Mount Mary Church, Mumbai - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit
India | Maharashtra | Mumbai
#13 of 34 Places to Visit in Mumbai
Distance (From Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus): 16 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1-2 Hours
Place Location: Bandra
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab / Auto
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 16 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, more commonly known as Mount Mary Church, is a Roman Catholic Church located in Bandra, Mumbai. It is one of the most well-known churches in Mumbai and also one of the famous Mumbai places to visit. The basilica is situated on a hillock known as Sunderban Bandra, about 80 m above sea level overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Dedicated to Virgin Mary, the church was built in 1640 AD. Jesuit priests brought the statue of Mary from Portugal and built a chapel in 16th Century. This small basilica was later renovated to its current semi-Gothic form. It was destroyed in 1738 AD during a raid by the Marathas and then rebuilt the Church in 1761 AD. There are two statues of Mary at the Church, one inside the church and one outside. It is an ideal place for peace-seekers and those who love to explore Colonial architectural.
It is believed that the church has unbelievable healing powers and for this reason, the church is visited by many devotees every day. People who suffer from any disease bring wax figures depicting their illnesses to the Mount Mary Church in the hope that they would be cured. Some also say that those who sincerely pray at the Mount Mary Church often get their wishes fulfilled.
The church is popular for a festival of Mother Mary popularly known as Bandra Fair in the month of September. The feast is followed by a week-long celebration and is visited by thousands of people from all faiths. During the Bandra Fair, the entire area is decorated with festoons and buntings. One can get a spectacular view of sunsets from this church.
The stalls in the Fair sell sweets, wax idols of Mother Mary, and collection of candles in the shape of hands, feet and different other parts of the body. The ailing people light candles in the Church that correspond to their illness with the hope that Mother Mary will cure them of their ailment.
Timings: 8 AM - 8.30 PM from Monday to Saturday, 10 AM - 7 PM on Sunday.
