The church has been renowned from time immemorial for the intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary. The original altar is known as Swayamvara Altar – a rare title bestowed by the Holy Father. It is believed that those who pray at this altar with complete self-surrender would surely receive special blessings. When the church was reconstructed again in 1987, the original altar, made of wood with intricate carvings and murals depicting the glories of Blessed Virgin Mary, was kept intact and is still presesrved as a historical monument. On the occasion of the consecration of the fourth remodeled Church, His Eminence Cardinal Lourdswamy declared this ancient shrine as a Marian Pilgrim Centre, in consideration of its contributions to the history of the Church in Kerala and the significant role it played as a centre of pilgrimage and a spiritual powerhouse. The colossal belfry built in gothic style almost a century ago with a huge statue of Mother Mary on the top, is of monumental importance and still remains as the tallest structure in the vicinity.
