebrations include Pongal cooking in the church campus. “Several families staying in the villages and cities around Elakurichi consider Adaikal Madha to be their” Kula deivam “(clan deity). People from different places visit the shrine throughout the year, especially on weekends.
Development projects have lined up
A church that was extended by Rev. Fr. V. Antony itself in 1980 was undergoing extensive reconstruction. “We started work for estimated costs of approximately 3 GBP Crore with contributions from dedicated and funds expected from the State Commission for Minorities. Renovation will be carried out without changing the main dome of the shrine, built by Fr. Beschi,” Fr. Said Thangasamy. The reconstruction of the historic shrine, which is under the diocese of Kumbakonam, is planned to complete in the next six months. The State Tourism Department planned to carry out development projects such as strengthening access from the front of the church and creating equipment such as parking and children’s park.
Published – 4 July 2025 09:00
