Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Puducherry Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Puducherry Phone
0413 222 8916
Rating: 
| 4/5 stars
Based on total 38 reviews
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Puducherry Address: Door No, 132, South Boulevard, Near Railway Station, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001, India
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Puducherry Mass Timings
| Mass | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturaday Mass | 5:30 AM, 12:00 Noon & 6:00 PM |
| Sunday Mass | Morning: 5:30 AM & 7:30 AM Mass (Tamil), 8:45 AM to 9:30 AM Catechism (Tamil), 12:00 Noon (Tamil) Evening: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Catechism (English), 5:15 PM Mass (English) & 6:15 PM Mass (Tamil) |
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Roman Catholic Basilica situated on the South Boulevard of Pondicherry. It is one of the most famous landmarks of Pondicherry and among the most revered 21 other Basilicas in the country. It was built by French missionaries in 1908 and was conferred the status of Basilica in 2011. The church is made in Roman-Byzantine style and is believed to be the largest church in Puducherry.
Established by Rev. Fr. Telesphore Welter and Rev. Fr. Fourcaud, the church attracts Catholics from all across India. Pilgrims visit the Church during Christmas and other festive masses. Grand celebrations are organized on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Tourists also visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to witness its astounding Gothic architecture. It stands out among other churches of Puducherry for its architectural excellence with an imposing façade decorated with Corinthian columns.
Architecture of Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has an unusual blend of French and Indian architecture and is known as one of the most beautiful churches in India. It is 50 meters in length, 48 meters in width, and around 18 meters in height. The aerial view of the monument depicts a Latin-rite cross shape. Its stained glass windows are some of the many elements that make it more beautiful than other churches in South India.
The beauty of the Basilica is enhanced by the 24 main columns. These hold the structure and are inscribed by the biblical word. You can also witness the pictures of 28 saints in the glass. These saints were related to the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
History of Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry
The Archbishop Mgr. Gandhi in the year 1895 consecrated the Archdiocese of Pondicherry. He wanted to dedicate a church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To bring his dream to life, the Parish Priest of Nellithope Rev. Fr. Telesphore Welter prepared the building plan. The construction of the church was initiated in 1902 by the Parish Priest of Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Fourcaud.
The location of the church was on the Southern side of Pondicherry Town. The blessing of the Church along with the first Holy Mass was held by Mgr. Gandhi on 17th December 1907. It was then the western wing of the monument as we see it today. Later in 1908, the new parish surrounding this Church was established. Other additions such as an Adoration chapel and Grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes have been made to the Basilica over years.
Image Gallery of Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Puducherry
Things to do at Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry
- You must visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Pondicherry to witness its architectural excellence.
- Seek blessings of the almighty.
- You can attend the Mass or prayer service.
- Attend festivals and celebrations that are organized at the Basilica on special days.
- Marvel at the beauty of the stained glass decor and picturesque interiors of the Basilica.
Entry Fee and Timings of Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
There is no entry fee to visit Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pondicherry. The church is open from 6 AM to 6 PM from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, it is open from 6 AM to 5:30 PM and on Sundays, it is open from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Mass Timings:
The mass timings from Monday to Saturday are 5:30 AM, 12:00 Noon & 6:00 PM. On Sundays, the mass is held at 5.30 AM & 7.30 AM in Tamil followed by Catechism in Tamil from 8:45 AM to 9:30 AM and then mass in Tamil at 12:00 noon. In the evening, Catechism in English is held from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by Mass in English at 5:15 p.m and mass in Tamil at 6:15 pm.
How to reach Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry
The closest airport to Puducherry is Chennai where you can find many flights arriving every day. There are plenty of other options to reach the town from nearby locations with either public buses or private ones. Taxis are also available on-demand at all times from neighboring towns. Puducherry is well connected by railways as well.
By Air: Pondicherry has an airport that is 6 km away from the main city and connects it to other major cities of the country. You can also reach Puducherry via Chennai International Airport (MAA). It is around 150 km away. It offers connectivity with the town through local buses and cab services.
By Train: Villupuram Junction is only 37 km away from Puducherry. You can reach Puducherry via train and reach the town by taking a bus or booking a taxi.
By Road: Puducherry is easily accessible by buses or taxis. You can opt for state or private buses to reach Puducherry. You can even book buses or taxis that reach Pondicherry via the East Coast Road (ECR). The route is resplendent with beautiful views of the sea and natural setting. You can even book a full day cab from top car rental companies in Pondicherry and visit all the popular sightseeing places of Pondicherry comfortably.
Interesting facts about Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry
- The Basilica is among the finest examples of Gothic architecture in India.
- It is a 100-years old Church and was declared a Basilica in 2011.
- Besides the architecture, the interiors of the Church have been carefully decorated with glass paintings, chandeliers, and lights.
- The Basilica has been renovated many times since its construction and yet a few things have been retained as it was in those times.
Things to keep in mind while visiting Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry
- Please adhere to the visiting hours and check for any changes before visiting.
- Take permission before clicking pictures inside the Basilica.
- You may attend the Mass but make sure to remain polite and observe the proceedings silently.
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