TOP 5 MUST VISIT CHURCHES IN INDIA
India has been the land of several beliefs and cultures. Cultures followed now that Dates back a few thousand years like the Vedas. And being on one of the main trade routes it was often visited by different cultures, leaving back a sign that proves their foundation and existence by flourishing till date. Christianity was […]
India has been the land of several beliefs and cultures. Cultures followed now that Dates back a few thousand years like the Vedas. And being on one of the main trade routes it was often visited by different cultures, leaving back a sign that proves their foundation and existence by flourishing till date. Christianity was one such an example of a flourishing belief in India. Being the third largest religion in India there have been several churches built in India, many that date back a hundred or two hundred years.
St. Andrew’s Basilica, Arthunkal (Kerala)
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Arthunkal st. Andrews church Wikimedia Commons
It was originally built by the Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century and was rebuilt in 1584 by the then vicar father Jacoma Frenicio, who was fondly called as the fair skinned father. In 1640 the church was rebuilt, this time facing the beautiful Arabian Sea. Seven years later a statue of St. Sebastian, struck with arrows all over his bleeding body sculptured in Milan, was brought and placed in the Arthunkal church.
Bom Jesus (Goa)
One of the oldest churches in India, the construction of the church began in 1598 and the church was declared sacred on 1605. The church holds the body of St Francis Xavier who is said to have miraculous powers. The church has been declared a heritage site by the UNESCO and is thronged by tourists of all religions alike.
The Bandel Church (West Bengal)
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commons.wikimedia.org Wikimedia Commons
One of the oldest churches in West Bengal dating back to 1660 when it was built by the Portuguese in the same place where the older church was burnt down by the moors. The priests of the area began converting the settlers of that area and in 1598 there were at least five thousand catholic’s which included both the Indians and the mixed races. It is one of the most prominent historical churches in West Bengal.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church korlai(Maharashtra)
Est. in 1741 by the Portuguese the village still possesses a unique language spoken by the original converts. The land is shrouded in mystery with less than 3000 people living in the village. The village is totally cut off from the cities and is not much heard of.
Christ church (Shimla)
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commons.wikimedia.org Wikimedia Commons
This vintage church was built around 1844 and 1857 designed by Colonel JT Boileau. The church is nestled in the mountains and is a pure sight of bliss for the pious commuters and the excited tourists’ as well. This was where stereotypic photographs started off and the photographs taken during that time are still available. This is one place never to miss.
Top 5 Famous Churches in India
India is a country rich with diversity. It is a mixture of culture and religion of with the major ones includes Hinduism, Muslim and Christianity. Christianity occupies the third largest population in India. Due to the impact of western countries in the past many great churches are built where Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary are worshipped. The Holy Bible is the religious book of the Christians. During commemorative days and in Sundays Christians go to the churches and pray. Churches too are of various kinds depending on the beliefs like Orthodox Church , Protestants Church, Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church etc. Anyways, I have listed a few of the most famous churches in India.
Basilica in Old Goa
Basilica Bom is one of the famous and oldest churches in India located in Goa. It is 300 years old. Basilica Bom is considered as a UNESCO world heritage site. This church holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier body which is available for public display. Thousands of believers swarm up this church including tourists.
Malayatoor Church
Malyatoor church is the most prominent church of South India located in Kerala. Malyatoor church dates back to 52 AD. It was built by St. Thomas, Apostle and is located at the top of the hill. Malyatoor Church is considered as an international pilgrimage by Vatican. Malyatoor is actually a village in Ernakulam, Kerala. And hence got its name from consolidation between three words like Mala(Mountain), Arr(River) and Oore (place). Malyatoor is the meeting place of mountains, river and lands. People from around the world have to climb the mountain to have a look of this church.
Vallarpadam Church
Vallarpadam church is another famous church dedicated to Mary. Mother Mary is symbolized as Vallarpadathamma here. Vallarpadam was built in 1524 by Portuguese and was destroyed by Dutch people. This church is located in Bloghatty Island in west Ernakulam, Kerala at present. This church has been considered as the most scared church by Pope Leo XII. The Union government has declared this church as a famous pilgrimage center.
Holy Trinity Church, Bangalore
Holy Trinity Church was established in 1851 and is located in M.G road, Bangalore. This church used to be a famous military church in South India. The site of Holy Trinity church has been chosen by Bishop Corrie. This church was constructed in 1852. Trinity church consists of stained glass showing baptism of Lord Jesus. Queen Victoria’s own West Kent Regiment is depicted in the cross.
Velankanni Church
Velankanni church is considered as the most scared church among the Christians worldwide. Velankanni is situated in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, located in the Bay of Bengal. It is considered famous for the three miracles i.e. Apparition of Mary curing lame of buttermilk, Jesus to slumbering shepherd boy and survival of Portuguese sailors from sea storms. This prominent church is known as “Lourdes of East”. It is believed that offering candles to this church will improve your illness. The candles, too, can be given different shapes like lungs, hearts etc as per persons ailments.