Gunadala Matha Shrine, Vijayawada

Gundala Matha Shrine, also known as St Mary’s Church, is situated on a hill in Vijayawada. An iron cross, erected atop the hill, about a kilometre walk from the church, is the most arresting feature of this religious spot The Annual Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes attracts many devotees from all over the state and the country. It is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion. The shrine is usually crowded on Sundays and important festival occasions. A museum inside the church is another attraction, with collection of valuable gifts from devotees and holy relics of ancient period. The pathway leading to the church from the main road is painted with scenes from the Bible One has to climb quite a bit to reach the cross on top of the hill The view from the top is breathtaking...

The Holy shrine of Mary Matha. Steep walk upwards to the top. Do carry a couple of bottles of water, though there is a service up top that offers mineral water to drink. I experienced a lot of rush today as it was the feast of this church. Larger than life size statues of Jesus, Mary and the 14 stations are present at consecutive intervals while climbing up and down the hill.