Tuesday, June 29, 2010

MyWorld



The shrine of Our Lady of the Mount popularly known as Mount Mary or Mat Mauli, the corrupted form of Mata Mauli or Mother Mauli, is one of the most famous Christian shrines in India. The shrine, at that time a modest little hermitage, was founded by the Jesuits round about the years 1568-1570. In 1640 the hermitage was enlarged into a chapel. However another reference states, " In the year 1678 a chapel was built by the Portuguese and named Capella de N. Senhora do Monte, which was made filial to the ancient church of St. Anne."( B. L. D'silva in the Indian Antiquary XIX, pp. 443-44.) However one thing is certain that by 1679 it had become a famous place of pilgrimage frequented by Christrians and non-Christians alike. The present church which is a fine example of Gothic architecture with its noble facade and its soaring spires was built in 1904. he status of the shrine of Mount Mary was raised to a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XII, at the time of the centenary celebrations of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
A huge fair is held in honour of Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ and is celebrated during the Octave (Sunday to Sunday) following the feast on 8th September. During the period thousands of devotees from all walks of life with no discrimination of caste and creed throng the road leading to the chapel of Our Lady of the Mount that goes to show the secular nature and cosmopolitan character of Bombay city.
Info sourced from Maharashtra State Gazetteers

To view images from around the world please click here

Posted by Picasa

34 comments:

  1. Marvelous, interesting post for My World and a beautiful photo as always. Looks as though there are connectivity problems again, glad you were able to post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thats a very good pic. We dont get to see the entire church now a days.
    BTW Mount Mary doesnt mean mother mary. It is the shortform of Our Lady of the Mountains.

    ReplyDelete
  3. such fascinating history!



    Aloha from Waikiki

    Comfort Spiral

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brilliant catch Sir! Thanks very much for the history snippet!

    ReplyDelete
  5. gorgeous! this shrine is almost as old the cathedral i posted today.:p

    ReplyDelete
  6. très belle église, une belle architecture

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would never have placed that building in India. Thanks for all the info, I learned something new :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. It is a beautiful church. It is nice that India is a country of so many religions and beliefs, coexisting side by side, in harmony.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear friend,
    I'm enchanted by this post, wonderful work!This church is magnificent!
    Happy Tuesday
    Léia :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have been here..long time back...beautiful place..
    Nice Photo..

    ReplyDelete
  11. That is such a regal looking church! And the history behind it is so interesting too. There are so many places of worship like this, where there is no discrimination of any sort, makes one feel so good.

    Love posts of this sort. Jumped over from your comment.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is a beautiful building. I am so very glad you captured it and gave us some history. It is wonderful sharing with folks from all over the world. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The architecture looks somehow out of place in India.

    ReplyDelete
  14. few words of appreciation r not enough 2 express d beauty!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Where did mumbai go today? no post for today?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Slendid image and post, very interesting and uplifting.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for these pictures. Love the pictures of churches and their history. And then I add them to my list of places I want to visit.

    I have even heard that this church is famous for wish fulfillment.

    Planning to visit soon.

    Thanks and keep up the good work

    Rinzu

    ReplyDelete
  18. very cool pics and insights into life in your neck of the world...

    ReplyDelete
  19. I live not far from where this church is but I have never seen it in it's entirety. Thanks for this.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love this building.. I've driven up here a number of times, it's amazing.
    Do you know there are stairs opposite the church, where you can light candles. I don;t know what it's called, but the view of the sea from up there is exceptional.

    Thanks for sharing this picture. It's great.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Where did you click this from? Awesome..

    ReplyDelete
  22. Do take us inside too! Please won't you?...this photo begs for a tour into the church

    ReplyDelete
  23. This could have been almost any city in Europe based solely on the architecture of the church. What a great find!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I live not far from where this church is but I have never seen it in it's entirety. Thanks for this.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for these pictures. Love the pictures of churches and their history. And then I add them to my list of places I want to visit.

    I have even heard that this church is famous for wish fulfillment.

    Planning to visit soon.

    Thanks and keep up the good work

    Rinzu

    ReplyDelete