Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a mini version of the Notre Dame Cathedral in India? If yes, then you are in luck, because there is a place that offers you exactly that. Medak Cathedral, located in the town of Medak in Telangana, is a stunning church that resembles the famous Gothic Revival churches of Europe. It is also the second-largest diocese in the world after the Vatican and one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in India. In this article, you will learn about the fascinating history, the stunning architecture, and the religious significance of Medak Cathedral, as well as how to reach, when to visit, and what to see around it.
History
Medak Cathedral has a rich and interesting history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was built by Reverend Charles Walker Posnett, a British missionary who came to Medak in 1896. He was moved by the plight of the famine-stricken people and decided to start a mission there. He also felt the need to build a church for the growing number of converts. He laid the foundation stone of the church in 1914 and completed the construction in 1924. The church was consecrated in 1924 by Reverend Frank Whittaker, the then Bishop of the Diocese of Dornakal.
The church was built with the motto "My best for my Lord". Reverend Posnett said, "People should not come to see the church for its beauty but for its glory." He spared no expense or effort in making the church a masterpiece of art and craftsmanship. He imported the materials from different parts of India and abroad. He also faced many challenges and difficulties during the construction, such as the outbreak of the First World War, the shortage of funds, and the opposition from the local rulers. However, he overcame all the obstacles and fulfilled his vision of building a magnificent church for the glory of God.
Architecture
Medak Cathedral is a marvel of Gothic Revival architecture that impresses the visitors with its size, style, and features. The cathedral is 100 ft (30 m) wide and 200 ft (61 m) long and conforms to the Gothic Revival style. It has a cruciform plan, meaning it is shaped like a cross. It has a central tower that rises to a height of 175 ft (53 m) and houses a large bell that weighs 1.5 tons. The bell can be heard from a distance of 3 km and is rung every day at 9 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm.
The most striking feature of the cathedral is its stained glass windows that depict the life of Jesus Christ. The windows are considered to be the masterpieces of art and craftsmanship. They were designed by Sir O. Salisbury of London and were installed in 1927. The windows cover an area of 3000 sq ft (279 sq m) and are divided into three sections. The first section shows the nativity of Jesus, the second section shows the crucifixion of Jesus, and the third section shows the ascension of Jesus. The windows are illuminated by the sunlight and create a mesmerizing effect on the interior of the cathedral.
Another remarkable feature of the cathedral is its sound-proof roof that is made of hollow sponge material and has an impressive style of vaulting. The roof also has a parabolic curve that enhances the acoustics of the cathedral. The roof is supported by 14 pillars that are made of grey stone and have a height of 52 ft (16 m). The pillars are adorned with carvings of angels, flowers, and birds. The floor of the cathedral is made of Italian marble and has a mosaic pattern of six colours. The walls of the cathedral are made of red bricks that were specially baked for the purpose.
Significance
Medak Cathedral is not only a beautiful church but also a significant one. It is the seat of the Bishop in Medak for the Church of South India (CSI), which is the largest Protestant church in India. The CSI was formed in 1947 by the union of four churches: the Anglican Church, the Methodist Church, the Congregational Church, and the Presbyterian Church. The Medak diocese is the single largest diocese in Asia and the second in the world after the Vatican. It covers an area of 350,000 sq km and has a membership of over 1.5 million.
Medak Cathedral is also a place of worship and pilgrimage for many people. The cathedral holds regular services and special services on festivals and occasions. The cathedral celebrates Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, and Pentecost with great fervour and joy. The cathedral also hosts musical concerts, cultural programs, and social activities. The cathedral is a place where people can experience the glory of God and the beauty of human creativity.
Medak Cathedral has also been recognized and appreciated by various authorities and organizations for its historical, architectural, and cultural value. The Government of India has declared the cathedral as a national heritage monument. The Archaeological Survey of India has taken up the conservation and restoration of the cathedral. The Church of South India has nominated the cathedral for the UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
How to Reach
Medak Cathedral is easily accessible by air, train, and road from different parts of India. Here are some of the transportation options to reach the cathedral:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Medak is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is about 110 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a bus, or a train to reach Medak.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Medak is the Kamareddy Railway Station, which is about 60 km away. The station is connected to Hyderabad and other cities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. From the station, you can take a taxi, a bus, or a private vehicle to reach Medak.
- By Road: Medak is well-connected by road to Hyderabad and other towns and cities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. You can take a state-run or a private bus to reach Medak from Hyderabad or other places. You can also drive your own car or hire a taxi to reach Medak. The distance from Hyderabad to Medak is about 100 km and the travel time is about 2 hours.
The best mode of transport and route to reach Medak Cathedral depends on your preference and convenience. However, we recommend taking a road trip from Hyderabad to Medak, as it will give you a chance to enjoy the scenic views of the countryside and explore the other attractions along the way.
When to Visit
Medak Cathedral is open to visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The summer months from April to June are hot and dry, and the monsoon months from July to September are humid and rainy. However, if you don't mind the heat or the rain, you can visit the cathedral anytime you want.
The visiting hours and service timings of Medak Cathedral are as follows:
Monday to Saturday - 7 am to 6 pm Service: 7 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm
Sunday - 6 am to 8 pm Service: 6 am, 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm
The entry fee to the cathedral is free, but you can make a voluntary donation if you wish. You can also buy souvenirs and books from the stalls outside the cathedral.
Here are some of the things to do and see in and around Medak Cathedral:
- Take a guided tour of the cathedral and learn about its history, architecture, and significance. You can also attend a service and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the cathedral.
- Admire the stained glass windows of the cathedral and observe the intricate details and colours of the scenes. You can also take photos of the windows, but make sure to turn off the flash and respect the sanctity of the place.
- Climb up the bell-tower of the cathedral and enjoy the panoramic view of the town and the surrounding hills. You can also hear the sound of the bell and feel the vibration of the tower.
- Visit the nearby attractions, such as the Medak Fort, the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, the Edupayala Temple, and the Manjira River. You can also enjoy the local cuisine, culture, and shopping in Medak.
Conclusion
Medak Cathedral is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves history, architecture, and spirituality. It is a place where you can experience the glory of God and the beauty of human creativity. If you are interested in visiting this amazing church, you can book a tour with Tripoto and enjoy a hassle-free and memorable trip.
