Gunadala Church

Gunadala Church
	Introduction: Gunadala Church is located on a small hillock that is towards the east of Vijayawada,Andhra Pradesh. This church is dedicated to Mother Mary. Therefore it is also called as St. Mary Church. This church was established in the year 1852 by the hands of Reverend Arlati, he was also regarded as the rector of this church. He had launched a beautiful and amazing statue of our lady in the year 1825. Later this church was renovated and dedicated to Mother Mary's blessed presence. This church is now well-known as St. Mary's church. People have honored many names for this church such as the mother of Good health, Gunadala Matha's and Mary Matha's shrines. This church has a huge altar. Gunadala is a church as well as a museum that displays some valuable articles; these articles are offered by the devotees to the church and Mother Mary. There are relics of past that are present even today in this church. There is an iron cross that is erected at the top of the church that is still preserved by the church authority. This museum inside the church is the main attraction of this church. People visit this place with strong faith that they will seek the blessings of Mother Mary. Mother Mary is believed as the mother of Good Health; hence people come with the belief that all the sickness will be cured here. People ask for forgiveness in front of the Mother. There are no man made barriers of caste, creed and religion for entering this church. People of all religions can visit this church. Many devotees visit this church for confessing about their mistakes in front of Our Lady. There is a grand fair that is held here every year in the month of February. This fair is held to remember the appearance of Mother Mary. There are about thousands of pilgrims who make a note to visit this place during this period. This fair is there for three days. There are many stalls that are arranged here outside the church. There are many religious articles that are sold such as cross, statues of Mother Mary, candles of different shapes, there are shapes of different parts of body of Mother Mary incense sticks, flowers and coconut to offer in front of Mother Mary. People buy these candles as per their need or the part of the body that is affected and light in front of the mother Mary's statue. They believe that after lighting these candles their sickness will be cured by grace of Mother Mary. Travel Route: Airways: Nearest airport is Gannavarma airport which is located at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Gunadala Church. There are regular flights available from Vijayawada to all the major cities of India. There are local bus and other transport facilities available form airport to Gunadala Church. Railways: Vijayawada itself is an important railway station in Andhra Pradesh. There are regular train services that are available from here to all the major cities of India. Road ways: There are state transport and luxury bus services available from here to all the major cities of India. There are local bus and taxis available from bus station to Gunadala Church. Best time to visit Gunadala Church: Ideal time to visit Gunadala Church is in the month of February, as it is celebrated to memorize the appearance of Mother Mary and in December to celebrate the eve of Christmas. There are thousands of people who visit this place during these periods.