Basilica of Our Lady of Health in Harihar

History: A long time ago, a priest (Brahmin purohit) was taking bath in the river Tungabhadra near a village called as Harihar, in Karnataka. But the swelling waters of the river began to sweep him away. In his dire state, he was frantically searching for something to hold on before he drowned. At that time, miraculously he found a statue of our Lady of Good Health and he clung to it. He was saved from a sure death and upon reaching home, he held the statue aloft. His family, specifically his wife and a child had their own health issues. His wife suffered from tuberculosis and his child had paralysis. They touched the miraculous statue of our Lady of Good Health. They were cured of their long standing crippling illness.

Now the priest dedicated himself to the service of Our Lady of Good Health. His own house became a place of worship after his life time. The small church in Harihar eventually drew a lot of pilgrims who prayed to the Mother of Good Health.

It became a 'Velankanni of Karnataka' as people began celebrating their 'Harihar Mathe' - Harihar Mother.
Fr.Bigot Beauclair,a French priest constructed a modest prayer hall in the year 1833 in the same place where the original chapel existed. Over a period of time, the church underwent extensions. The Church shares unique construction features as it stands today. It has eastern Asia kind of shaped roof and the front portal was built in the same fashion as the Hindu Temple portals of Karnataka.

Even the original Velankanni Shrine in Nagapatinum, Tamil Nadu draws millions of devotees from all over India and abroad - many of them - Hindus. Same way the Harihar Mathe draws thousands from the nearby region - mostly Hindus.

Festival of Our Lady of Good Health: The feast of Our Lady of Good Health is celebrated every year on September 8th - on the day of Nativity. There is a chariot procession carrying the statue of Our Lady of Good Health. The Chariot would be decked with (Sevanthige) Chrysanthemum flowers sourced from Arsikere.

Location:

Google Map: 14°30'38.8"N 75°48'38.5"E
Harihar is located about 24 km from Ranebennur on the SH 76 and about 292 km from Bangalore.
Mass timings:

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 7.00 am & 12 pm in Kannada Language
Wed: Mass in the convent in English
Sat: 12.00 and 5.45 pm Holy Rosary, Novena, Adoration and Mass
Sun: 8.15 am , 12.00 , 5.30 pm Mass

Contact Details:

Shrine of Our Lady of Health
P.B.No: 19, Church Road
Harihar - 577601
Davanagere District
Karnataka
Phone: 08192 - 242269