Information on Basilica de Bom Jesus (Goa) - History & Architecture

Basilica de Bom Jesus is regarded as one of the most well-known churches and among the most admired places by Christians in Goa. To some extent this religious place has become ruined, but it still considered as a model of simplicity and grace. Situated at Old Goa in 10 kilometre distance from Panaji, Basilica de Bom Jesus is regarded as 'World Heritage Monument'.

Basilica de Bom Jesus Religious Significance

Basilica de Bom Jesus is highly religious place for Christian pilgrims. The confession in the church occur every day before and after mass. In Basilica de Bom Jesus, the holy time is regarded as the first Friday of every month in the evening which is followed by the mass. People can pray in Basilica de Bom Jesus every day. The key religious occasion of the church is Christmas day. It celebrate the holy festival in full swing.

Basilica de Bom Jesus Mythology

According to Christian mythology the final resting place of Francis was in Basilica de Bom Jesus, but his body was buried in three diverse nations. Legend states that every time the body was unearthed, it was found to be new and incorrupt. However, several critiques suggest that the body which resides in Basilica de Bom Jesus is actually of a famous Buddhist monk named Sri Rahula Thera, whose dead body was trafficked by Portuguese from Ambana village of Sri Lanka to Goa. Saint Francis is believed to possess miraculous ability of healing.

There is also an interesting mythology behind the creation of Basilica de Bom Jesus. It is said that order of Jesults had faced extreme opposition from Senate for planned creation in the expansive rectangular structure named Terreiro dos Gallos. Nevertheless, before the day on which order of Jesults were to be lawfully reserved from creating the site, two fathers and one brother transformed a small house into a temporary church which has presently become Basilica de Bom Jesus. On the next day the temporary church was thrown open where local people came to celebrate mass. Afterwards the adversaries were unable to extricate the occupiers of the church.

Basilica de Bom Jesus Architectural Significance

The splendid structure of Basilica de Bom Jesus stand as outstanding example of Baroque architecture in Goa. The name 'Bom Jesus' signify 'Infant Jesus' to whom the church is devoted. In the front side of the church, there is a facade which inscribe letters 'HIS'. This impressive facade was created by black granite in an attractive blend of Doric, Corinthian and composite design.

The architecture of the church is outstanding for its simplicity. It is about 183 feet in length and 55 feet in breath. The primary alter of Basilica de Bom Jesus is about 54 feet tall and 30 feet wide. The columns of the church is carved with basalt and the inner side is created in Mosaico Corinthian style. The roof of Basilica de Bom Jesus is initially tiled. Furthermore, the hovering ramparts in the northern side of the church is recently added by the authorities.

Basilica de Bom Jesus is a three storeyed building which demonstrates ionic orders. It has a key gateway which is bordered by two small gateways, each possessing supports. There are two sanctuaries in Basilica de Bom Jesus and a sacristy inside the church itself. In Basilica de Bom Jesus, there is a single storeyed architecture connecting the church on the southern section. Moreover, there is a belfry at the rear side of the church. The floor of the church is created from marble with various precious stones. Basilica de Bom Jesus also holds marvellous paintings. There is also a tomb in Basilica de Bom Jesus which lies in an air tight casket.