Adaikala Madha Shrine, Elakurichi, Ariyalur

S.A.Clements -

Constantine Joseph Beschi (8 November 1680 – 4 February 1747), also known under his Tamil name as Viramamunivar, an Italian Jesuit priest, missionary in South India.

Rengappa Malavarayar was very much taken up by the learning and piety of Fr. Beschi. He was astonished that an European could possess such a vast and deep knowledge of “Tamil Grammar” and “Literature”. As a token of his appreciation he donated about 175 acres to this Church.

Adaikalamadha Church is located in Elakurichi Village in Ariyalur District of Tamilnadu. Elakurichi is one of the earliest historical Christian shrines in Tamilnadu. It is dedicated to Virgin Mary. This ancient church was built by the famous Catholic Missionary Beschi popularly known as ‘Veeramamunivar’.

It was here that he composed many of his master pieces like “Thembavani” (an epic on St. Joseph)” Thirukavalur Kalambaham” (a bouquet of poems on our Lady of Refuge). His prose works like “Vedhiyar Ozhukkam”, “Veda Vilakkam” etc. & his grammatical works on classical and spoken Tamil and his famous Tamil dictionary “Sadhuragarathi”.

A 53-foot-high bronze statue of Adaikala Matha has been installed at Adaikala Madha Shrine.