Churches of India

Anniyan · August 17th, 2005, 05:19 AM

Let us have this 'Churches of India' thread as a point of collection for images of churches from all over India, and let us showcase our marvelous Churches of India to the foreigners. I beleive this 'Heritage Buildings & monuments' section attracts huge international forumers...

Before going to the photos section, here is a brief history of christianity in India...

Christianity in India

Christianity came to India long before America was found out, and even before many European countries became Christian. Many people in the West are misinformed that Christianity in India is a European contribution. In fact, Christianity in India is as old as Christianity itself, and it was brought to India by a disciple of Christ himself.

St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, came to India in 52 A.D., and landed at Kodungallur on the Malabar (presently Kerala) coast. He preached the Gospel to the Brahmin families of Kerala, many of whom received the faith. He established seven Churches there: Kodungallur, Kottakkavu, Palayur, Kollam, Kokkamangalam, Niranam and Chayil. It is also a tradition that he frequently visited Malayattoor hills for prayer. Later, he moved on to the east coast of India. He died in 72 A.D. at Little Mount ( Madras suburb) and his body was brought to Mylapore ( Madras) and was buried there. His tomb is venerated until this day.

There are 25 million Christians in India which is just below 3% of the total population of the country. This number is slightly more than the entire population of Australia and New Zealand, or slightly below the total population of Canada, or total population of several countries in Europe. There are parts of India as heavily Christian as any part of Europe or America, e.g., Kerala, Goa, Misoram, parts of Tamilnadu and few other north eastern states. Kerala has the largest number of Christians among the states. However, in North India, the Church is represented only by small and scattered communities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit & Enjoy Indian Churches.....a good example of india's diversity

Anniyan · August 17th, 2005, 05:20 AM

San Thome Cathedral, Chennai(Madras)

Built in 1504 and rebuilt in 1608 and 1893, the cathedral is said to house the remains of Apostle St. Thomas. The basilica has an enormous stained glass window and a beautiful one-meter statue of Virgin Mary that was brought from Portugal in 1543.

Anniyan · August 17th, 2005, 05:23 AM

Churches in Pondicherry ,

Since Pondicherry was once a french colony you can find the influence of french architecture.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Pondy

-

Immaculate Church,Pondicherry

Anniyan · August 17th, 2005, 05:36 AM

Santhome Cathedral is located at the site where St. Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ, was buried after his death in the year 72. The church is located a few metres from the sea at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Recently the Church was renovated - June 05, 2005

These photos were taken after the renovation.
copy right : velachery balu

Anniyan · August 17th, 2005, 05:37 AM

St. Philominas Cathedral, Mysore

Anniyan · August 17th, 2005, 05:41 AM

Church at Idaikathoor, Tamil Nadu

enroute from madurai to rameswaram is this grand church of heritage value.the church took 10 years to build and was blessed in 1894. the history of the church is that a french lady who had a problem in heart prayed towards the sacred heart of jesus and got cured miraculously. so she bid to build a church for the sacred heart of jesus similar to the church in reinns(not sure of spelling) in france.the church looks huge and grand in contrast to its surrounding which is a simple village. still large crowd gather every first friday in this church. the building had detoriated much and is now being renovated.

Anniyan · August 17th, 2005, 05:44 AM

Churches in Goa

Panjim's most distinctive and photogenic landmark is to be found at the Church square. The toothpaste-white Baroque facade of the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception looms over Church Square

The distinctive domed Church of St. Cajetan was erected between 1612 and 1661 by the Theatine Order. Sent to India by Pope Urban VIII, the priest-missionaries were refused entry to their original destination, the Sultanate of Galconda, and settled instead in Goa, where they built this miniature replica of St Peter's in Rome, naming it after the founding father of their Order.

Site of the world-famous mausoleum of St. Francis Xavier, the Bascilica of Bom Jesus is India's most revered and architecturally accomplished church. Work on the building was completed in 1605. In 1964, it became the first church in South Asia to be promoted to a minor Bascilica by order of Pope Pius XII, and today forms the main focus for Christian Worship in the old colonial capital.

---

Sridhar · August 18th, 2005, 08:32 PM

Here is an image of the oldest church in North India - the St. James Church in Delhi. It is located at Kashmiri Gate. For four years, its bells acted as the morning alarm for me on Sundays! There are few parishioners left in the area (it is an Anglican church and very few people in the area are Anglicans).

The grave of the person who commissioned the current building of the Church - Col. Skinner (who founded the Skinner's Horse - a surviving armoured regiment of the Indian Army).

An image of the same church from 1895.

RafflesCity · August 23rd, 2005, 06:45 AM

I am amazed!

The churches here are very grand, detailed and colourful!

Does anyone have pictures of this church?

St Mark's, North Georgetown, Madras (Chennai)

Anniyan · August 23rd, 2005, 03:43 PM

Rafflecity,
Are you sure that the church name is St. Marks and it is located in Chennai. As far as i know there is no St.Marks church in chennai , but there is one called St.Marys church.

-----------------------------------

St. Andrew's Church , Chennai

St. Andrew's Church was built by the British East India Company around 1821. This is also known as the queen of Scottish churches in the East. With ornate white Doric columns, tiled marble floors and a high sky blue dome decorated with gold stars, indeed, this is the most beautiful church in Chennai

Anniyan · August 23rd, 2005, 03:52 PM

St. Mary's Church, George Town, Chennai

The church is at Fort St. George. Entry - free. The oldest masonry church was consecrated in 1680. It has a building with its three arched aisles and bomb-proof roof. The marriage of Governor Elihu Yale (of Yale University fame) was the first to be performed at this church

Anniyan · August 23rd, 2005, 05:39 PM

Vailankanni (Velankanni), Tamil nadu.

Vailankanni is fondly known as the 'Lourdes of the East' because like Lourdes in France, millions of pilgrims visit the Shrine throughout the year.

Vailankanni, a hamlet on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal, is located 350 kilometers south of Chennai (Madras) and 12kilometers south of Nagappatinam. Nagapattinam, a town on the coast of Bay of Bengal, was referred by early writers and the Portuguese as "the city of Coramandel' (Imperial Gazetteer of India, XIX, 3). Vellayar river, a minor branch of the river Cauvery, runs on the south of the village and flows into the sea.

Readers may be startled to learn that Vailankanni was once a port and there is evidence to prove this. Historical notes reveal that people in this area traded with Rome and Greece, the ancient commercial centers of the western world.

The Basilicas are in honor of two apparitions of the Virgin Mary: one to "the Sheep Boy" (shepherd) and one to Portuguese sailors on troubled waters

Check out the photogallery of the website given below for more photos...
http://www.vailankannichurch.org

Sridhar · August 23rd, 2005, 07:32 PM

A side point. Velankanni seems to have good roads, road signage and street furniture for a town of its size.

RafflesCity · August 27th, 2005, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anniyan

Rafflecity,
Are you sure that the church name is St. Marks and it is located in Chennai. As far as i know there is no St.Marks church in chennai , but there is one called St.Marys church.

oh, maybe its St Marys....is it Anglican or Catholic?

but thanks for the pictures!

ChennaiChap · August 27th, 2005, 08:35 PM

Rafflecity & Anniyan,

There is a church named St.Mark's right next to my house in Georgetown, North Chennai. I am not sure if thats a famous one though !

St.Mary's is an Anglo-Indian church.

RafflesCity · September 9th, 2005, 12:28 AM

oh cool!

thanks for confirming about the existence of St Mark's, ChennaiChap!

any pics and info of St Mark's ???

Anniyan · December 25th, 2005, 03:57 AM

Wish you all a Merry Christmas

-----------------------
Copyright: justin mcrs

Church Festival
Kanya Kumari, Tamil Nadu

Car Festival ( in Tamil - Ther thiruvizha)

merijanpakistan · January 2nd, 2006, 10:10 AM

Hi,

Some of these churches are really beautiful. Wonder if they are in world heritage list!

Can any body come up with india's biggest churches and their pics?

Peace.

WillyWick · February 22nd, 2006, 02:39 AM

450 years old Ancient Catholic Church- Our Lady of Snows, constructed by Portuguese, Tuticorin

centralized pandemonium · February 24th, 2006, 05:11 AM

Philomina's Cathedral Mysore blows me away

.

August 17th, 2005, 05:19 AM	#1
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	Churches of India Let us have this 'Churches of India' thread as a point of collection for images of churches from all over India, and let us showcase our marvelous Churches of India to the foreigners. I beleive this 'Heritage Buildings & monuments' section attracts huge international forumers... Before going to the photos section, here is a brief history of christianity in India... Christianity in India Christianity came to India long before America was found out, and even before many European countries became Christian. Many people in the West are misinformed that Christianity in India is a European contribution. In fact, Christianity in India is as old as Christianity itself, and it was brought to India by a disciple of Christ himself. St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, came to India in 52 A.D., and landed at Kodungallur on the Malabar (presently Kerala) coast. He preached the Gospel to the Brahmin families of Kerala, many of whom received the faith. He established seven Churches there: Kodungallur, Kottakkavu, Palayur, Kollam, Kokkamangalam, Niranam and Chayil. It is also a tradition that he frequently visited Malayattoor hills for prayer. Later, he moved on to the east coast of India. He died in 72 A.D. at Little Mount ( Madras suburb) and his body was brought to Mylapore ( Madras) and was buried there. His tomb is venerated until this day. There are 25 million Christians in India which is just below 3% of the total population of the country. This number is slightly more than the entire population of Australia and New Zealand, or slightly below the total population of Canada, or total population of several countries in Europe. There are parts of India as heavily Christian as any part of Europe or America, e.g., Kerala, Goa, Misoram, parts of Tamilnadu and few other north eastern states. Kerala has the largest number of Christians among the states. However, in North India, the Church is represented only by small and scattered communities ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Visit & Enjoy Indian Churches.....a good example of india's diversity Last edited by Anniyan; August 23rd, 2005 at 05:48 PM.

August 17th, 2005, 05:23 AM	#3
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	Churches in Pondicherry , Since Pondicherry was once a french colony you can find the influence of french architecture. Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Pondy - Immaculate Church,Pondicherry Last edited by Anniyan; August 17th, 2005 at 05:30 AM.

August 17th, 2005, 05:41 AM	#6
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	Church at Idaikathoor, Tamil Nadu enroute from madurai to rameswaram is this grand church of heritage value.the church took 10 years to build and was blessed in 1894. the history of the church is that a french lady who had a problem in heart prayed towards the sacred heart of jesus and got cured miraculously. so she bid to build a church for the sacred heart of jesus similar to the church in reinns(not sure of spelling) in france.the church looks huge and grand in contrast to its surrounding which is a simple village. still large crowd gather every first friday in this church. the building had detoriated much and is now being renovated. Last edited by Anniyan; August 18th, 2005 at 04:40 PM.

August 17th, 2005, 05:44 AM	#7
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	Churches in Goa Panjim's most distinctive and photogenic landmark is to be found at the Church square. The toothpaste-white Baroque facade of the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception looms over Church Square The distinctive domed Church of St. Cajetan was erected between 1612 and 1661 by the Theatine Order. Sent to India by Pope Urban VIII, the priest-missionaries were refused entry to their original destination, the Sultanate of Galconda, and settled instead in Goa, where they built this miniature replica of St Peter's in Rome, naming it after the founding father of their Order. Site of the world-famous mausoleum of St. Francis Xavier, the Bascilica of Bom Jesus is India's most revered and architecturally accomplished church. Work on the building was completed in 1605. In 1964, it became the first church in South Asia to be promoted to a minor Bascilica by order of Pope Pius XII, and today forms the main focus for Christian Worship in the old colonial capital. --- Last edited by Anniyan; August 17th, 2005 at 04:52 PM.

August 23rd, 2005, 03:43 PM	#10
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	Rafflecity, Are you sure that the church name is St. Marks and it is located in Chennai. As far as i know there is no St.Marks church in chennai , but there is one called St.Marys church. ----------------------------------- St. Andrew's Church , Chennai St. Andrew's Church was built by the British East India Company around 1821. This is also known as the queen of Scottish churches in the East. With ornate white Doric columns, tiled marble floors and a high sky blue dome decorated with gold stars, indeed, this is the most beautiful church in Chennai Last edited by Anniyan; August 23rd, 2005 at 05:51 PM.

August 17th, 2005, 05:20 AM	#2
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	San Thome Cathedral, Chennai(Madras) Built in 1504 and rebuilt in 1608 and 1893, the cathedral is said to house the remains of Apostle St. Thomas. The basilica has an enormous stained glass window and a beautiful one-meter statue of Virgin Mary that was brought from Portugal in 1543.

August 17th, 2005, 05:36 AM	#4
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	Santhome Cathedral is located at the site where St. Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ, was buried after his death in the year 72. The church is located a few metres from the sea at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Recently the Church was renovated - June 05, 2005 These photos were taken after the renovation. copy right : velachery balu

August 17th, 2005, 05:37 AM	#5
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	St. Philominas Cathedral, Mysore

August 18th, 2005, 08:32 PM	#8
Sridhar Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,505 Likes (Received): 0	Here is an image of the oldest church in North India - the St. James Church in Delhi. It is located at Kashmiri Gate. For four years, its bells acted as the morning alarm for me on Sundays! There are few parishioners left in the area (it is an Anglican church and very few people in the area are Anglicans). The grave of the person who commissioned the current building of the Church - Col. Skinner (who founded the Skinner's Horse - a surviving armoured regiment of the Indian Army). An image of the same church from 1895.

August 23rd, 2005, 06:45 AM	#9
RafflesCity By Spirit Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S I N G A P O R E Posts: 26,215 Likes (Received): 1	I am amazed! The churches here are very grand, detailed and colourful! Does anyone have pictures of this church? St Mark's, North Georgetown, Madras (Chennai)

August 23rd, 2005, 03:52 PM	#11
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	St. Mary's Church, George Town, Chennai The church is at Fort St. George. Entry - free. The oldest masonry church was consecrated in 1680. It has a building with its three arched aisles and bomb-proof roof. The marriage of Governor Elihu Yale (of Yale University fame) was the first to be performed at this church

August 23rd, 2005, 05:39 PM	#12
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	Vailankanni (Velankanni), Tamil nadu. Vailankanni is fondly known as the 'Lourdes of the East' because like Lourdes in France, millions of pilgrims visit the Shrine throughout the year. Vailankanni, a hamlet on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal, is located 350 kilometers south of Chennai (Madras) and 12kilometers south of Nagappatinam. Nagapattinam, a town on the coast of Bay of Bengal, was referred by early writers and the Portuguese as "the city of Coramandel' (Imperial Gazetteer of India, XIX, 3). Vellayar river, a minor branch of the river Cauvery, runs on the south of the village and flows into the sea. Readers may be startled to learn that Vailankanni was once a port and there is evidence to prove this. Historical notes reveal that people in this area traded with Rome and Greece, the ancient commercial centers of the western world. The Basilicas are in honor of two apparitions of the Virgin Mary: one to "the Sheep Boy" (shepherd) and one to Portuguese sailors on troubled waters Check out the photogallery of the website given below for more photos... http://www.vailankannichurch.org Last edited by Anniyan; August 23rd, 2005 at 08:46 PM.

August 23rd, 2005, 07:32 PM	#13
Sridhar Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,505 Likes (Received): 0	A side point. Velankanni seems to have good roads, road signage and street furniture for a town of its size.

August 27th, 2005, 08:35 PM	#15
ChennaiChap Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 267 Likes (Received): 0	Rafflecity & Anniyan, There is a church named St.Mark's right next to my house in Georgetown, North Chennai. I am not sure if thats a famous one though ! St.Mary's is an Anglo-Indian church.

September 9th, 2005, 12:28 AM	#16
RafflesCity By Spirit Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S I N G A P O R E Posts: 26,215 Likes (Received): 1	oh cool! thanks for confirming about the existence of St Mark's, ChennaiChap! any pics and info of St Mark's ???

December 25th, 2005, 03:57 AM	#17
Anniyan Nocturnal...!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,465 Likes (Received): 329	Wish you all a Merry Christmas ----------------------- Copyright: justin mcrs Church Festival Kanya Kumari, Tamil Nadu Car Festival ( in Tamil - Ther thiruvizha)

January 2nd, 2006, 10:10 AM	#18
merijanpakistan We need Malcolm X Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Virginia, Mountain Mama! Posts: 638 Likes (Received): 2	Hi, Some of these churches are really beautiful. Wonder if they are in world heritage list! Can any body come up with india's biggest churches and their pics? Peace. __________________ ISLAMIC DEMOCRACY OF PAKISTAN: Zero Political Repression Zero Social Discrimination Zero Economic Exploitation Zero Environmental Extortion

February 22nd, 2006, 02:39 AM	#19
WillyWick Keep On Movin Now! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,490 Likes (Received): 0	450 years old Ancient Catholic Church- Our Lady of Snows, constructed by Portuguese, Tuticorin

February 24th, 2006, 05:11 AM	#20
centralized pandemonium Satyameva Jayate Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Can-duh-a Posts: 2,906 Likes (Received): 0	Philomina's Cathedral Mysore blows me away . __________________ Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he gets drunk and sunburned every weekend. www.ironaddicts.com

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