Mount Mary Church (Bandra) Mumbai

Mount Mary Church (Bandra) Mumbai | History & Timings

One of the best examples of its kind is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, also known as the Mount Mary Church by the locals. It is a Roman Catholic church perched 262 feet above sea level. The church, which is situated in the outskirts of the energetic metropolis of Mumbai, has a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea, which is a riot of activity and exquisitely reflects many shades of blue.

People of various faiths come to the Mount Mary Church, which has stood strong for centuries, in order to find some peace and quiet. There are little stores on either side of the road that leads to the church that sell candles, flowers, and other religious items. The wax figurines that are offered for sale outside the chapel, however, are the most peculiar offerings. Offering Mother Mary a wax model of their ideal home, vehicle, etc. is one way for people to make an appeal to her. Built entirely of stone, the basilica is a genuinely magnificent yet modest structure.

Legend of Mount Mary Church, Mumbai

An Arab pirate force from Muscat raided Bandra in the eighteenth century. They hoped to locate the valuables they were searching for in the shrine. They discovered there was no treasure in the temple when they began looting it, much to their dismay. Desperate, they cut off Mary’s statue’s right forearm, believing it to be composed of gold. They chose to burn the church and the entire building down because they were fed up with the pointless effort. They were about to carry out this idea when a massive swarm of bees stormed inside the church and attacked them! The vicious stings were causing them to writhe in agony. That is when they realized that it was a consequence of their evil thoughts, and were compelled to leave the church empty handed- with no treasure and no ill minded thoughts either.

The damaged statue was placed in the lumber room and replaced with a statue of Our Lady of Navigators from St Andrew’s Church’s side altar to spare the devotees from disappointment. The discovery of this statue has a fascinating backstory.

When a Koli fisherman dreamed that he would discover a statue of the mother in the sea, he was shocked to discover it the following day! The fact that the statue had indeed been floating in the water between 1700 and 1760 was confirmed by a Jesuit Annual Letter from 1669. The church was rebuilt in 1761. A detachable statue of a young Jesus—the one we see and adore today—was moulded into place to repair the broken statue of Our Lady of the Mount.

Architecture of Mount Mary Church

The basilica’s foundations are firmly anchored in rocks and held up by sturdy buttresses, and its magnificent façade is nearly 68 feet wide. Its exquisite architecture and superb craftsmanship combine to create a lovely semi-gothic building. Beautiful windows flank the main entry on the bottom floor, which features a large, imposing door. The basilica’s splendour is enhanced by two gothic stone arches that cap the main door and shield its wooden panels from the rain. The exquisite columns of pure Malad stone encircle these domes. The Basilica’s emblem, “A.M.”, and the letters of Angel Gabriel’s well-known salutation to Mother Mary, “Ave Maria,” are displayed in the arch above the central gateway. These letters have been mounted on a crown and surrounded by two lilies on either side.

Mount Mary Church Bandra Fair 

Known as “The Bandra Fair,” the feast of Our Lady of the Mount is observed on September 8. The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is another name for it. Jesus, the world’s saviour, would not have been introduced to the world if Mary had not been there. Devotees therefore flock to the basilica on this day to honour the wonderful mother. After celebrating Mass, the followers enter the basilica to bless Mary in a shamiana that has been set up.

The Bandra Fair, often known as the ‘octave’, lasts for eight days. A nine-day “novena” of prayers for Mary is held before this eight-day feast, making it a seventeen-day event! There are several stands selling black grammes, candies, the well-known sugar-coated “Kadio Badios,” and other items. Everyone may enjoy the Ferris wheels, games, and exciting activities available. Every morning, elegant bullock carts arrive at the church, and tea booths, food stands, and other amenities are set up on either side of the approach road to greet the faithful. People travel from all across the city to watch and take in the event.

Mount Mary Church Mass Timings 

Monday through Friday:
6:00 AM 
7:15 AM
6:00 PM (Holy Hour – Only on First Friday)
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Devotees are allowed to visit and pray at the Basilica)
2:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Devotees are allowed to visit and pray at the Basilica)

Saturdays:
6:00 AM
7:15 AM
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Devotees are allowed to visit and pray at the Basilica)
2:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Devotees are allowed to visit and pray at the Basilica)

Sundays:
6:30 AM
7:30 AM
8:30 AM
9:30 AM
10:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Devotees are allowed to visit and pray at the Basilica)
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Prayers for those with special needs at the Basilica)

How To Reach Mount Mary Church 

Trains practically arrive at Bandra Railway stop every minute, making it an extremely popular railway stop. Devotees who want to seek Mary’s blessings at this church benefit greatly from the city’s well-connected train system. There is a bus outside the Bandra Station that runs regularly throughout the day to and from the church. Mount Mary Steps is the closest bus stop to Mount Mary Church, and it’s only a two-minute walk away.