Mount Mary Church Mumbai

Situated in Bandra, Mount Mary Church alias 'The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount' is a Roman Catholic Church that is sacred to 'Virgin Mary.' Located on the 'Sunderban Bandra' hill, the church looks magnificent against the backdrop of glittering the Arabian Sea. The initial structure of the church was built back in 1641 and then rebuilt in 1761. People from different corners of the world throng to the church as legends says that church has some unbelievable healing powers that can fulfill all their wishes.

Outside the church is a bizarre market selling wax models of various body parts. Devotees with ailing limbs buy the appropriate model and solemnly place it on the altar before the Virgin Mary in the belief that she will effect a miraculous cure. Best time to visit the temple will be Bandra Fair as this is when the entire area gets decorated with festoons and buntings for a week.

History of the Church

Sacred to Virgin Mary, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is mainly famous for the fact that it is a wish-fulling church. People from all the walks of life throng the church to express their gratitude and requesting favors. Over and above, the church is known for its white edifice, which is believed to be 100 years old. The statue of 'Our Lady' in the chapel was brought to India from Portugal in the 16th century. In 1700, some Arab pirates disfigured the statue by cutting off the right hand. Later, in 1760, the church was rebuilt and the statue was substituted with a statue of Our Lady of Navigators in St. Andrew’s Church nearby. In late 19th century, the church went through many alterations like in 1879, the flight of steps was built on the northern side of the hill. A portico was added in front of the building in 1882. The vintage architecture of the chapel was designed by Shapoorji N. Chadabhoy. Another unique thing about the church is its Mother Mary statue. Unlike most icons of Mother Mary, this one has the child on the right arm.

Best Time to Visit

Best time to visit the church will be the Mount Mary fair, which marks the birthday of Mother Mary. Each year, the church authorities decorate their worship spaces and aisle with different themes. Devotees and enthusiasts gather in huge numbers from early morning and stay till the evening. Furthermore, Christmas is also a good time to visit the church.

Opening/Closing/Arti Time

If tourists want to attend the mass in the church then mentioned below are timings:

Weekdays: 04:30 AM, 06:15 AM, 07:00 AM, 07:45 AM, 05:30 PM, 06:30 PM and 07:30 PM

Weekends: 06:15 AM, 07:00 AM, 07:45 AM, 08:30 AM, 10:00 AM and 10:45 AM

Getting There

Many buses are available from the city that will stop near Mount Mary Church. One can also hire taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach the church easily.