Every Bollywood buff tourist coming to Bandra for the first time is fascinated with Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat, Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartment, Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa, and the list goes on.
Well, Bandra was never this glamorous. There is a centuries-old history connected. It was a fishing village initially later conquered by many dynasties. Every old edifice in Bandra has a long history. One of the major examples is Mount Mary Church.
Mumbai Mount Mary Church Mumbai dates back to the 15th Century making it one of the oldest churches in Mumbai and is located on the hilltop which is around 80 meters from the sea level. The church was originally built as a chapel by a Jesuit priest and was later rebuilt as a church.
About Mount Mary Church Mumbai
Don’t be surprised if you see a non-Christian come to the church, maybe not to pray but because of their inquisitiveness to find the truth and the fulfilment of their wishes.
History of Mount Mary Church
The Broken statue of Mother Mary was restored in 1761, the cathedral was rebuilt and a miniature detachable statue of Jesus was made to fill the space in the absence of the original right arm and placed there.
The Church was raided by the Marathas during the Marathas Invasion of Bassein led by Chimaji Appa in 1738, It was later rebuilt under the Maratha Rule and the statue was replaced with a statue of Our Lady of Navigators in the St Andrew’s Church nearby.
Legend has it that a Koli Chriristan fisherman dreamt of the statue floating in the sea, and as prophesied in the dream the statue was indeed found the next day, floating in the sea. A Jesuit annual letter dated 1669 and published in the book St Andrew’s Church, Bandra (1616–1966) supports this claim.
Mount Mary Church Architecture
The interior of the church has intricate paintings on the wall depicting the life of Mother Mary. At the centre of the sanctuary is the statue of Mother Mary holding baby Jesus. The statue is on top of the seven-storey high marble stairs.
On the top of the shrine, there is a painting of Mother Mary holding baby Jesus and other angles. There are many quotes from the Bible written on the wall of the Mount Mary Church.
The Mary Shrine
Fun Fact
Suggest Read: Film City In Mumbai: The City Made Of Film Sets And Cameras
Best Time To Visit Mount Mary Church
1. Mount Mary Festival
Mount Mary Festival is celebrated for more than 300 years. This festival is celebrated in the church premises and the carnival is hosted with games, concerts, and amusement rides.
Many stalls sell delicacies like sweets, homemade cakes and fudge, chikkis, and many other eatables. Other stalls sell candles, toys, artificial jewelry, and many other things.
2. Christmas
How To Reach Mount Mary Church
Via Rail
The nearest railway station to Mount Mary Church Mumbai is Bandra Railway Station. The Bandra Railway station is at a distance of 2.4 km from the church. You can get an auto rickshaw from Bandra Railway station.
You can also get a bus from Bandra Bus Station which is at a distance of 250 meters. Bus number 214 will leave you till Mount Mary steps.
Via Road
Bandra is well connected with the other parts of the city. You can book a cab or get a rickshaw to reach Mount Mary Church.
Mount Mary Church timings
Top Hotels Near Mount Mary Church
Although there are many top hotels near Mount Mary Church, the following are some of the curated ones
- Krazy Solo Hostel
- Taj Land End, Mumbai
- WOH Hostel
- Happinest – The Backpacker’s Hostel
- Theory9
Places To Visit Near Mount Mary Church
Well, there are a lot of places to visit near Mount Mary Church. Following are some of the places for you to visit near Mount Mary Church
- Bandra Fort
- Bandra bandstand
- Carter Road
- Bandra Beach
- The Habitat
- Bandra Reclamation
Suggest Read: Explore The Serenity Of Marine Drive In Mumbai
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mount Mary so famous?
Mount Mary is famous for Gothic and Neo-Romanesque architecture. It is also famous for the belief that every devotee’s wishes are fulfilled here.
Is Mount Mary a Catholic church?
Yes, Mount Mary is a Roman Catholic Church
How old is Mount Mary Bandra?
It is estimated that the church has a history from the 15th century.