By Sandra Valentina –
Some churches are built with stone. Some are built with history. But some are built with the prayers of generations.
In the heart of Hyderabad, the capital of southern India’s Telangana state, stands one such Shrine — where millions have come seeking healing, hope and a mother’s loving intercession.
This is the story of Khairatabad Arokia Madha. A story of faith. A story of history. A story of Mother Mary.
In the heart of the bustling city of Hyderabad, India, amid a sea of buildings and the ever-moving rhythm of urban life, stands a sacred landmark whose history is woven deeply into the faith, devotion and lives of millions — the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health, Khairatabad, popularly known as Arokia Madha, Mother of Good Health.
The Archdiocese of Hyderabad, India, is home to what is regarded as Asia’s first-ever octagonal Catholic Church, dedicated to Mother Mary. The magnificent eight-sided church, considered Asia’s biggest octagonal church, stands nestled amid the myriad buildings of Khairatabad. Once, when it was constructed, the beauty and grandeur of the church could be seen from a great distance. Today, its splendour can truly be appreciated only from the rooftops of the neighbouring buildings — yet its spiritual presence continues to tower over the hearts of those who come seeking the maternal care and intercession of Mother Mary.
The Shrine is not merely a remarkable work of architecture; it is a sacred place carrying a majestic history of more than a century, a history marked by faith, sacrifice, devotion and countless prayers.
The history of the Khairatabad church dates back to 1903, when the Nizam VI, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, permitted its construction on Army land. The church was built to serve the spiritual needs of the Army personnel stationed at the African Cavalry (AC) Guards.
It was also in 1903 that the present Statue of Mother Mary is historically believed to have been brought from Italy. For generations, millions of devotees have revered this statue and consider it Miraculous. For countless people who have walked into the Shrine carrying their burdens, hopes, tears and prayers, the statue of Mother Mary has remained a silent yet powerful symbol of comfort, healing and a mother’s loving intercession.
The present octagonal church, however, was constructed in 1954 by the Malaysian missionary, the late Rev. Fr. Xavier Roch. He served the Shrine for a record 27 years as its Parish Priest, dedicating his life to the people and the sacred place he loved. He remained at the Shrine until his death in 1974, and fittingly, he was laid to rest within the very Shrine he had built — his earthly remains resting beneath the sacred walls to which he had given so much of his life.
The foundation stone of the present church was laid by the Nizam VII, Mir Osman Ali Khan, along with the late Archbishop Joseph Mark Gopu. At that time, the Nizam was the Raj Pramukh of Hyderabad State. The church was later inaugurated by the Nizam in 1959, adding another significant chapter to the remarkable history of this Marian Shrine.
Today, the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health is revered by millions of devotees across the two Telugu States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as well as the South-Central states of Karnataka and Maharashtra, irrespective of caste or religion. People from different walks of life and diverse faith backgrounds come to this Shrine, united by a common trust in the loving intercession of Mother Mary.
The annual feast is a deeply cherished expression of this devotion. The celebrations began with the Flag-Hoisting on August 29, followed by the Nine-day Novena from August 30 to September 7. On September 8, the Church celebrated the Nativity of Mother Mary, with Holy Masses offered from midnight onwards, culminating in the Pontifical High Mass offered by His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI).
As evening fell on the feast day, the Shrine became the centre of an extraordinary expression of Marian devotion, as a grand procession is organised with the Miraculous Statue of Mother Mary. Thousands of faithful gather in prayer and reverence, accompanying the statue through the streets and entrusting their families, their struggles, their hopes and their lives to the loving care of the mother of Good Health.
Behind the solemnity and beauty of these celebrations lies the dedicated service of many people. The Rector of the Shrine, Rev. Fr. Michael Selvaraj, together with the Assistant Parish Priests, Rev. Fr. Anthony Muttu and Rev. Fr. Aduri Fathima Dwijesh, the Parish Council, Legion of Mary, St. Vincent de Paul, all Choir members and scores of volunteers, made elaborate arrangements for the smooth, prayerful and devout conduct of the annual festival.
Their preparations carried out in close coordination with the civil and police personnel, whose support helped ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the celebrations.
For more than a century, the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health, Khairatabad, has stood as a silent witness to generations of faith. Its octagonal walls have seen countless prayers whispered, tears shed, thanksgiving offered and hopes renewed.
And as Hyderabad celebrated the Nativity of Mother Mary, the historic Shrine once again become a place where architecture meets history, where tradition meets living faith, and where millions continue to turn to Mary — Arokia Madha, Mother of Good Health — with the simple and enduring confidence of children seeking the loving embrace of their mother.
For more information about the Shrine, its history, devotional activities and annual celebrations, visit solhkhairatabad.net