Famous Churches in India

Christianity, in India was considered have its origin in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where many of the famous India churches still exist today. It was recorded in history that Apostle Thomas has set foot in Kodungallur, Kerala somewhere around 1st century; who built the famous 'Seven Churches' there. He also helped Christianity spread rapidly to other Indian states. Of the famous Churches in South India, Mar Thoma Church at Kodungaloor in Kerala is one of the seven churches built by St. Thomas, and is considered to be the first Catholic Church in India. Marthoma Shrine, a historical church in Kodungallur, is located at Azhikode, the place at which Saint Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus, landed first time in India to propagate Christianity. Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine is a renowned religious destination in Thrissur district of Kerala. The shrine is built in Indo Persian style. The altar depicts the holy relics of Marthoma Sleha (St Thomas). Daily masses and Novena are conducted in this church.  The shrine offers a short video showing the life of St Thomas to the visitors. It is a nice experience to visit this holy church with devotion and prayers. Occupying the position of the most famous church in India is the San Thome Basilica. Built by the Portuguese at Santhome in Chennai around 16th century, it was later made into a cathedral by the British around 1893 and then into a Basilica around 1896. This India Church has beautiful stained glass depictions around it showing various stages of the life of St. Thomas in glory and splendor, and also contains a statue of Virgin Mary, that traces it origin to Portugal. Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Chennai The Santhome Cathedral Basilica Church in Chennai is a sacred place especially for the Catholic Christians. Touring to this Chennai(Madras )Santhome Cathedral Basilica church is pretty easy, as you will get auto rickshaws, 'call taxis' and even luxurious cabs. Auto rickshaws are the cheapest ones but bargain carefully before you get into one. The call taxis are the cabs that you get on your doorstep at any time whenever you call them. They charge higher but they are very active in their service. The name of Santhome Cathedral Basilica was derived from the name St. Thomas who is an archbishop of the Catholic Christians. St. Thomas who is a hard-core devotee of Jesus Christ was buried in this place and as a tribute to his soul a church has been built up in this southern part of Marina beach. This church in Madras is been erected in accordance to the Gothic style of architecture. Also you can read the stained glass were the divine moment of St. Thomas's meeting with the resurrected Christ is been depicted. Some remains of the corpse and also a part of the St. Thomas's bone are been preserved in the crypt. The quest for South India Churches cannot end, without the mention of Velankanni Church, located at Velankanni, Tamilnadu. This is the most visited pilgrimage center for Christians across the nation and world too. It is no wonder that the highest echelon of the Catholic community, the Pope, called it a 'holy city' after all. Velankanni Church Velankanni Church is located in Nagapattinam. You can travel to Nagapattinam by train or bus. The distance of Nagapattinam from Madras or Chennai is about 350 kms. Velankanni Church in Chennai is also called as the 'Mecca of the Christians'. The principal shrine of this Velankanni church is Mother Mary and she is also prayed and worshipped by the people as the Lady of Health.  This church is also known as the 'Sacred Arogya Matha Church'. And though it is known as the 'Mecca of Christians' people of all different castes crowd in the feet of the Virgin Mary to receive her blessings. Also the sight of Velankanni church is stunning with its sky-reaching towers.  Christ Church at Ridge, Shimla: Among the most notable Churches in North India, the most popular is the Holy Christ Church of Shimla, located at Ridge Ground; this beautiful yellow colored Church is visited by tourists across the world and has even appeared in many Bollywood movies. Standing high at famous Ridge ground of Shimla, visible from different parts of main Shimla, is the yellow coloured holy Christ Church. This Christ Church at Ridge, Shimla is considered to be one of the oldest Churches in North india. Whenever Shimla is remembered or shown in photographs or videos, one can always see this Christ Church at Ridge associated with Shimla. It seems as if this Christ Church symbolizes Shimla. As the tourist enter into the hills of Shimla near Sankat Mochan, this Christ Church adding to the beauty of Shimla hills is first seen due to its location at summit point (Ridge, Shimla) and tall architecture. Mostly each and every visitor coming to Shimla does visit this holy Christ Church at Ridge. During winters, the Christ Church at Ridge, Shimla gives even more fantastic view as snow covers its entire premises making it heavenly place to visit. Moreover, December 25th, that is X-mas, is the best day to see this Christ Church in Shimla. A year ago the renovation work was going on the Christ Church at Ridge Shimla. Now, it has completed giving it a fantastic look. St. John's Church located about four to five kilometers from the popular 'Peace of Mind Spot' in Mcleodganj, Dharamshala is considered the oldest of the Cathedrals in North India. It was built around 1852. There is an absolute virginity associated with this Church-it is completely surrounded by Deodar trees and in a natural atmosphere. Its tapering high windows, the front and back sides of its building all seem to be in perfect harmony with the deodar grove which is a home to lots of monkeys, baboons and birds. In 1905 earthquake, the bellfry of the church was completely destroyed. However, the rest of the building escaped damage. A new bell (built in 1915) was brought from England and installed outside in the compound of the church. The church witnessed a special event in 1992 when visitors from 39 countries participated in its service. Coming to the most famous Catholic Church in India, 'Basilica of Bom Jesus' located at Panjim, Goa, is considered one of the most sacred and preserved. It is here that the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are preserved and kept for public viewing. When ever the Church puts up the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier for public display, a large number of visitors and pilgrims throng the Church. This church is accorded the status of 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO. Basilica of Bom Jesus Location: Old Goa, 10 kilometers from the city of Panjim Highlights: World Heritage Site, Preserved body of St. Francis Xavier How to Reach: The Bom Jesus church is a very popular tourist attraction and can be reached from Panaji or any other place nearby by hiring a taxi, auto, or even a bus. One of the most popular churches in Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus truly deserves to be given the status of a World Heritage Site. It is located in Old Goa which was the capital city during the Portugal rule. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous for the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. He was the member of Society of Jesus and came to India to spread Christianity with the Portuguese. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is India's first minor cathedral and is supposed to be the best example of decorative architecture in India. The name of the Church, Bom Jesus basically means "Good Jesus" and is used for Jesus when he was an infant. The Bom Jesus church was constructed around 1695 and it became an important milestone in the historical legacy of Christianity. St. Francis Xavier was a member of the Society of Jesus who preached the enlightening teachings of Christianity when he came to India along with the Portuguese. While on a voyage to China from India, he died on the ship on 2nd December, 1552. It is said that the following year when the body of the saint was being transferred to Goa as per his wishes, the people were shocked to find his body fresh as ever. This was claimed to be a miracle and his body was preserved in an air tight coffin made of glass and placed inside a silver casket. Every year thousands of devotees visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus on 2nd December to see the mortal remains of the saint that is displayed publicly. Now, the practice has been stopped to prevent the body from deterioration. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the richest churches located in Goa. The interiors of the church are as beautiful and extravagant as the exteriors. The floor of the church is made of pure white marble, decorated with semi-precious stones. The altar of the church is adorned elaborately and covered with gold. It measures around 54 feet high and is 30 feet broad. The church's interior is strikingly charming yet simple and is built in the Mosaic-Corinthian style. The tomb where the body is kept was carved intricately by Giovanni Battista Foggini, who was a 17th century sculptor. The walls are decorated with old paintings of the saint. A trip to Basilica of Bom Jesus is a must when you visit Goa.

Sources:

http://www.chennai.org.uk/religious-places/churches/velankani-church.html

http://www.himachalspider.com/resources/2469-Introduction-Famous-Christ-Church-at-Ridge.aspx

http://www.mcllo.com/Places%20to%20see%20Dharamsala%20%5BMcllo.com%5D.html

http://www.goavacationguide.com/basilica-bom-jesus.html)

http://www.chennai.org.uk/religious-places/churches/basilica-church.html