Have you ever wondered what makes the Mount Mary Church one of the most popular and sacred places in Mumbai? This beautiful basilica, perched on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea, is not only a marvel of architecture, but also a testament of faith, culture, and tradition. Whether you are a religious pilgrim, a history buff, or a curious traveller, you will find something to admire and appreciate at this holy site.
In this article, we will take you on a journey to explore the Mount Mary Church, its history, legend, and significance. By the end of this article, you will have a deeper understanding and appreciation of this magnificent basilica and its role in Mumbai’s culture and society.
The Statue of Our Lady of the Mount
The main attraction of the Mount Mary Church is the statue of Our Lady of the Mount, also known as the Mother Mary or the Blessed Virgin Mary. This statue is believed to have miraculous powers and is venerated by devotees of different faiths and backgrounds. But how did this statue come to be at this location, and what is its origin and history?
According to legend, the statue was brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and was placed in a small chapel on the hill. However, in 1738, the chapel was raided and destroyed by the Marathas, and the statue was taken away. It was later found by a fisherman in the sea, and was restored and placed in a new church that was built on the same site in 1761. Since then, the statue has been the object of devotion and reverence for millions of people who visit the church every year.
The statue depicts the Mother Mary standing on a globe, with a serpent under her feet, and holding a sceptre in her right hand. She is dressed in a blue robe and a white veil, and has a crown on her head. The statue is adorned with flowers, candles, and jewellery, and is placed in a glass case behind the altar. The devotees offer prayers, candles, flowers, and wax figurines to the statue, and seek her blessings and protection. Many people also claim to have experienced miracles and healings after praying to the statue, and some even attribute their success and happiness to her grace.
The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary
One of the most important and festive occasions at the Mount Mary Church is the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated every year in September. This feast commemorates the birthday of the Mother Mary, and is also known as the Bandra Feast or the Mount Mary Fair. It is one of the biggest and oldest events in Mumbai, and attracts millions of people from all over the country and the world.
The feast begins with a novena, which is a nine-day prayer service, followed by a solemn mass on the feast day, which is usually on the 8th of September. The mass is attended by thousands of people, who fill the church and the surrounding area. The highlight of the mass is the procession, where the statue of the Mother Mary is carried on a decorated chariot through the streets of Bandra, accompanied by priests, nuns, and devotees. The procession is a sight to behold, as it is filled with music, chants, and colours.
The feast is not only a religious affair, but also a cultural and social one. During the feast, the area around the church is transformed into a carnival, with stalls selling food, drinks, games, souvenirs, and religious items. You can find a variety of cuisines, from local delicacies like vada pav and pav bhaji, to international dishes like Chinese and Lebanese. You can also enjoy games like lucky draw, ring toss, and shooting, and win prizes like toys, clothes, and electronics. You can also buy candles, flowers, wax figurines, and other offerings for the statue, and take home some memories of the feast.
The Bandra Fair
The Bandra Fair is a part of the feast, and is held for a week after the feast day. It is a continuation of the celebration and festivities, and is open to everyone, regardless of their religion or background.
The fair offers a range of attractions and activities for all ages and interests. You can marvel at the wax figurines of the Mother Mary, Jesus, saints, and celebrities, which are displayed at the fair. You can also light candles and make wishes at the candle wall, which is a huge wall covered with candles of different shapes and sizes. You can also indulge in some shopping and bargaining at the stalls, which sell everything from clothes and jewellery, to books and handicrafts. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with some delicious treats like guava cheese, marzipan, and kadio bodio, which are traditional sweets made during the fair.
You can visit the Mount Mary Steps, which are a series of steps that lead to the church, and are decorated with paintings and sculptures depicting the life of the Mother Mary. You can also visit the Bandstand, which is a promenade along the sea, and offers a panoramic view of the church and the city. You can also explore the nearby attractions, such as the Bandra Fort, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and the Bollywood Walk of Fame, which showcase the diversity and charm of Mumbai.
The Basilica’s Architecture and Interiors
The Mount Mary Church is not only a place of worship, but also a masterpiece of architecture and art. The church, which is officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, is a Roman Catholic Basilica, and is one of the few basilicas in India. The Mount Mary Church was declared a basilica in 1954, by Pope Pius XII, in recognition of its importance and popularity.
The basilica has a semi-gothic style, which combines the Gothic and Romanesque elements of architecture. The basilica has a cross-shaped plan, with a nave, a transept, and an apse.
The basilica’s interiors are equally impressive and beautiful. The basilica has a high altar, which is made of marble, and has a canopy and a tabernacle. The basilica has stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the Bible and the life of the Mother Mary. The basilica has paintings, which portray the history and legends of the church and the statue. The basilica has statues, which represent the saints and the angels. The basilica has a choir loft, which has an organ and a gallery. The basilica has a sacristy, which has a vestry and a treasury. The basilica has a crypt, which has a chapel and a museum.
How to Reach and Visit the Mount Mary Church
The church is located in Bandra West, which is a suburb of Mumbai, and is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here are some of the best ways to reach and visit the church:
By train: The nearest railway station to the church is Bandra, which is on the Western Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway. You can take a local train from any of the stations in Mumbai, and get down at Bandra.
By bus: The nearest bus stop to the church is Mount Mary, which is on the Hill Road.
By taxi: The easiest and fastest way to reach the church is by taxi, which is available from any part of Mumbai.
By air: The nearest airport to the church is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which is about 12 km away.
Once you reach the church, you can visit it anytime between 6 am and 10 pm, on any day of the week. The church is open to all, and there is no entry fee or dress code.
The Mount Mary Church is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty, history, and culture of Mumbai. We hope you enjoyed this article, and learned something new and interesting about the Mount Mary Church.
