The streets of Shillong are adorned with a number of churches and cathedrals. They are popular not only from the religious point of view but also from architectural point of view. They are important tourist attractions of Shillong which should be included in your itinerary on your trip to Shillong. The British who established their supremacy over Shillong wanted it to be a mini England; and to satisfy their desire they constructed several churches and cathedrals, everywhere in the city. Most of the churches and cathedrals are spacious enough to accommodate a few thousand worshipers at a time.
All of these churches are functional and packed to capacity during Sunday mass. The churches are remarkable attractions of Shillong and mark the religion of the people of Shillong. The turreted Das-Roy House stands behind a traffic circle that houses five Khasi monoliths and a mini Soviet-style globe monument.
All of these churches are functional and packed to capacity during Sunday mass. The churches are remarkable attractions of Shillong and mark the religion of the people of Shillong. The turreted Das-Roy House stands behind a traffic circle that houses five Khasi monoliths and a mini Soviet-style globe monument.
Shillong Baptist Church
The Shillong Baptist church in Police Bazaar is one of the most popular churches in Shillong. The church comes alive on Sundays, because of the elaborate mass it conducts. So if you are in Shillong on a Sunday, don't miss out the opportunity to visit this church. Here, you will also have the chance to mingle with the locals as they come for their traditional Sunday prayers. The Church also organizes Sunday school within its premises.Many Christian weddings are also organised in the Church.
You can experience the peace and serenity as you pray at the altar of this holy church and instantly feel closer to the divine forces. Shillong Baptist Church Youth Fellowship is a branch of the Shillong Baptist Church represented by the youth. SBCYF meets at Bethany Society every Sunday after church Worship Services at 2:30pm. There is music, humor, food, hanging out and most importantly, God and learning about God. It is one of the most popular churches in the region with the aura of the beautiful building transporting you to a forgotten era.
You can experience the peace and serenity as you pray at the altar of this holy church and instantly feel closer to the divine forces. Shillong Baptist Church Youth Fellowship is a branch of the Shillong Baptist Church represented by the youth. SBCYF meets at Bethany Society every Sunday after church Worship Services at 2:30pm. There is music, humor, food, hanging out and most importantly, God and learning about God. It is one of the most popular churches in the region with the aura of the beautiful building transporting you to a forgotten era.
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
The Cathedral of Shillong is one of the most exquisite churches and is perched on a hill in Laitmukhrah. It has high curves and stained glass windows that adds to its grandeur. Below, carved out of the hill is the Grotto Church. This historical monument of divinity and peace is almost 50 years old. This beautiful church was built in the Gothic architectural style, and it is a spectacular sight in the midst of sprawling green lawns. The church is also known as the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. The unique feature of this church is the fact that it was built on sand and not on rock. As the region is prone to earthquakes, the church from any major damage and absorbs any earthquake-related shock. Situated on top of an emerald-colored hill, the tall arches of the church and its stained glass installations will mesmerize any tourist visiting Shillong.
Near the altar of this church is the grave of the First Archbishop of the city. Apart from all these, the church also has several pieces of artwork depicting various scenes and chapters from holy scriptures. This Cathedral is appellate after Mary the mother of Jesus Christ. Apart from being the pride of the Catholics of the region, the church has also become a popular tourist attraction. Special church services are held here every Wednesday the year round. For the past few decades, the Cathedral Church has also become a house where people of other faiths also come to seek blessings, prayers, and Divine favors through the meditation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its location and captivating design has made the church a prominent landmark of Shillong.
Nepal Christian Fellowship Church
The Nepali Christian Fellowship Church is an independent Church for the minority Nepali Christian groups in Shillong established in 1947. In 1960, group of 30 believers formed the then Nepal Christian Fellowship, now called NCF Shillong. In spite of great legal and social restriction, the Church has grown fast from a handful of believers in the 1950's to a lot in number believers. NCF Shillong has frequently worked to strengthen and unify the Christian Church in India.
Pokseh Presbyterian Church
8th of January 2006 will be remembered in the history of the Pohkseh Presbyterian church because on this day The Mothorupur Mission Field originated. On this day about 150 members of the Pohkseh church went to Mothorupur to officially start the mission work. The church has appointed one Mission worker, Mr.Pynshai and a Missionary teacher. The Mission field was declared on this day and opened by Rev.O.S.Mawroh. On 9 January, the Moderator of the KJP Synod Mihngi inaugurated the school. The school has already started functioning and 70 students have already registered. The people in the church thanked God that he had been with him, right from the very beginning.
The women ministry is also another important ministry of the church. The women of this church are getting involved in the different areas in the ministry of the church. The main aim of The Pohkseh Presbyterian Church is to proclaim the gospel of God's love and salvation to everyone, to minister to those in need, and to provide opportunities for personal Christian growth through worship, education, missions and fellowship. The Pohkseh Presbyterian Church in Rynjah is is a must visit for all the followers.
Contact Details :
Secretary,
Pohkseh Presbyterian Church
Pohkseh, Rynjah P.O
Shillong 793006
Meghalaya, India
Email: [email protected]
Revd.Griffith S.Umwi
Pohkseh Presbyterian Church,
Pohkseh, Rynjah P.O.
Shillong 793006
Meghalaya, India
Email: [email protected]
Laitmukhrah Presbyterian Church
This church located in Nongrimbah has a lovely interior and exterior. It has a nice courtyard with nice carpet grass for activities in the church. There is no admission but they do ask for a donation. The church is beautiful, gorgeous, and definitely worth seeing for its majesty and historic values. It is a wonderful old church; with a good ministry team. It has exquisite stain glass windows.
Seventh Adventist Day Church in Shillong
The church is part of a worldwide community of Seventh-Day Adventists. It does not matter whether you are a member of the faith or a visitor; you will feel and have a spiritual home here at the Shillong Seventh-Day Adventist Church. It welcomes all those who wish to share, grow, and be a part of the community. They believe in the teachings, love and life of Jesus Christ.
Address:
Located in Norimbah
Fire brigade, Shillong
Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Contact Details:
Elder U W Fanner
Phone No. – 09863057936
Address:
Located in Norimbah
Fire brigade, Shillong
Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Contact Details:
Elder U W Fanner
Phone No. – 09863057936
Buddhist Temple Shillong
Resting atop a hillock, Shillong Buddhist Temple is said to be the oldest in North East. It is one of the Buddhist shrines in existence in Shillong. The Buddhist religion aims at spreading the message of human compassion, and its universal appeal makes it famous across countries and cultures. Maybe, this is the reason why Shillong, despite of being a primarily Christian region, has a Buddhist temple.
When Kripasaran Mahastavir, the then president of Buddha Dharmankur Sabha visited Shillong that he decided to construct a Buddhist Temple. Under his enterprise and with the help of local businessmen, the Shillong Branch of the Buddha Dharmankur Sabha was established on May 16, 1923. The construction work was started in 1925, but needed to be stopped due to the death of Mahastavir in 1926. In 1936, Baikhu Juniata Mahathera visited Assam and stayed at the uncompleted structure of the temple.
The Buddhist Vidya Niketan Lower Primary, Upper Primary and Secondary Schools, Kripasaran Library, Homoeo dispensary, and Buddhist Tribal Hostel were founded by the Shillong Buddhist Association Branch of Bauddha Dharmankur Sabha, Kolkata. This temple is a beautiful shrine and has an archway similar in architecture to that of the world famous Sanchi Stupa.
The Buddhist religion aims at spreading the message of human compassion, and its universal appeal makes it famous across countries and cultures. Maybe, this is the reason why Shillong, despite of being a primarily Christian region, has a Buddhist temple. Along with the beauty of Shillong, this outstanding temple is a sight that should not be missed out visiting if you are in Shillong. The Buddhist Temple was built in the year 1935 on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti. This is a monument that displays religious tolerance and secularism of Shillong .If you visit this temple you would be awe-struck, feel the peaceful energy vibrating from every nook and corner of the temple , and you will be more than eager to keep coming back.
Address:
Located at Forest Colony
Near Polo Hills-Shillong
Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
When Kripasaran Mahastavir, the then president of Buddha Dharmankur Sabha visited Shillong that he decided to construct a Buddhist Temple. Under his enterprise and with the help of local businessmen, the Shillong Branch of the Buddha Dharmankur Sabha was established on May 16, 1923. The construction work was started in 1925, but needed to be stopped due to the death of Mahastavir in 1926. In 1936, Baikhu Juniata Mahathera visited Assam and stayed at the uncompleted structure of the temple.
The Buddhist Vidya Niketan Lower Primary, Upper Primary and Secondary Schools, Kripasaran Library, Homoeo dispensary, and Buddhist Tribal Hostel were founded by the Shillong Buddhist Association Branch of Bauddha Dharmankur Sabha, Kolkata. This temple is a beautiful shrine and has an archway similar in architecture to that of the world famous Sanchi Stupa.
The Buddhist religion aims at spreading the message of human compassion, and its universal appeal makes it famous across countries and cultures. Maybe, this is the reason why Shillong, despite of being a primarily Christian region, has a Buddhist temple. Along with the beauty of Shillong, this outstanding temple is a sight that should not be missed out visiting if you are in Shillong. The Buddhist Temple was built in the year 1935 on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti. This is a monument that displays religious tolerance and secularism of Shillong .If you visit this temple you would be awe-struck, feel the peaceful energy vibrating from every nook and corner of the temple , and you will be more than eager to keep coming back.
Address:
Located at Forest Colony
Near Polo Hills-Shillong
Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Mahadev Khola
Surrounded by legends and folklore, this cave temple is a famous religious site of Shillong. Said to be 150 years old, this temple receives numerous devotees from all over the country. According to a legend, Lakhiya Baba, a sage came for meditation at this beautiful place. Another legend tells that the Subedar Major of the eighth Gurkha Rifles was told in his dream to carry out an excavation at this place. As the unassuming Subedar carried out the excavation, he found a Shiva Lingam.
This particular holy spot is where the present temple of Mahadev Khola Dham is situated. Apart from this popular one, there are many other temples believed to have been built by followers of Mahadev Khola Dham. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great pomp and the whole place comes alive during that time of the year!
Address:
Mahade Khola Welfare And Trust
101 Area, East Khasi Hills,
Shillong ,793004 Meghalaya
Phone no. : 0364-2505411
Mobile no: +919863080551
Timings: 5:30 AM-6:00 PM
Open Days: All days of the week
Apart from the well- known churches and temples, the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church, the Jaiaw Presbyterian Church, Laban Presbyterian Church, the Mawprem Presbyterian Church, Malki Presbyterian Church, etc the are among some of the small churches which are within the localities of Shillong. There are also small temples like Matri Mandir (Kali Temple), Durga temple etc.
This particular holy spot is where the present temple of Mahadev Khola Dham is situated. Apart from this popular one, there are many other temples believed to have been built by followers of Mahadev Khola Dham. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great pomp and the whole place comes alive during that time of the year!
Address:
Mahade Khola Welfare And Trust
101 Area, East Khasi Hills,
Shillong ,793004 Meghalaya
Phone no. : 0364-2505411
Mobile no: +919863080551
Timings: 5:30 AM-6:00 PM
Open Days: All days of the week
Apart from the well- known churches and temples, the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church, the Jaiaw Presbyterian Church, Laban Presbyterian Church, the Mawprem Presbyterian Church, Malki Presbyterian Church, etc the are among some of the small churches which are within the localities of Shillong. There are also small temples like Matri Mandir (Kali Temple), Durga temple etc.