About Vallarpadam
Vallarpadam is one of the islands that make up the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. It is situated in the Vembanad Lake and has a population of over 10,000. An international container transshipment terminal (vallarpadam port)is under construction here.
Vallarpadam is connected by the Goshree bridges with the city of Ernakulam and Vypin island. Buses, both private and state government owned and auto rickshaws ply between the island and Kochi town (from High Court Junction).
The economical status of island is 70% consists of paddy fields; the economy principally consists of fishing by traditional methods and cultivation of rice.
The Church of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam is a famous centre of pilgrimage. People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of caste or creed go to the church to seek the blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as “Vallarpadathamma”.
The church was established in 1676 and the famous picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected by Portuguese who brought it from their native land. The picture is believed to have miraculous powers. The Portuguese built the first church on the site of the present church in 1524. It was destroyed in a flood in the late 17th century and a new church was built on the same spot in 1676. It was declared a special church by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 and in 1951 the Union Government declared Vallarpadam church is a major pilgrim centre.
Vallarpadath Amma is believed to have miraculously saved her devotees several time from violent storms. The feast of Vallarpadath Amma is held every year on September 24 with much fanfare. The celebrations which last for more than a week are accompanied by an unusually big fair…
Tags: Vallarpadam, Vallarpadam port, vallarpadam-church
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