Pothakalanvilai Kalyana Matha
Pothakalanvilai is a parish in Thoothukudi District with a unique tradition. At the earlier period it was very much backward in Socio – Economic perspective. But later due to the selfless service and spiritual guidance of the parish priests, pothakalanvilai turned into a famous one and got a pride of place among other parishes. The Shining moment came when the church was proclaimed as shrine.The Apostles who came to Malabar in the footsteps of St.Thomas gave baptism to the people living here at the very early period. The Tamil speaking area was carved out into Malabar. The fact that Mother Mary attained Divine grace with all her worldly appearance made many churches dedicated to her.
The Seafarers and Merchants from Europe who landed at Tamil shores came to Pothakalanvilai via Manapad and offered prayers to Mother Mary. They got their prayer requests heard especially on long delayed Marriages. The couples visiting this church were blessed with children. It is they who called her Thirukalyana Matha .As a follow up some families from Manapad came to live in Pothakalanvilai. In the following years they migrated to other places.