- Address: Jl. Sakura III No. 7, Perumahan Taman Sakura Indah, Tanjung Selamat, Medan Tuntungan, Tj. Selamat, Medan Tuntungan, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20135, Indonesia
- Phone: +62 61 8201943
- Website: velangkanni.com
- Denomination: Catholicism
- Founder: James Bharaputra
- Construction: 2001-2005.
- Status: pilgrimage center
Indonesia is one of the few Asian countries in which freedom of religion is maintained. That is why there are a large number of mosques, churches and Hindu temples . Each of them is unique and unique in its own way. So, in the city of Medan in Sumatra , the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located, the main parishioners of which are representatives of the Tamil ethnic group (Tamil).
History of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
According to the legends, once upon a time, where the temple is now located, two children saw the Virgin Mary. But the Indonesian name (Annai Velangkanni) was borrowed from another temple, which is located in India in the village of Vailankanni.
The construction of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Medan lasted only 4 years (2001-2005). All the works were led by James Bharaputra, who is a member of the spiritual order of the Roman Catholic Church, that is, the Jesuit.
Architectural style of the church
This Catholic church is not in vain one of the main attractions of the city. It surprisingly combines the elements with which the Christian and traditional Indonesian architecture is known.
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Medan is a two-story building with three domes - one main and two side. The entrance is led by two semicircular staircases that make the temple look like a palace from oriental tales. Because of the combination of brown, gray, red and pyramidal shape, it is more like a Buddhist or Hindu temple.
Interior of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In addition to magnificent architecture, the cathedral is interesting with a collection of works of art. The main decorations of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Medan are:
- a huge statue of Anna Velankanni;
- the statues of the 12 apostles, connected with the twelve columns of the building;
- paintings depicting the types of space and earth of the era of dinosaurs;
- paintings on which biblical stories are recreated.
The interior of the temple is decorated in colors, which are considered liturgical and constitute the basis of the Christian doctrine:
- blue and purple color symbolize the royal status of Christ and the royal family;
- red color is evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit;
- The bright green color represents a new life.
These colors create a warm atmosphere, and also allocate an altar, an altar dome and stained glass. One of the most spectacular ornaments of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Medan is the painted ceiling of the main dome. It depicts the scene of the second coming of Christ and the Last Judgment.
The territory of the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Medan is fenced with gates decorated with wall sculptures of representatives of different races and cultures of Indonesia . They serve as a symbol of what everyone is welcome here, regardless of his faith and way of life.
On the square in front of the temple, the garden of memory of Pope John Paul II with a holy spring is broken.
How to get to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
In order to contemplate the beauty and splendor of this religious structure, one must go to Sumatra. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in the south-east of the city of Medan , which is considered to be the largest inhabited point of the island. You can get to the temple on the bus route number 118. The nearest stop is Masjid Salsabila, located 400 m or 5 minutes walk.
From the center of Medan to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary can also be reached by taxi, trishaws or small taxi-minivans - angots. The fare on Medan transport is $ 0.2-2.