Oriyur Ramanathapuram

About Oriyur:

Oriyur is one of the most revered pilgrim centers for Christians the world over as it is home to the martyrdom of St. John De Britto, a Portugese Jesuit better known as ‘Arul Anandar’. It was in this place that the saint was beheaded in 1693 and the sand dune is said to have turned red, believed to be stained by the blood of the saint. Here, one can see a magnificent shrine with its Portugese façade that contains a captivating statue of Arul Anandar offering his neck in humble submission to the executioner. Why this place has such significance is the healing power of the ‘red sand’ and the faith of the devotees. People are said to be cured of incurable diseases after applying the sand on their bodies. Couples are said to be blessed with children on visiting the shrine and praying to the saint. During festivities, pilgrims from Tamil Nadu and Kerala Hindus, and Muslims jostle with Christians and throng the shrine in thousands in their eagerness to honor a holy man who shed his life blood in Tamil Nadu. Though primarily of religious content, the festivals are also a social gathering an opportunity for these simple people to bring gaiety and variety in life. The strong faith and enviable ability to combine pleasure and piety on a pilgrimage gives a Chaucerian atmosphere to the Oriyur feast.

General Information about Oriyur:

Location: Ramanathapuram

State: Tamil Nadu

Capital: Chennai

Language: Tamil, Hindi, English

Temperature: Max 40˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 29˚C, Min 20˚C (winter)

Best Season: November to March

How to Reach Oriyur:

By Air:

The nearest airport is at Madurai, 110-km away.

By Rail:

Ramanathapuram has a railway station, which is well connected by rail with all major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, and Thanjavur etc.

By Road:

State transport buses are available from the railway station to the various places in and around Ramanathapuram. For local transportation taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are available.