About Gunadala Lourdhu Matha Shrine
Revered affectionately as “Varaprasadhamatha” (Mother of Plenteous Graces), Gunadala Shrine is one of India’s most revered hill sanctuaries, bringing peace, healing, and solace to millions across religious and cultural boundaries.
Our Sacred Mission
To provide an oasis of prayer, reconciliation, and spiritual rejuvenation for all people. Proclaiming the compassionate healing of Jesus Christ through sacraments, prayer vigils, interreligious harmony, and continuous charity for the downtrodden.
- Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration and daily liturgies in vernacular languages.
- Feeding the hungry through the daily pilgrim Annadanam program.
- Spiritual accompaniment of sick, suffering, and elderly devotees.
Our Vision
To stand as a beacon of maternal hope for Asia and the world — a vibrant pilgrimage centre where faith transforms lives, modern pastoral facilities serve every generation, and the centenary heritage of devotion shines brightly into future centuries.
- Fostering universal brotherhood across all faiths and communities.
- Preserving the sanctity of the natural rock cave and scenic hillside.
- Completion and consecration of the Centenary Memorial Basilica.
Rev. Fr. Eleti William Jaya Raju
Shrine Rector & Parish Priest
Gunadala Lourdhu Matha Shrine
From Mission School to Hill Shrine
In 1923, Msgr. Pezzoni obtained 25 acres at Gunadala for an orphanage and boys’ school, and moved there with 30 orphans from Bezwada. The orphanage officially opened on June 15, 1924.
In 1925, Fr. P. Arlati cut a pathway up Gunadala Hill and placed a small statue of Our Lady in a niche. This began the local devotion that grew into the shrine and its annual feast.
Shrine Geography & Architecture
The Historic Cave Grotto
Nestled naturally within the rocky flank of Gunadala Hill. Enshrines the revered statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, surrounded by perpetual candle racks where devotees light tapers and offer vows.
The Hilltop Iron Cross
Fabricated and erected in 1933 upon the summit pinnacle. A stone staircase (Way of the Cross) leads to the peak, offering sweeping views across the Krishna river valley.
Centenary Memorial Basilica
The Centenary Basilica project began when Bishop Joseph Raja Rao SMM laid its foundation stone on February 2, 2020.
Shrine Mass Timings
Monday to Saturday (సోమవారం – శనివారం)
Holy Mass
దివ్యబలిపూజ
Rosary and Holy Mass
జపమాల మరియు దివ్యబలిపూజ
Important Notices & Pilgrim Guidelines
Reverence & Modesty
Devotees are requested to maintain solemn decorum and wear modest attire appropriate for sacred sanctuaries. Silence must be preserved around the Grotto and Adoration Chapel.
Hill Climbing Safety
The Way of the Cross stairs are steep. Elderly pilgrims and families with young infants are advised to take gradual breaks at shaded rests. First aid stations operate round the clock during feast days.
Mass Intention Receipts
All mass offerings, donations, and memorial plaques must be transacted strictly via the official Shrine Administrative Office or our verified online portal. Always demand an official sealed receipt.
Photography Regulations
Personal mobile photography is allowed in open plazas. Commercial filming and aerial drone operation require written prior permission from the Shrine Rector’s office.