New Delhi: India is diverse and full of unique mysteries. It has many beautiful structures, including some unusual churches, that people would want to visit. Churches in India are spread across remote and lesser-known areas.
With Christmas approaching, this is a festive time of year. We hear the sound of bells and smell cakes as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches everywhere are decorated with lights, tapestries, bells, and mistletoe.
In this article, let us look at the unusual churches in India.
Goa’s Haunted Three Kings Church: A Tale of Treachery and Tragedy
The Three Kings church was built in 1599 on Cuelim Hill in Cansaulim, South Goa. The empty hill offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and nearby small villages. Every January, the church becomes lively during the Three Kings feast, a yearly celebration the locals hold with great enthusiasm. This church appears peaceful and beautiful, but it has a dark history involving murder and poisoning. About 300 years ago, three kings fought for control of Goa. One king invited the other two for a meeting and poisoned them. Angry villagers went after the king to get revenge. Scared, the king hid in the church and poisoned himself. Later, all three kings were buried in the church. Today, this church is known as the most haunted place in Goa, with many sightings of the three kings in the area.
Karnataka’s Submerged Rosary Church: A “Floating” Sanctuary
Rosary Church in Shetihalli is an abandoned church located on the banks of the Hemavathi River in Shettihalli village, about 200 kilometres from Bangalore. A French missionary named Abbe J A Dubois built the church in 1860 using brick and mortar, with stained glass imported from Belgium. The church is usually underwater and can only be fully seen during summer. This is due to the Gorur-Hemavathi dam, which was built in 1960. During the peak rainy season, from June to October, the land floods, covering everything, including the church, with only the spires showing. Despite being submerged, a third of the church’s structure remains above the water. This unique feature has led to the church being called a “floating church” or “submerged church”.
Ghostly hauntings: St. Johns Baptist Church, Mumbai
St. Johns Baptist Church is in Andheri East, located at the SEEPPZ industrial complex in the city’s centre. Father Manuel Gomes, a Portuguese Jesuit, built it in 1579. In 1840, a severe epidemic struck the nearby village of Marol, resulting in the loss of many lives. The church was then abandoned and fell into disrepair. Over time, the church gained a reputation for ghostly hauntings, strange events, and the haunting cries of a young bride who died in its pond 300 years ago. In 1977, residents performed an exorcism to drive away the spirits, but the stories continued. Today, the church is mostly closed, except for the second Sunday of May, when it comes alive with celebration. Hundreds of people gather on this day to participate in a mass and offer prayers.
Exploring Kerala and West Bengal’s Ancient Churches: Miracles and Myths
Kadamattom Church, Kerala
Kadamattom Church is located near Kolenchery town in Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam District, Kerala, India. It was built around the 9th century AD by Mar Sabor, an Egyptian monk. The church has a Persian Cross with arms of equal length and inlaid inscriptions. Many myths surround this church, which has drawn tourists over the years.
One story tells of the son of the King of Kadamattom, who was dying from a disease that the King’s doctors could not cure. The King tried every possible treatment, but nothing worked. Then Mar Sabor, the Egyptian monk, came to help and cured the child. The King was so grateful that he gave Mar Sabor a large piece of land to build the church, which still stands today.
Since then, people worldwide have visited the church seeking cures for their ailments. Major festivals are held during January and February to honour the death anniversary of the legendary priest, who is said to have had supernatural powers and to have performed miracles. Inside the church is a picture of Mar Sabor, celebrating his help to the poor and needy.
Bandel Church, West Bengal
The Bandel church, built in 1599, is one of the oldest churches in India. It is dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosario, or Our Lady of the Rosary, and was built by the Portuguese to mark their settlement in Bengal. Today, the church has three altars, tombstones, and a shrine to Mary. However, it also has a dark history. In the late 16th century, the Portuguese became powerful in Bengal and harmed the local people by selling women and children as slaves.
This cruelty reached Shahjahan, the Mughal emperor. He sent a large army to attack Hooghly port and defeat the Portuguese. In the fierce battle that followed, the Portuguese suffered many losses, and four out of five priests from the Bandel church were killed. The fifth priest was captured and faced execution by being trampled under an elephant. In an unexpected turn, the elephant lifted the priest onto its back instead of killing him. This act amazed the Mughal emperor, who then set the priest free. The freed priest dedicated his life to rebuilding the church, which had been destroyed in the war.
India boasts a collection of unique and mysterious churches, many steeped in intriguing history and folklore. From the haunted Three Kings Church in Goa to the submerged Rosary Church in Karnataka, these religious sites offer a captivating blend of architectural beauty and captivating stories. Discover tales of murder, miracles, and ghostly encounters interwoven with the rich cultural tapestry of India’s diverse regions. This article explores several lesser-known churches, showcasing their unique charm and historical significance. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
