Sacred Heart Church-Shivamogga

Sacred Heart Church

Our next stop was Sacred Heart Church. It is just 650 meters from Shivappa Nayaka Palace. When we reached there it was almost 2 o'clock. A bunch of school kids were sitting on the foyer waiting to be picked up by parents or guardians. They were amused to see two people walking in with cameras hanging around their necks. To our disappointment the door was closed. When we were discussing animatedly what to do next, suddenly the door opens with a lady barging out with broom and mop. She told it is church's maintenance time, however, she was gracious enough to allow us inside to take a sneak peek.

Frontal View

Side View

The church is huge is an understatement. Probably it is the most largest church we have ever seen. We were not at all surprised when we heard it is the second largest church in India.  This Catholic church is expanded over 18,000 sq. ft. at a height of 180 feet.  The architecture is a blend of Roman and Gothic style.  It is said the the large prayer hall has the capacity to hold 5000 people at a time. There is a large stain glass panel on one of the windows, which is beautiful. The other windows are left plain without tinted glass.  we wondered why? Because stained glass windows are often used in churches as a decorative method. And sometimes it is informative too.  The statue of Jesus is the most elemental feature of this church; however, we could see it only from a distance as people were at work scrubbing and brushing the floor. View from the balcony gives complete picture of the vastness this church.  

View from Balcony

Initial construction was started in 1871 and completed in 1875. Recent modification was done in 1998.

Open Time-7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mass Timings:

Monday to Saturday-06:30 AM & 06:00 PM

Sundays-06:30 AM, 09:00 AM & 05:30 PM

 

How to Reach:  Ample of buses ply to Shivamogga from various cities.  Church is around 2 km from bus station and it is best to hire an auto.  You can do the same from train station as well.

Where to Stay: There are plenty of hotels and lodges to suit one's budget.

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