Introduction

Located on Pookara Street, Our Lady of Sorrows is possibly the oldest church in the Thanjavur district. The locals fondly call it Viagula Madha Church. As per historical records, the church has been in existence on Pookara Street several years before the time of Veramamunivar in 1740 AD. He is believed to have played a pivotal role in the development of Tamil language. The great Maratha king, Serfoji (1798-1832 AD) had contributed immensely towards the construction of the church, by allocating land and donating money. He even helped several other churches come up in Thanjavur.

Our Lady of Sorrows Church receives a gathering of devotees by the thousands during the annual car festival celebrated with great fervor in the third week of September. Otherwise, Saturdays are a busy day here, what with devotees irrespective of their religion stopping by to pray to the divine mother.

The church stands as a symbol of religious harmony in this temple town.

Special Attributes

Oldest church in the Thanjavur district

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can take an auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw or a tourist cab from the city center.

Enjoyed by

Those who are religiously inclined

Exposure

You will mostly be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Maintain decorum. Turn your phone to silent mode.

Type of site

Church/Place of Worship