Do you know that despite India having a majority Hindu population, there are more than 29536 churches? And that truly shows how big of a secular nation India really is. That’s because all religions thrive on the Indian subcontinent. And if you follow the Christian faith aka Christianity, then you must have visited many churches in India. Right? But out of those thousands of churches in India, there are some that are culturally significant and the biggest ones in the country. And today, we’ll be taking a look at just that with this list of the top 10 biggest churches in India as of 2024. So, let’s get to it then, shall we?
1. St. Francis Church, Kerala
Located in Fort Kochi, Kerala, St. Francis Church is one of India’s oldest European churches, established in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan monks. In style, the church is very simple and purely European. A white exterior and a timber roof make it one of the most prominent features. Inside, there are many historical elements, like Vasco de Gama’s gravestone. He was buried here before his remains were moved to Lisbon. More than just a huge building, St. Francis Church is a living history of the journey of Christianity through Indian history, witnessing several shifts in colonial power.
2. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
On the west coast, in Goa, stands the Basilica of Bom Jesus, known for its striking Baroque architecture and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was established in 1605, and it is the last resting place of St. Francis Xavier, who played an important role in spreading the Christian faith across Asia. The interior of the church is full of decorated altars and carvings. It holds the holy relics of St. Francis Xavier. Over time, this basilica has made it one of the major religious sites, as people from all over the world come to see the display of the saint, which occurs every ten years.
3. Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu
Known as the “Lourdes of the East,” Velankanni Church or the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is a symbol of faith in Tamil Nadu. Built in the 16th century, its architecture features a mixture of Gothic and Portuguese schools. Thousands visit this church, with its white façade and a peaceful area by the sea, during the annual festival from August 29 to September 8 that draws millions to celebrate its cultural and spiritual importance.
4. St. Paul Cathedral, West Bengal
In Kolkata, St. Paul’s Cathedral stands out with its Indo-Gothic architecture. With its foundation laid in the year 1847, it was the first Anglican cathedral in Asia and an important mark in architectural history with British India. Its style remains infused with the Gothic spirit in local design, stained glass, frescoes, and detailed woodwork. The over-200-foot-tall spire stands as a major part of the Kolkata skyline, remaining a central place of worship and historical interest.
5. Se Cathedral, Goa
Se Cathedral, also in Goa, is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria and is a remark of the Portuguese victory in 1510. Completed in 1640, the cathedral is one of the largest churches in Asia in terms of length and width. The architectural style is also in the form of Portuguese-Gothic style, but to this, a Tuscan outside and Corinthian inside are designed to add aesthetic beauty to Portuguese grandeur. It also has the Golden Bell, said to have the finest tone, and the grandeur of the towers and detailed façade speak of its importance, not only historically but also religiously.
6. Sacred Heart Church, Shimoga
This church is not only an architectural marvel but is also a landmark in the history and culture of the population in and around it. Established by Konkani Catholics and later by twenty families of sepoys in 1830, this church now attends to the needs of over 2,400 church members. It dates back to the early 19th century and has constantly developed with the town of Shimoga, from a small village church to an amazing cathedral in 1988 when the Diocese of Shimoga was established.
7. Medak Cathedral, Telangana
Down in Telangana, the Medak Cathedral towers over its surroundings with its striking Gothic Revival style. Though not as old, the church was built in 1924 by Charles Walker Posnett during a severe drought, and it became the hope for the locals. It’s not just a spiritual hub, the church can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers, but also a popular tourist attraction, which it has become due to its stunning stained glass and an incredibly large area of mosaic tiles that cover its insides, all imported from Britain.
8. Vallarpadam Church, Kerala
Off the southwestern coast, nestled on a small island near Kochi, Kerala, the Vallarpadam Church is affectionately known as the “Lourdes of Kerala.” Early in the 16th century, the church was built by the Portuguese, on a small island off the Kochi coast, and since then, it has been demolished several times due to natural disasters. After that, the church had miraculous Virgin Mary-related stories linked with it, which attracted multitudes of faiths.
9. San Thome Basilica, Tamil Nadu
On the eastern shores of Tamil Nadu, in Chennai, stands the San Thome Basilica. This church has been built over the tomb of the Apostle Saint Thomas and is, therefore, a site of deep significance for Christians the world over. Consecrated in 1896, it is an example of Neo-Gothic architecture and boasts of numerous breathtaking stained glass windows and a vast facade. Declared as a national shrine, it is not only a place of prayer but also a center for interreligious dialogue based on its historical and spiritual value.
10. House of God of Our Lady of the Rosary, Kunkuri
In the remote northeast of India, in Kunkuri, Chhattisgarh, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary stands as a towering figure of faith. Built in 1962 and completed in 1979, it is more recognized for its architectural beauty and large sitting capacity, therefore, it is one of the biggest in India. It serves as a central spiritual center for the local Catholic community, and many are drawn here for the peaceful ambiance and cultural importance of the area.
Conclusion
That’s all there is for now. See, we just wanted to introduce you to the top 10 biggest churches, but this list goes on and on because there are as many as 29536 churches in India. And that’s why, we hand that task to you, so go and explore and find how good Christian faith is thriving in India.
