Churches of Tamil Nadu hold a significant place in the society as well as history of India. Establishment of many of these churches narrates important events of the past. Since ages, Christianity is widely spread in the state of Tamil Nadu and the churches of this state consolidate this fact. Apart from this, these churches also enrich the national heritage of the country by enlisting themselves among the significant monuments of the country.
La Saleth Church
La Saleth Church is situated in Kodaikanal, also known as the hill country. The church possesses a traditional heritage of about 150 years. It is dedicated to lady of La Saleth. There are only two shrines dedicated to lady of La Saleth, this being one of them and the other one is located in France.
Schwartz Church
Another significant church of Tamil Nadu is Schwartz Church. Located in Thanjavur, the church was built by the Danish missionary Christian Friedrich Schwarz in the year 1779. The church architecture is quite simple having a few embellishing features. The fascinating features of this church include a sculpture of Schwartz lying on his death bed and beside him are the missionary Guericke and the Thanjavur Maratha king Serfoji II, formed in 1797. The house of Schwartz was situated in the north-west of the church which later had been transformed into a school.
St. Thomas Mount
St. Thomas was one among the apostles of Jesus Christ who visited India in 52 AD. In the suburbs of Kanchipuram, he was martyred, twenty five years later. The spot where he was martyred was named as St. Thomas Mount. The small hill houses an ancient church established in the year 1514 AD by the Portuguese. There is an old cross of stone which the apostles had clutched when he was dying.
St. Xavier`s Church
St. Xavier`s Church is situated in Kanyakumari. It is an ancient church built in 15th century A.D. The church was constructed in the honour of St. Francis Xavier, a catholic priest who visited India. An annual 10 days festival is celebrated in this church every year in the month of November and December.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Holy Trinity Catheral is another beautiful church in Tirunelveli. It was constructed in by Revernd Rhenius in 1826. The church serves as a famous landmark of Tirunelveli.
Church of Our Lady of Snow
Church of Our Lady of Snow is also one of the significant churches of the state. Consecrated by the Bishop of Cochin, the church is dedicated to the mother of Jesus Christ. Previously it was known as St.Paul`s Church. Every year in the month of August, the church hosts an annual feast.
Lourdes Church
Lourdes Church is the replica of the Basilca of Lourdes, a renowned pilgrimage site situated in France. Lourdes Church, near Rock-fort Teppakulam, is well known for the craftsmanship of India and exotic stained glass paintings.
Poondi Matha Basilica
Poondi Matha Basilica is situated in at about few kilometres from Thanjavur. It is a Roman Catholic Church. This elegant church attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists from different parts of the world and accommodation is provided to them by the Church Authorities.
St. Mary`s Church
St. Mary`s Church is the oldest British monument of India. It is also one of the most ancient Anglican Churches. Standing at Fort St. George, the church is also known as `Westminster Abbey of the East`.
St. John`s Church
St. John`s Church is known for its graceful architecture as well as for its objects having sentimental and historical value. Some of the objects, the church houses, are even older than the Church itself. The stained glass windows of the church are exorbitantly stylish having vibrant hues. Since ages the church has been extremely significant for the members of its congregation.
Other Churches of Tamil Nadu
Other important churches of Tamil Nadu enlist St. George`s Church, Madurai, Church of St. Peter, Thiruppalai, Holy Immanuel Church, Paravai, St.Mark`s Church, Muthupatti, St.Paul`s Church, Nallanchettipatti, St. Mary `s Church, Irukkankudi, St. John`s Church, Trichy, Avur Church, Trichy, Vadugarpettai Church, Kappal Matha Church and many more.
Churches of Tamil Nadu are the examples of beautiful combinations of finest architecture and brilliant artistry. Most of the churches illustrate a gothic style of architecture and eminently adorned stained glass windows are one of the most alluring features. Over years, great care and maintenance have been bestowed on them for which they still attract a plethora of tourists from all over the world.
