St. Mary’s Basilica is situated opposite the Russel Market Square in Shivajinagar, Bangalore. Initially, the basilica was built as a small chapel by Abbe Dubois, in the year 1818. However, later, Reverend L.E. Kleiner got it converted into an ornate Gothic style church. In 1882, St. Mary’s Basilica was adorned with a large number of stained glass windows, imported from Paris. However, during World War II, these windows were removed and then again restored in the year 1947, the year of India’s independence.
About ST Mary’s Cathedral Banglore :
The only church to attain the status of a basilica in Karnataka, St. Mary’s Basilica first came up as a small chapel in 1818 courtesy French missionary Abbe Dubois. In 1882 Reverend Kleiner transformed this humble structure into a magnificent Gothic style church by adorning it with decorative stained glass imported from Europe. The St Mary’s Church was conferred the status of a Basilica in 1973 through a papal order by Pope John Paul IV.
The St. Mary’s Basilica church boasts of an elegant interior with stained-glass windows, multiple columns with rich Corinthian capital supporting stately arches. In September each year, lakhs of devotees, dressed in saffron, gather here to celebrate St Mary’s Feast.
History:
The History of the Syrian Christians in Bangalore began when the Keralites, migrated during the early phase of 20th Century. Their main motive for this migration was economical and educational. The numerical growth of Syrian Christians created a demand for a worshipping place, since this community is a worshiping one. This was the result why Syrian Christian worship started in Bangalore by 1936.
Unfortunately during this period, the internal problems of the church in Malankara affected the regular worship in Bangalore. In the year 1958 unity among the two fractions of the Malankara church happened which paved the way to the growth of the activities of the church in Bangalore. But the whole situation changed in 1975 when the clouds of conflicts erupted in the church for the second time by the Catholicose faction, declaring the independence from the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church.
This significant event in the history of the Malankara church initiated the break up, and to build their own empire. Those who declared their allegiance with the throne of Antioch (Universal Syrian Orthodox church under the Holy See of Antioch), came together under one roof and formed St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church at Queens Road in Bangalore. This how the St.Mary’s Cathedral, Bangalore was born.
Architecture:
The spacious church is built in Gothic style in the form of a cross. The magnificent tower of the church is 160 feet high. The statue of Mary holding the infant Jesus in front of the church is a main attraction of the site. There is another statue of mother Mary located outside the main church building. It is believed that some miscreants destroyed the entire church in 1832; however, when they tried to destroy this statue they couldn’t do that; they lost their sight.
Getting there :
By Air : Bangalore International Airport is 40 km away from the heart of the city, Majestic. It costs about Rs 300 by auto rickshaw and Rs 600 by taxi. Pre paid taxi facilities are available in Airport. Bangalore airport is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities are also operated from Bangalore.
By Train : Bangalore Majestic, Bangalore Cantonment (8 km to Majestic) and Yeshwanthpur (10 km away from Majestic) are the three main stations in Bangalore. Bangalore Majestic is connected to all major cities in India.
By Bus : KSRTC buses connect all cities in the state to Bangalore. Many super deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore to Hyderabad, Cochin, Trivandrum, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa and Mysore.