National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom

The basilica traces its origins to 1524 when Portuguese missionaries established the Church of the Holy Spirit and brought a sacred image of Our Lady of Ransom. After a devastating flood in 1676 destroyed the original church, the miraculous image was recovered floating in the backwaters by Paliyath Raman Valiyachan, who donated land for rebuilding. A sanctuary lamp donated by him has been burning continuously since 1676. In May 1752, a miracle involving Meenakshi Amma and her son being rescued from drowning after praying to the Virgin Mary established Vallarpadam as a major pilgrimage site. On December 1, 2004, Pope John Paul II elevated the shrine to the status of a Minor Basilica.

Known as the 'Lourdes of Kerala', the basilica is a major Christian pilgrimage center that attracts people from all backgrounds regardless of caste or creed. The annual Feast of Vallarpadathamma, celebrated from September 16 to 24, draws thousands of devotees. The shrine holds deep cultural significance as a symbol of faith and divine protection, with many pilgrims performing acts of thanksgiving such as sweeping the church floor. The devotion to Our Lady of Ransom has become an integral part of Kerala's Christian heritage.