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

Famous Mosques in India

While Islam spread through India, many mosques have been built for its propagation.Through the passing of time, these centers of worship have become well known and popular tourist destinations, owing to the architectural grandeur and spirituality associated with them. Historically, speaking about the mosques in India, the Cheraman Juma Masjid located at Methala village, in Kerala is considered to be the first Indian mosque which was builtaround 629 AD. This small but beautiful looking mosque depicts a mix of Arabian and Keralite artistry in its construction. A traditional pond still exists today in testimony of the religious fervor it used to contain. Cheraman Juma Masjid Location : 1500 m from Kodungallur Centre, Kerala Significance : First Juma Mosque in India Named After : King Cheraman Perumal Situated in : Methala Village This Mosque is located at Kodungallur, about 37-km from Thrissur. This Mosque resembles temple. Built in 628 AD, in Al Hijra 7, that is, 7 years after Prophet's migration to Madina, it is the oldest Mosque in India and the second oldest in the world. The legend has it that King Cheraman Perumal converted into Islam and accepted the name of Thajudeen. It was after the conversion he married the sister of Jeddah King of Saudi Arabia. Before his death Thajudeen had handed over letters addressed to various Kings in Kerala, requesting help to propagate Islam, to his brother-in-law. The history has to say that the King of Jeddah came to Kerala and sought help of the King of Kodungallur to build a Mosque. The Kodungallur King offered all help and the Juma Masjid named after Cheraman came up. The Legend It is locally supposed that King Cheraman Perumal went to Mecca , embraced Islam and accepted the name Thajuddin. He married the sister of the then King of Jeddah and settled down there. Before his death he handed over to the King of Jeddah numerous letters addressed to some rulers of Kerala seeking their help to propagatethe tenets of Islam in Kerala. After his death the king came to Kerala and met the Rajah of Kodungalloor who helped him to convert the Arathali temple into a Juma Masjid. Women are not permitted into the mosque at any time. Male visitors are permissible in with the prior permission of the cleric of the mosque. The festivals of Ramadan and Bakrid are celebrated with a lot of fervour in this mosque The biggest and most famous of the historical mosques in India, Jamma Masjid at Delhi is most renowned for its size; it is the largest mosque in India. Nearly 20000 people reportedly visit it everyday. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan this sandstone and white marble monument is constructed on a highest platform so that its beautiful facade is visible to all across a great distance. Jama Masjid Jama Masjid of Delhi is the largest mosque in India. The Jama Masjid stands across the road in front of the Red Fort. Built between 1644 and 1658, Jama Masjid is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid holds thousands of faithful. Jama Masjid is located on a mound in the heart of the old city and projects beautifully into the Old-Delhi skyline. Jama Masjid Mosque was built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans. Originally called the Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, or "mosque commanding view of the world", the Jama Masjid stands at the center of the erstwhile capital city of the Mughals, Shahjahanbad. The Jama Masjid was completed under the supervision of Saadullah Khan, the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. A sum of Rs 10 lakhs was spent on the construction of the Jama Masjid. The Jama Masjid is built on a red sandstone porch, about 30 feet (10 m) from the level of the ground and is about 1400 square yards (1200 m²) in extent. The Jama Masjid has three gateways, four towers and two minarets. The gateways in the north and south are led by a fleet of steps. The main entrance is on the eastern side facing the red fort. It was probably used by the emperors. The tower of the Jama Masjid is made up of five distinctive storeys. Each one of the storeys has a projecting balcony. The adjoining edifices are beautifully done with calligraphy. The first three storeys of the Jama Masjid tower are made of red sandstone and the fourth one is made of marble, while the fifth is made of sandstone. The Jama Masjid is covered with intricate carvings and has verses inscribed from the holy Koran. The grand Red fort (Lal Qila) stands on the eastern side of the Jama Masjid. The main prayer hall of the Jama Masjid is made up of high cusped arches and marble domes. The cabinet in the north gate of the Jama Masjid contains a collection of Muhammad's relics - the Koran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprints, implanted in a marble block. Rated among the historically famous mosques in India, is the Fatehpur Sikri Mosque at Agra. It today stands in grandeur of the bygone era and reflect true form of Persian an Hindu architecture; though some even attribute it to the famous Mecca, owing to the striking resemblance to it. Jami Masjid Fatehpur Sikri Jami Masjid or the Friday Mosque is one of the most beautiful and largest mosques of the world. This elegant building is the most sacred building and the principal mosque of the town and thus situated on the highest point of the ridge where Fatehpur Sikri is situated. In fact, the Buland Darwaja commemorating the victory of Akbar over Deccan and the Tomb of the famous Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti are a part of this spacious mosque complex. Built in the supervision of the saint himself and his descendants, it was completed in 1571. The vast quadrangle has the mosque on the western side and arcuate cloisters with broad slanting chhajja and splendid brackets crowned by series of square chhatris on the other three sides along with Buland Darwaja on the south, Badshahi Darwaja on the east and the tombs of Sheikh Salim and Islam Khan and the ablution tank in the inner courtyard. The main rectangular mosque consists of a central nave with a single dome, two colonnaded halls on its either side with two square chambers crowned with dome. The elegant and beautifully carved mihrabs adorn the main chamber and the two smaller rooms. The mosque marks the phase of transition in Islamic art as the indigenous architectural elements were blended with the Persian architecture. The pillared dalan of the façade, the iwan with three arched openings also framed by panels and crowned by five chhatris and the central mihrab adorned with inlaid mosaic of stones that are bordered by glazed tiles and has golden inscriptions on royal blue background. The interiors of the iwan are adorned with watercolor paintings depicting stylized floral designs. Even the dado panels, spandrels of arch, squinches and soffits are also painted profusely. Unlike other monuments, where domes are supported on squinches, here elegant corbelled pendentives support the done. The entrance to the mosque is through the famous 54 meter high 'Buland Darwaza', and located to the north of the mosque is the Shaikh Salim Chisti Dargah, which is said to posses the power to bless the childless with children. The trail for famous mosques in India leads us to the Ajmer Sharief, called the 'Mecca of South Asia'. Located at the center of the Ajmer town in Rajasthan, this famous Dargah holds the tomb of the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The holy shrine inside the Dargah is encased by pure gold railing, while its apex also is a complete gold structure, drawing huge crowds on Urs festival that begins on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir in the month of May. A daily ritual that is also famous at the Dargah, is the cooking of kheer in two huge cauldrons that were donated by the emperors Akbar and Jahangir, to feed the poor, and the devotees visiting the Dargah. Ajmer Sharief About 135 kilometers southwest of Jaipur is Ajmer, the most sacred of all Muslim places of pilgrimage in India. The revered Sufi saint, Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti, who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192, died in 1236 and was buried here. His tomb, the Dargah is visited by thousands of devout Muslims every year. The shrine was erected by Humayun. The Dargah also has mosques which were built by rulers such as Shah Jahan, Jahangir and Akbar. Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to Ajmer every year from Agra. The entrance to the complex is from the Dargah Bazaar which leads to the first courtyard. This courtyard has a mosque built by Akbar and two cauldrons known as degs in which donations are made. These donations are later divided among the poor. The saints's tomb is in the centre of the second court. It is enshrined in a domed marble chamber and is surrounded by silver railings. The tomb attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year on the anniversary of the saint's death, which falls in the seventh month of the lunar calendar. It is also the venue for the famous Urs festival. (Sources:http://www.indiatemples.co.in/mosques/mosques-in-india.html, http://www.onlytravelguide.com/kerala/spiritual/cheraman-juma-masjid.php, http://www.culturalindia.net/monuments/jama-masjid.html, http://www.theindiatravel.com/travel/favourites/pilgrimage/AjmerSharief.htm)

Very Good Message

1} Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

2} Do you know why a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rearview Mirror is so small?
Because our PAST is not as important as your FUTURE. Look ahead and Move on.

3} Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it
takes years to write.

4} All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.

5} Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a
Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!

6} Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles
from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

7} When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities;
when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8} A blind person asked Swami Vivekanand: "Can there be anything
worse than losing eye sight?"
He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"

9} When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them,
and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10} WORRYING does not take away tomorrows' Trouble, it takes away today's PEACE.


“Minds are like parachutes.
They only function when they are open.”
~ Sir James Dewar