Rarely does a cross carry as much history as the church in which it stands. The stone cross of Santa Andra or St Andrew inside one of Bandra’s oldest landmarks remains a silent, sturdy witness of suburb’s historic past
(Extreme left) A view of the Church of St Andrew; (left) A close-up of the cross depicting one side of the 45 symbols. Pic/Sneha Kharabe
It’s rare to enter a church complex and not spot devotees offering prayers at a giant-sized crucifix within the enclosure. Now imagine a scene from Bandra in the 1800s. The Arabian Sea lashes the rocky, palm-fringed shore that lines the Church of St Andrew. Inside the complex, a few parishioners gather around the Cross of Santa Anna as a Jesuit padre explains the Biblical significance of each of the 45 symbols carved on it.
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The stone cross at Bandra’s St Andrew Church is a religious symbol that is as historic as the church itself. As the parishioners celebrated its 400th year, the cross stands lofty within the complex, having witnessed centuries of history being played out from its vantage point at the heart of old Bandra. The cross, according to records, was originally located in the compound of St Anne’s near present-day Bandra Railway Station.
It was placed in the south section of the church on a dome-shaped pedestal. The cross has 45 carvings on its faces. According to the church’s record books and literature, the symbols are related to Christ and Mother Mary. It is also believed that this cross was probably built by local artisans and was extracted from a quarry in Vile Parle. Dongri or Bassein in 1871.
The Mumbai Heritage Commission has designated it a Grade I heritage structure, the highest classification, and the Church is designated Grade IIA, the next highest classification as a salute to its historic significance.
The church building is currently in the middle of a phased restoration in its 400th year by conservation architect Vikas Dilawari. Bandraites couldn’t have asked for a better gift for one of their prized treasures.
Where: 115, Hill Road, Bandra (W).
Call: 26423680
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