Alanthalai
Alanthalai (also called Alendalle by the Portuguese) is an ancient coastal village located near Thiruchendur, in the Tuticorin district. It is a place of historical importance. Alanthalai is a famous pilgrimage place in the Thoothukudi district and is well-known for The Sacred Heart Grotto Shrine. Alanthalai used to be called "அரண்தாழை" in Tamil.
Alanthalai
அரண்தாழை | |
|---|---|
village | |
| Nickname(s): Aalai | |
  Alanthalai Location in Tamil Nadu, India  Alanthalai Alanthalai (India) | |
| Coordinates: 8°28′8″N 78°5′50″E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Tuticorin |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Tamil |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 628 219 |
| Nearest city | Tuticorin |
| PARLIAMENT constituency | Tuticorin |
| Legislative constituency | Tiruchendur |
History
After the fall of the Pandya dynasty, There were numerous conflicts between the Native Paravars and the Moors who were assisted by the Nayaks over the right to the Pearl Fishery Coast. After their conversion to Christianity by the Portuguese, They advised the local Paravars at Tiruchendur to settle in a new place. Thus the village Alanthalai came into existence. Alanthalai is one of the Seven Pearl Fishery Ports of the Paravars.[1] The Pearl Fishery Ports are also referred to in Tamil as ஏழுகடல்துறை. These seven villages are Vembar, Vaipar, Tuticorin, Punnaikayal, Virapandianpatnam, Alanthalai and Manapad. Before the arrival of the Portuguese, The Paravas were originally Saivites.[1] They share a unique history with the Tiruchendur Temple. The Paravars played a huge role in nurturing the temple for ages. The Paravars believe that Deivanai, the wife of Lord Murugan is a Paravar herself.[1] The Paravars of Manapadu, Alanthalai, Virapandyapattanam, Punnaikayal, Thoothukudi, Vembar and Vaipar (ஏழுகடல்துறை) actively took part in the festival of the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple. The temple car was first pulled by the Head of the Paravars (பாண்டியபதி) after which the procession will take place.[1] Even today, still the Paravars refer to Lord Murugan as "மச்சான் சாமி". Alanthalai had been visited by St. Francis Xavier. In 1644, Sts. Peter and Paul Church (Parish church) was planned and its foundation was laid. This church was built alongside the help of the local people and the Colombo businessmen of Alanthalai. Another chapel dedicated to St. Antony was also built during that time. The Sacred Heart Grotto was built in 1928.