Vallarpadam Church

 Although these candles brighten up many hearts and people pray wholeheartedly to their Gods to grant their wishes, it doesn't move me one bit. I still continue to believe that Science Rules& Rocks and the theory of evolution makes more sense than all these things. There is some force indeed and I honestly and firmly believe that what goes around comes around and life does boomerang on those who have sinned in one way or the other.

I have seen that among many family members and friends. Our actions speak louder than our words and no matter how many loud speakers one installs to sing and praise your Gods or add and gather members to your tribe, nothing will be effective!!!PERIOD!

For others' sake I too lit a candle but with emptiness in my heart just the hope that our journey to and fro would be eventful and safe!

The moment you do a good deed- adopt a girl child, feed the hungry, contribute to give some form of sturdy roof over a person's head, clothe a person or educate a poor child, that will be recorded in that "Book of good deeds." That's what I have learnt from my life's experiences and from watching others.

This trip was a deviation from my sight seeing of Kochi. The family friends we were with insisted that I make a visit to this church. They know that I am not much a believer, nevertheless, they wanted to share their knowledge and felt I would be amazed at the sheer beauty and elegance of this religious place to many. It was a nice drive to the church. We all managed to cram into S and R's small car along with their tall, grown up children. I was quite doubtful with my size and the space but they seemed to have hands on experience in squeezing people in.

So with their confidence, I did fit into the car along with the others :)

I did enjoy the tour and loved R's enthusiasm but nothing really stirred me as far as God was concerned. I could see her expressions as she explained everything. Looks like she has been doing this for long-taking her friends or relatives around. She enjoys it!

So before I go about more with my lack of faith and other rubbish, I will let my pictures do the talking. I lost my faith when I lost all hope to get my mother back during the process of her illness and other family interventions...until then there was something in me that clung on...

 These brooms which the child is about to pick has a huge impact here...it is believed that if one sweeps the place surrounding this shrine all your sins are washed away or granted! Hmmmmm...

And all around this church within their compound one sees this Rosary Park which is a photographer's delight and majestic to many! It depicts various events of the life of Christ and the picture does speak volumes. The images appear so life like and in our face.

 Oh yeah, the betrayer with his bag ...so many amongst us in this world!

"People are not able to sweep and dust off the dirt from their own door mats but are so ready to crib about the dirt on others' door mats!" -Food for thought :)