Thanjavur Sightseeing - Our Lady of Sorrows Church

Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Pookara street, Thanjavur which is fondly known as Viagula Madha Church by the people is the oldest church in the present Thanjavur District. 

The Jesuit Annual letters testify that this church was in existence at Pookara street several years before the time of Veramamunivar (1740 A. D.) who rendered wonderful service for the development of Tamil language.  'Serfoji the Great' (1798-1832 A.D.) the great Maratha ruler of Thanjavur had contributed generously both in terms of money and lands to this church, just like he helped other churches in Thanjavur.  People teem in thousands to attend the annual car festival of this church which is celebrated every year with pomp and gaiety in the third week of September. Christians as well as people of other religions jubilantly join in the celebration and every Saturday we see people praying in this church without any discrimination of religion or caste.  Even today it stands as a symbol of religious harmony in this temple town.