Churches of Mumbai
Churches in Mumbai reflect the long association of Mumbai with the British and the Portuguese during the colonial era. Apart of
being
a sacred place of worship, these churches are rich repository of
architectural specimens that involve all major trends of the European
art and culture.
Mt. Mary Church
Location Bandra West, Mumbai
How to reach Board a local that will take you here, or hire an auto or taxi
Presiding Deity Virgin Mary
Special Attraction Bandra Fair
Best Time to visit September & anytime of the year
Mt. Mary Church is among the most
prominent churches in Mumbai, with devotees flocking here from all
faith. Situated in West Bandra past Hill Road the Basilica of our Lady
of Mount Mary was built by the Portuguese in 1640. Mary Church is famous
for the kind rituals that reinforce the power of prayers. The Marathi
speaking communities refer Mother Mary as – Math Mauli.
In the month of September the festival
of the Virgin Mother culminates in a week long Bandra fair. Abuzz with a
carnival like excitement, the Bandra fair has stalls selling gooey Goan
sweets and wax idols of the Virgin along with an assortment of candles
shaped like hands, feet and various other parts of the body. It is the
time when the sickly and all those in need for blessings converge with a
pious hope that Mother Mary will consider their appeals for help.
The locale of Mt. Mary Church is just as
picturesque as it’s sacred. One can watch the sunset and calmness that
engulfs Arabian Sea from this place. With devotees flocking Mt. Mary
Church all round the year, it has gained a special place of faith among
the hearts of people from all sects and religion. People strongly
believe that Mount Mary fulfils their genuine wishes if prayers are made
earnestly and faithfully.
St Michael’s Church Mumbai
Location Mahim, Mumbai
How to reach Board a local that will take you here, or hire an auto or taxi
Kind of Church Catholic
Best time to visit Anytime of the year
St. Michael’s Church
is among the oldest Catholic churches in Mumbai. As an influence of two
major colonial powers the British and the Portuguese, churches came to
being all over India and Mumbai was not untouched. St. Michaels Church
situated on the Upper Mahim evokes the beginning of Christianity within
India.
It is believed that St. Michaels Church
was built early in the 16th Century and the written documents confirm
its existence since 1565. In the year 1854, when Bishop Hartmann lost
control of the church, he raised funds and built Our Lady of Victory
Church neat St. Michael’s. Today both these churches are still extant on
their sites. The current structure of St. Michaels was rebuilt in 1973.
Today St. Michael’s Church is popular for its Novenas on Wednesdays.
As a catholic heritage of Mumbai, St.
Michael’s church is keeping up with the changing times. Catholic
devotees flock the church and attend the daily masses that are held
here. Christmas is the occasion when St. Michael’s Church drape an
extravagant look, with people from all faiths congregating to present a
secular face of India.
St. Thomas’ Cathedral
is the first Anglican Church in Mumbai, situated near the Flora
Fountain. Built in 1718, St. Thomas Cathedral was an effort to improve
the moral standards of the growing British settlement. This church was
selected for the UNESCO Asia-Pacific heritage conservation award 2004.
Wodehouse Church is
another major church situated on Wodehouse Road at Colaba in Mumbai.
Christian devotees flock the Wodehouse church on a regular basis. On
January 15, 2004, the Wodehouse Church entered its centenary year. The
Wodehouse Church is exorbitantly decorated with a glut of art and that
does not distract the devotees, instead they inspire and add to the
peace and tranquility amidst the aesthetic appeal.