St. Alphonsa’s Tomb, Bharananganam Church, Kottayam
St. Alohonsa’s Tomb is situated in St. Mary’s church in Bharananganam in the Kottayam district of Kerala. Saint Alphonsa is the first saint from Kerala and her tomb is the most popular Christian Pilgrimage Centre in Kerala. The tomb is located on the banks or River Meenachil which is 5 km east of Pala in Kottayam district of Kerala. Bharananganam and surrounded places are bestowed with natural beauty due to hilly areas and dense vegetation. The small town is known as Lisieux of India after the birthplace of St. Theresa of Lisieux in France. Thousand year old St. Mary’s church is one of the famous pilgrimage centers of the Christians in Kerala. The place is also known as Anakkallu Palli holding the mortal remains of Saint Alphonsa.
St. Alphonsa lived a saintly life and during her lifetime she was recognized as saintly person. It is said that in spite of her painful diseases, she was cheerful to the last. It was her students who established the cult of Saint Alphonsa and after her death, they began visiting her tomb and offering prayers. As they continue, they started receiving favors and ever since, the tomb has been a centre of pilgrimage and innumerable miracles. These miracles were approved in 1985 and beautification of Sister Alphonsa was proclaimed by Pope John Paul-II during his visit to India in 1986 and sister Alphonsa became Saint Alphonsa. The death anniversary of St. Alphonsa which falls on 28th July is an important day for devotees and every year thousands of devotees visit this holy shrine where the mortal remains of the saint preserved to pray and seek her blessings. The St. Alphonsa museum situated opposite to the church across the road is a major tourist attraction as it has everything the saint had used during her life. The best time to visit St. Alphonsa’s tomb is during the annual feast from 19 to 18th July. The nearest Airport to the tomb is Cochin International Airport which is 27 km from it and the nearest rail head is at Kottayam which is 27 km from it.
the Kerala Vacations provide its guests golden opportunities to enjoy the most scenic, religious places of Kerala. We provide various holiday packages along with cheap and best hotel accommodations for hassle free journey to any part of the country.
