If one’s heart and mind is good,
It Never matter what others utter against,
Continue your endeavour to build a bridge,
Against the tide to create a pathway,
For others to discover when you are gone,
In spirit your cherished goal will live forever.
The day I heard there is huge church, which is acclaimed as the second biggest church in India I decided to check out. I informed our dear Nagaraj, that we should visit this historic monument in the heart of Shimoga city. After our lunch at Meenakshi Bhavan we decided to explore the fabled church which is built in real gothic style.
The total area of construction is more than 18000 square feet which can hold nearly 6,000 people in a single Mass according to experts. However the seat arrangements are for nearly 2000 persons. I was surprised to find on the internet that the church is referred to as St Thomas Church but it was confirmed by Father Jeus that the church is now known as Sacred Hearts. Nagaraj went and requested the father who was busy elsewhere to allow us to enter the church.
Father Jeus obliged and we had a good tour of the magnificient edifice of the Sacred heart. The church seems to be apparently rebuilt with rocky stone. The frontal spiral is elongated and built in block with a cross adorning the peak. The ventilation and natural light is used to the optimum to light up the entire prayer hall. In the centre we have the statue of Jesus on the cross and priest sermon podium in front. Angels on the side are well positioned on a wooden panel.
While Nagaraj and self were exchanging notes on the church and checking out the construction my wife was in conversation with the Father. He came to know that I was affected by Diabetes. Suddenly he called me and started advicing me it is better that I practice Yoga to cure my disease. He particularly advised me to undertake Water therapy and Kapala Batti ( a rhythmic breathing technique advised by Ramdev Baba ) My wife was impressed by the sermon of the father.
We just requested the father to ensure landscaping of the premise with greenery. Inorder to make the tourist trip fruitful, we should get to know some historic background of the church. There is a school run by the institution just adjescent to the premise. Since the church has been recently completed antiques are not installed. Eventually I hope some interesting sidelights would be added to make the visit to this sacred church fruitful.
Finally after exchanging notes and addresses Father Jeus uttered a small prayer for our well being as a parting gesture. Nagaraj and self had a holy experience at Sacred hearts, Maybe in future we will get to know some historic side lights of Sacred Heart which will make the visit a real Rejoicing experience. Thanks Nagaraj for spending your valuable time during our recent trip to Shimoga.
