St Marys Cathedral, Madurai - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 3 km from Madurai Junction Railway Station, St. Mary's Cathedral or Church of Our Lady of Dolours is a Roman Catholic Church situated on East (Keela) Veli Street in Madurai city of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the famous religious places to visit in Madurai.

St. Mary's Cathedral was constructed in 1841 under the guidance of Fr. Garnier. Initially, Fr. Garnier established a modest chapel on land acquired in 1840 by Fr. Bertrand SJ. The current edifice of the church was completed in 1916. In 1938, with the formation of the Madurai Diocese, St. Mary's Cathedral was designated as a pro-Cathedral, and the Bishop's throne was subsequently installed within the church. It was elevated to the status of a Cathedral in 1969, serving as the seat of the Madurai Roman Catholic Archdiocese.

The architectural design of this church reflects a harmonious blend of European, Roman, and Continental styles. It is dedicated to Vyagulamatha, and the church is also referred to as Vyagulamatha Koil. A prominent feature of the Cathedral is its twin bell towers, which rise to a height of 42 meters. The grand facade, adorned with intricate sculptures and elaborate details, showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of artisans from previous centuries. The spacious interior is bathed in light from stained glass windows, creating vibrant patterns that dance across the stone walls.

Annual celebrations at this church include Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, and the feasts of various Christian saints.

Timings: 7 AM - 7 PM

Entry: Free