Padri Ki Haveli
Padri Ki Haveli, officially St. Mary's Church, is the oldest surviving church in Bihar and holds immense historical and religious significance. Its history dates back to 1713 AD when the Capuchin monks established a small house of worship for the Roman Catholics. The current structure was reconstruc ted between 1772 AD and 1779 AD by Capuchin Father Joseph of Rivetti after the original was destroyed during the conflict between the British and Mir Qasim in 1763 AD. The reconstruction was overseen by the Venetian architect Tirreto from Kolkata. The church is particularly famous for its association with Mother Teresa, who reportedly underwent her nursing training and spiritual preparation here in 1948 before embarking on her mission in Kolkata. It also houses a massive, ancient Maria Bell made of Ashtadhatu (eight metals), which was a gift from Bahadur Shah, the son of the Nepalese King Prithvi Narayan, in 1782 AD. The church is a serene oasis and a symbol of the long-standing Christian presence in Patna.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Religious/Historical/ChurchEntry Fees:
Entry Fee:
No
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the church complex or the main sanctuary. Donations are voluntary.
Mass Offering:
Free:Entry Fee:
No
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the church complex or the main sanctuary. Donations are voluntary.
Mass Offering:
Free: Attending mass is free of charge.
Parking Fee:
Nominal Charge: Depending on the parking arrangement outside, a nominal parking fee may be applicable.
Donation:
Voluntary: Voluntary donations for the church's upkeep are welcome but not mandatory.Timing:
Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Approx.
): The church is generally open to visitors from early morning, around 6:00 AM, until early evening, around 8:00 PM, but times may vary based on mass schedules.
Ideal ...Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Approx.
): The church is generally open to visitors from early morning, around 6:00 AM, until early evening, around 8:00 PM, but times may vary based on mass schedules.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning (9:00 AM-11:00 AM) The best time to visit is the late morning on a weekday for a quiet and uncrowded experience.
Mass Timings:
Fixed Schedule: Check the local schedule for Sunday and weekday mass times, which are the main events of the day.Special Events:
New Year's Day Fair:
Community Festival: The church hosts a large fair on New Year's Day that draws thousands of people from all communities in Patna, making it a major annual cultural and social event.
Christmas...New Year's Day Fair:
Community Festival: The church hosts a large fair on New Year's Day that draws thousands of people from all communities in Patna, making it a major annual cultural and social event.
Christmas Celebrations:
Major Religious Festival: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are celebrated with grand mass, carol singing, and beautiful decorations, attracting a large number of local Christians and visitors.Best Photo Spots:
The Yellow-Hued Facade:
Architectural Statement: The distinctive, yellow-hued facade of the church, especially when seen in bright sunlight, is the most photogenic spot, symbolizing its unique architectural heritage.
Read MoreThe Yellow-Hued Facade:
Architectural Statement: The distinctive, yellow-hued facade of the church, especially when seen in bright sunlight, is the most photogenic spot, symbolizing its unique architectural heritage.
The Maria Bell Tower:
Artifact Frame: Capture the bell tower structure, trying to frame the heavy Ashtadhatu bell within the belfry's arch, highlighting the historical artifact.
The Serene Courtyard:
Tranquil Setting: The lush, tranquil courtyard and garden area, with the old church walls as a backdrop, offer a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing photo opportunity. (Approx. )Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Attending a Mass:
Spiritual Experience: Attend a Sunday or weekday mass to experience the church's spiritual atmosphere and congregational worship, a key part of the visit.
Observing the Architecture:
Historical Study: Spend time studying the unique Venetian and Indian architectural blend, paying close attention to the lime-fortified walls and the external facade.
Viewing the Maria Bell:
Artifact Appreciation: Locate and admire the massive, historical Maria Bell made of Ashtadhatu in its tower, reading any plaques that explain its provenance and historical significance as a gift from Nepal.
Quiet Contemplation:
Serenity: The church c...Attending a Mass:
Spiritual Experience: Attend a Sunday or weekday mass to experience the church's spiritual atmosphere and congregational worship, a key part of the visit.
Observing the Architecture:
Historical Study: Spend time studying the unique Venetian and Indian architectural blend, paying close attention to the lime-fortified walls and the external facade.
Viewing the Maria Bell:
Artifact Appreciation: Locate and admire the massive, historical Maria Bell made of Ashtadhatu in its tower, reading any plaques that explain its provenance and historical significance as a gift from Nepal.
Quiet Contemplation:
Serenity: The church courtyard and interior are known for their tranquility; spend time in quiet reflection and prayer, a welcome break from the busy Patna City area outside.
Photography:
Capturing the Facade: Focus on capturing the beautiful, yellow-hued Venetian facade of the church, its bell tower, and the serene garden area. Photography is often allowed outside but usually restricted inside the prayer hall.
Reading the Mother Teresa Plaque:
Historical Connection: Look for any plaque or signage that commemorates Mother Teresa's stay and training at the Haveli in 1948.
Exploring the Patna City Area:
Local Culture: Combine the visit with an exploration of the old and bustling Patna City locality, which is rich in history and local markets, providing a contrast to the Haveli's serenity.
Attending the New Year Fair:
Festive Atmosphere: If visiting on New Year's Day, you can witness the traditional fair held on the church grounds, which transforms the solemn monument into a lively community event.
Information
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Why Famous:
Oldest Church of Bihar:
Surviving Legacy: Its primary fame comes from being the oldest surviving church in Bihar, a testament to the long and continuous history of the Christian community in the region, dating back to the 18th century.Oldest Church of Bihar:
Surviving Legacy: Its primary fame comes from being the oldest surviving church in Bihar, a testament to the long and continuous history of the Christian community in the region, dating back to the 18th century.
Mother Teresa's Training Ground:
Humanitarian Connection: The church is famously associated with Mother Teresa, where she received part of her nursing training in 1948, connecting the site to one of the most significant humanitarian figures of the 20th century.
The Maria Bell:
Historical Artifact: The presence of the massive Maria Bell, a gift from the Nepalese King's son, is a significant historical and material artifact that draws interest.
Resilience Through Conflict:
Historical Survivor: The church's history of destruction during the Mir Qasim conflict in 1763 and its subsequent resurrection symbolizes the resilience of the local Christian faith. -
Architecture:
The architecture of Padri Ki Haveli is a unique fusion, primarily reflecting European and Venetian architectural styles from the late 18th century, owing to the involvement of the Venetian architect Tirreto.
Architectural Style:
Indo-Eur...The architecture of Padri Ki Haveli is a unique fusion, primarily reflecting European and Venetian architectural styles from the late 18th century, owing to the involvement of the Venetian architect Tirreto.
Architectural Style:
Indo-European Blend: The façade is distinctly European but is harmoniously blended with some subtle Indian motifs. It is known for its fortified look, with walls constructed using dry lime for strength.
Dimensions:
Grand Scale: The church's foundation stone is recorded to have dimensions of 70 feet in length, 40 feet wide, and 50 feet in height, indicating a large, imposing single-nave structure designed for congregational worship.
The Bell Tower:
Ashtadhatu Bell: A separate architectural feature is the structure housing the massive Maria Bell crafted from Ashtadhatu, a significant and unique historical and metallic inclusion in the church's complex. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT), Patna: Approximately 14-16 KMS away. Hire a taxi or cab and direct them to Padri Ki Haveli in Patna City or Naya Tola. The final approach involves navigating crowded Old Patna City streets.
Read MoreBy Air: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT), Patna: Approximately 14-16 KMS away. Hire a taxi or cab and direct them to Padri Ki Haveli in Patna City or Naya Tola. The final approach involves navigating crowded Old Patna City streets.
By Train:
Patna Junction (PNBE) / Patna Sahib (PNC): Patna Junction is about 6 KMS away. The closest and most convenient station is Patna Sahib (PNC), which is only about 2-3 KMS away. From either, take an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw.
By Road:
Patna City Road: The Haveli is located in the historically dense Patna City area. The approach roads are often congested. Drive carefully or rely on local transport.
By Local Transport:
Auto-Rickshaw/E-Rickshaw: Shared auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are the most common way to reach this area from the city center. Tell the driver 'Padri Ki Haveli, Patna City' for clarity.Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Types of Seasons:
Winter (October to March): The best time to visit is during the cool winter months, which makes navigating the narrow, crowded streets of Patna City more comfortable.
Monsoon (July to ...Different Types of Seasons:
Winter (October to March): The best time to visit is during the cool winter months, which makes navigating the narrow, crowded streets of Patna City more comfortable.
Monsoon (July to September): Avoid the heavy rains, as the old city area can experience waterlogging.
Summer (April to June): The intense heat makes midday travel difficult.
Different Parts of the Day: Morning (9:00 AM-12:00 PM) Ideal time to visit for a quiet tour and to appreciate the architecture in good light.
Sunday Morning: Best for attending the main mass if seeking a spiritual experience.Near Tourist Places:
Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib (2. 5 KMS), Patan Devi Mandir (Badi) (1 KM), Agam Kuan (3 KMS), Chhoti Patan Devi (1. 5 KMS), Golghar (5 KMS), Gandhi Maidan (6 KMS), Patna Museum (7 KMS), Mahavir Mandir (8 KMS), Martyr's Memorial (8 KMS), Buddha Smriti Park (7 KMS).Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:
Crowd Management: The surrounding Patna City area is very congested; be aware of traffic and crowds.
Footwear Protocol: Remember to remove footwear if entering the main sanctuary for mass or...Health & Safety:
Crowd Management: The surrounding Patna City area is very congested; be aware of traffic and crowds.
Footwear Protocol: Remember to remove footwear if entering the main sanctuary for mass or prayer.
Packing:
Modest Dress: Dress respectfully for a place of worship.
Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for walking the crowded streets of the old city.
Accommodation:
Stay in Central Patna: It is highly advisable to stay in central Patna (near Gandhi Maidan or Fraser Road) and make a day trip to the Old City, as accommodation options nearby are mostly basic.
Other Different Topics:
Mass Schedule Check: Confirm the mass timings if you wish to attend a service.
Respect Protocol: Maintain silence and respect inside the church.
Historical Context: Read up on the Mir Qasim conflict and Mother Teresa's time in Patna to enhance the visit.
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