Mysore is a culturally and historically rich city with an influence of different schools of architecture; Indo-Saracenic, Traditional Hindu Style, Greco-Roman, and Gothic. Mysore holds one of the most imposing and monumental gothic structures that stands tall in the skyline of Mysore with its long towers, which is St Philomena’s Cathedral. This majestic church stands tall as one of the largest cathedrals not just in India but also in the continent. St. Philomena’s Cathedral is built to honor the memory of Saint Philomena; a Latin Catholic Saint. Remains of St. Philomena are preserved in this very cathedral. Saint Philomena is said to have been a martyr for the people of Greece in the 3rd century, who eventually became an important figure among the people and was given sainthood.
St. Philomena’s Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in India. Which was built over two centuries ago. As the capital of the state of Mysore was shifted from Srirangapatanam to Mysore City, many British soldiers and officers moved to Mysore. With this shift, there was a need to build a church for them. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III (twenty-second Maharaja in the Kingdom of Mysore) allocated land to build a church for this community near Mysore-Bangalore Road. This church was first built in 1843, which started as a simple wooden structure constructed to serve British officers stationed in Mysore and Srirangapatna. This was the case for over a century, as time progressed the Christian community in Mysore grew and there came a need for a bigger church. Maharaja Krishnaraj Wodeyar IV laid the foundation for the new church, new plans were sanctioned and laid down in 1933. It took almost eight years to build, and finally, this grand structure was completed in 1941, which was designed by a French architect, Daly under the supervision of Bishop Rene Fuga.
St. Philomena’s Cathedral and Hardwick Church are an impeccable example of Gothic architecture. With two spires tapering to the sky and having roof-like elongated pyramids, these features are typically found in churches of Gothic style. The architectural style of St Philomena’s Cathedral can be classified as neo-Gothic or Victorian Gothic style, which was popular in Europe during that time. The inspiration for this church’s design is the Cologne Cathedral of Germany.
The length and the height of the Cathedral are identical, that is 175 feet. The floor plan of this cathedral forms a cross, common to Byzantine architecture. The long part of the Cathedral is the nave, which is the congregation hall. The nave has multiple moulded columns that culminate into arches. It is designed to accommodate 800 people. The perpendicular to the nave is the transept. The junction of the two is the altar, which has the statue of St Philomena carved in marble, which was brought from France. The aisles that are parallel to the nave have many stained-glass images depicting many biblical events; the birth of Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection At the end of the congregation hall(nave) near the altar is a series of steps leading to the underground catacomb, that exits to narrow underground passage that opens to the outside of the church.
This Church is depicted in the paintings in Mysore Palace, the procession passing by this Cathedral, shows the schoolgirls peeping from behind the Church wall, while the priest and European parishioners mingling in the crowd is shown in the background. While horsemen in red uniform carrying a sword is depicted in the foreground.
The spires of the church protrude from the skyline of Mysore, these spires are visible even from miles away, and during the night the church is still recognizable due to the neon lining across the crosses. It is located in the ever-busy part of Mysore, which radiates from the city’s core to the north of Mysore Palace. The church is most sought after by visitors especially during Christmas, having the whole church decked up with lights and decorations, it becomes a very special time for residents in Mysore as well.
Mysore with its grandeur, is a historic city ruled by compassionate Wodeyars for many centuries who were patrons of art and culture of Mysore. They have contributed significantly to the inclusivity of the culture in this city as this church stands as an important fabric of the city holds a very special place in the hearts of the residents and even has a praiseworthy impression on its visitors. These heritage buildings are prone to decay and deterioration. It is important to identify the value and importance these heritage structures hold so that they shouldn’t be threatened by negligence, by taking adequate measures to protect them.
Reference list:
St. Philomenas cathedral church (2021) Karnataka Tourism. Available at: https://www.karnatakatourism.org/tour-item/st-philomenas-cathedral/ (Accessed: 07 February 2024).
(No date) Painting of dasara procession – dasara parade – cannons & st. philomena’s. Available at: https://mysorepalace.karnataka.gov.in/st_philomenas.html (Accessed: 10 February 2024).
(2022) St. Philomena’s Cathedral, Mysuru. Available at: https://banjaranfoodie.com/2022/02/13/st-philomena-cathedral-mysuru/ (Accessed: 2022).
