Thiruyattirai (Paatha Yatra or journey on foot)

Thiruyattirai is a pilgrimage undertaken by devotees to this church. Also known as Paatha Ytra or the journey on foot, it consists of many steps. This spiritual journey takes place under the leadership of a thalaivar (a veteran who has done many pilgrimages). In the preparatory stage, the pilgrims wear a special dress and rosary around their neck. This rosary wearing ritual is known as Maalaipo Tutaal and is generally held in churches. The priest blesses the rosary before it is put on the neck. Depending on their convenience, pilgrims can do this nineteen, forty-one or even 3 days before the actual journey. After wearing the rosary, the pilgrims are supposed to observe certain things which include good thoughts, control of the anger, saying the rosary, attending the mass, sticking to a vegetarian diet and abstinence from alcohol. The pilgrims distinguish themselves by wearing black, blue, green or saffron color dresses. The pilgrims lead the life of an ascetic, by walking barefoot, sleeping on ... More

Thiruyattirai (Paatha Yatra or journey on foot)

Thiruyattirai is a pilgrimage undertaken by devotees to this church. Also known as Paatha Ytra or the journey on foot, it consists of many steps. This spiritual journey takes place under the leadership of a thalaivar (a veteran who has done many pilgrimages). In the preparatory stage, the pilgrims wear a special dress and rosary around their neck. This rosary wearing ritual is known as Maalaipo Tutaal and is generally held in churches. The priest blesses the rosary before it is put on the neck. Depending on their convenience, pilgrims can do this nineteen, forty-one or even 3 days before the actual journey. After wearing the rosary, the pilgrims are supposed to observe certain things which include good thoughts, control of the anger, saying the rosary, attending the mass, sticking to a vegetarian diet and abstinence from alcohol. The pilgrims distinguish themselves by wearing black, blue, green or saffron color dresses. The pilgrims lead the life of an ascetic, by walking barefoot, sleeping on the floor, and fasting once a week. If there is an inauspicious event like a death in the family, pilgrims can break their vows and remove their rosary.

During the journey, pilgrims stop at various points of religious significance, mainly churches. On their arrival in Velankanni, pilgrims are bound to purify themselves by taking a dip in the pond before entering the shrine. They enter the holy sphere in wet clothes with holy water sprinkled on by the leader. Inside the church, they are absorbed in prayers, kneeling in front of Mother Mary, with a feeling of total submission to God.

During the final stage, the pilgrims remove the rosary and are no longer bound to any commitment. They are free to move around as tourists. After the pilgrimage, they are considered holy and incorporated back into society.