Madhu church and shrine is situated in Mannar in Sri Lanka. It is a sacred shrine that is visited by many people in all parts of Sri Lanka. This place is not just visited by Catholics but by people from all other beliefs such as the Buddhists and Hindus.
About the destination
The Madhu church is considered the holiest place in Sri Lanka for Catholics. The church has a history of over 400 years and it is built in the Baroque Revival. It was consecrated in 1944 during World War II. There are 10 feasts in Madhu church and out of them the feast held on August 15th is celebrated the most grandly. This feast attracts the most number of devotees that is mainly because the feast falls during the time of the vacation.
History of Madhu church
Madhu church has a very interesting history. Back in 1505, the Portuguese invaded Sri Lanka and they were successful in converting the people in the coastal line into Catholics. In this time the Madhu church was dedicated to Goddes Pattini which is stated to be existing since the Anuradhapura period. At one point a church was built in the same land where there was a Devale and all of a sudden the Devale disappeared even without any traces.
Thus the foundation of the church was laid in 1876. One of the main reasons why the church is considered powerful is that there have been instances where snake bites were miraculously healed.
Reaching the destination
From Colombo
Follow McCallum Road. Follow Colombo – Katunayake Expressway. Follow the Kandy-Jaffna highway to reach your destination. Continue on Pallawarayankaddu- Manniyakulam- Kilinochchi Road. Go on the Madhu church to your destination.
From Mannar
Head southeast on St Sebastian Road. Follow Navathkuli – Karativu – Mannar Highway. Take Pallawarayankaddu- Manniyakulam- Kilinochchi Road and Madhu road to your destination.
