Church of Our Lady of Good Health, Ariyankuppam, Puducherry

Church of Our Lady of Good Health, Ariyankuppam, Puducherry

Church of Our Lady of Good Health is located at Ariyankuppam in Union Territory of Puducherry. This Church is also called as Ariyankuppam Church. It stands majestically at the corner of a bustling street in Ariyankuppam. The church has a history that dates as far back as 1690 which makes it one of the oldest churches in Puducherry. It has been a very popular pilgrimage amongst the people of Pondicherry for more than 250 years.

History

After the French coming to Pondicherry in 1673, Armenians under the leadership of Bishop Adda Simon built the Church of Our Lady of Conception in 1690. This church was given to the Jesuits of the Carnatic Mission around 1700 and the church was renamed as the Church of Our Lady of Health. This is the oldest church still standing in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Puducherry and Cuddalore.

The Church

This church has been dressed in white and vivid yellow and the magnificent frontage of the church seems to have twin spires. This church is also called as our lady of Velankanni which is celebrated by Roman Catholic people under the title of Blessed Virgin Mary. The interior has rounded arches carrying a vault over the central aisle. A freestanding Crucifix is displayed upon the altar and brightly painted wooden images are set on shelves in the side walls. 

The walls of the side were brightly painted with the wooden images and they were set upon the shelves. This Church has a very tall Golden Stupa (Kodimaram). There is an extended Hall connected to the old Church Hall. Though not as grand as imposing as the other historical churches in the city, this one manages attract tourists as well as faithfuls with its charm.

Mass Timings

·        Week Days - 6.00 am

·        Thursday - 5.30 pm

·        Saturday - 6.00 am & 5.30 pm

·        Sunday - 7.30 am

Festivals

The feast day was celebrated in September 8 under the name of Nativity of Mary. This celebration begins from august 29 as well as it ends up on September 8.  Also, Christmas, Easter and New Year are celebrated here grandly.

Contact

Church of Our Lady of Good Health,

Ariyankuppam, Puducherry – 605 007

Phone: +91 413 2600799

Connectivity

The Church is located at about 50 meters from Ariyankuppam Bus Stop, 200 meters from Ariyankuppam New Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Chunnambar Boat House, 5 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 9 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 18 Kms from Cuddalore and 151 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Church is situated on Puducherry to Cuddalore Route (NH 45A). The place is well connected to Puducherry by means of Bus and Autos. If you are coming from Cuddalore or Pondicherry by Bus, Tourists are advised to get down at Ariyankuppam Bus Stop and the Church is located besides the Bus Stop. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location | Photos