Churches of South India, apart from being the religious place of Christians, also serve as the heritage of India. A number of churches, belonging to different category, are situated in this region having different architectural styles. The common and most prominent features of these churches are a cross, a circle depicting eternity, a star or octagon indicative of the light the church provides to the world and a dome.
Churches in Kerala
Kerala houses a plethora of churches which forms an integral part of the culture of the state. Arohana Marthoma Church is located in Anicadu Village in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The church was founded in 1900 and was the first Marthoma church of this state. Another significant and beautiful church of this state is Bela Church situated in Kasargod district. It is the oldest church of this district which was built in 1890. It is a Roman Catholic Church under Mangalore Diocese. Holy Family Church Mannila, in Kottayam district, was built in the year 1927. Kadamattom Church is an ancient church of Kerala, situated in Kolenchery town in Ernakulum District, which was constructed in 9th century AD. The church is said be the gift of `Karthas`, one of the prominent families of Kadamattom in the past. Ancient churches of Kerala also enlist Karingachira church which was built during 722 AD near Thripunitura and was named after Saint George. Other important churches of this state include Kovilthottam Church, Malankara Church, Marth Mariyam Church, Pallikunnu Church, St. Mary`s Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum, Mateer Memorial Church, Pallikunnu Church and many more.
Churches in Tamil Nadu
Christianity has also been prevalent in Tamil Nadu since ages and the elegant churches in this state are the living testaments of it. Velankanni Church situated in the Bay of Bengal coast is one among the most popular tourist destinations. A number of people come to this church with the faith of being blessed with good health and happiness. San Thome Cathedral Basilica is an ancient church of this state. The church has exquisite stained glass windows that depict the stories of St Thomas and a central hall portrays the last days of Jesus Christ. Situated in the Thanjavur, a Catholic pilgrimage centre, Poondi Madha Basilica is another important church of this state. The church houses the famous shrine of Poondi Madha that allures tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. St. George`s Cathedral is famous for its excellent architecture and was built in the year 1815. The church serves as a popular tourist destination. CSI Holy Cross Church is another old church of Tamil Nadu, constructed about 120 years ago. It was previously known as Perambur Railway Church as it was under the Railway authorities.
Churches in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh also nests a number of churches which also attracts a sea of tourists. All Saints Church is a famous church of this state situated in Secunderabad. This church belongs to the Tamil Anglican congregation of Secunderabad. This ancient church was built in 1860 AD. It has an impressive gothic structure and is one of the most well maintained churches for which it also received the INTACH Heritage award from the Government of the state. Another significant church of Andhra Pradesh is Christ Lutheran Church. The church was built in the year 1923 and is considered as a landmark of the town. It has a gothic architecture having a brick exterior. Holy Trinity Church, established in 1847, is located in Secunderabad. The church was built on the land of Nizams of Hyderabad and was funded by Queen Victoria. Churches in Andhra Pradesh exhibits a variety of gothic architecture and this church is also a representation of the same. Other important churches of this state include Medak Cathedral, Medak Church, St. George`s Church, Hyderabad, Millenium Methodist Church, St. Stephens Orthodox Church, Visakhapatnam etc.
Churches in Karnataka
A number of churches are also located in Karnataka among which St. Philomena`s church is a significant one. Constructed in the year 1936, the church exhibits a Neo Gothic style of architecture. It is a Roman Catholic Church. Holy Cross Church is located in Mangalore. The foundation stone of this church was laid on 14 September 1873 and was opened in 1904. Another famous Church of this state is Church of Holy Cross of Hospet. It is also known as Hospet Church as it is situated in Hosabettu. Monte Mariano Church is a Roman Catholic Church in Mangalore. Monti Fest, a Roman Catholic Festival was initiated in this church in 1763. Apart from these, Mount Rosary Church, Lady of Rosary of Mangalore, St. Aloysius Chapel, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Farangipet, St. Lawrence Shrine and St. Francis Xavier Church are other churches of Karnataka.
Churches in Puducherry
Churches of Puducherry enlist Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which a spectacular exemplary of gothic architecture. The church has depictions of the life of Jesus Christ on its stained glass panels. Over years it has emerged as a famous pilgrimage site for Christians. Another church of Puducherry is Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It is also a Roman Catholic Church. Lady of Lourdes Shrine is another Roman Catholic shrine situated in Villianur town.
Churches of Southern India are the testaments of excellent gothic style of architecture. Some of the churches however also exhibit combination of other architectural styles with gothic style. Some of the most ancient churches of the country are found in this region. Southern India houses some of the most magnificent churches which also serve to attract tourists from all over the world.
