Blended architecture
Indian, Mughal, Chinese and Batak.
Ronald Tagra — CC BY 2.0 · Lim Natee — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lim Natee — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lim Natee — CC BY-SA 4.0
A Catholic shrine of striking architecture in Medan's suburbs, built between 2001 and 2005 on the initiative of Father James Bharataputra, a priest of Indian origin, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Velankanni, venerated in south India; Medan has had a large Tamil community since the tobacco plantation era. The building catches the eye with architecture mixing several styles: a stepped tower in the manner of south Indian Dravidian temples, domes and Mughal touches, and Chinese and local Batak ornament, in reds, browns and greys. Along the walls stand statues of people of Indonesia's many ethnicities and cultures, symbolising unity and coexistence. Entry is free, and the site is open to visitors of all faiths, with respect for prayers and Mass. Dress modestly and remove your shoes where asked. A visit takes half an hour to an hour, for lovers of architecture and photography; it counts among the symbols of Medan's religious diversity alongside the Grand Mosque and the temples of the Indian quarter.
Indian, Mughal, Chinese and Batak.
In south Indian temple style.
Statues of Indonesia's peoples.
Tanjung Selamat, south-west Medan
Its founder, a priest of Indian origin, wanted a shrine echoing Velankanni in south India, so he borrowed the stepped tower from Dravidian temple architecture and added Indonesian and local elements.