Following a schism in the church administration, the British government allowed Christian Kolis to build a church for their community a few metres away from the old Gloria Church, where the natives were denied entry in 1794. This church, consecrated as Our Lady of the Rosary, was built in the same year, with the date inscribed on its outer wall.
Saint Anne’s Church was built on the site of a small chapel constructed in 1787 by Rose Nesbit, an Armenian woman who lived in a mansion called Rose Cottage on a vast estate when Mazagaon was still an island. The chapel built by the Nesbit family was called Igreja da Senhora Santa Anna, named after the mother of Mary. In the 19th century CE, the Jesuits expanded the chapel, constructed a church in its place and renamed it Saint Anne’s Church.
On the ground floor, a shrine is dedicated to Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of mercy and compassion. Red lanterns, symbolizing good fortune and happiness, are commonly hung around the temple, especially during festivals. Murals and paintings depicting scenes from religious texts and mythology enhance the spiritual ambiance of the temple.
The stairway at the Chinese Temple has paintings of Fuk, Luk, and Sau, depicted from left to right. They are known as the ‘Sanxing’ or ‘Three Stars’ in Chinese folk religion. Together, they are commonly worshipped and honoured in Chinese homes, businesses, and temples to invite good fortune, success, and longevity.
The Stations at Saint Anne’s Church represent the route along Via Dolorosa taken by Jesus to reach Mount Calvary, the site of his crucifixion. Typically, a series of 14 images is arranged in numbered order along a path. Worshippers, either individually or in a procession, move in sequence from one station to the next, stopping at each to say prayers and reflect on the events depicted.
The shrine on the first floor is dedicated to Kwan Kung. He is venerated as a God of war, righteousness, and loyalty in various Chinese religious traditions, including Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese folk religion. Revered for his martial valour and ability to protect against evil spirits, Kwan Kung is typically depicted with a red face, a long beard, and wearing traditional Chinese armour.
The architecture of the Aga Khan Maqbara is influenced by several Indo-Islamic structures, especially the Taj Mahal at Agra and the tombs of the Qutub Shahi dynasty of Golkonda (Hyderabad). Its resemblance to the Taj Mahal has led to it being dubbed the ‘Taj Mahal of Mumbai’.
The Parsee Mazagaon Anjuman Daremeher was originally consecrated on January 20, 1907, as prominently indicated on its façade. It was built under the supervision of Mancherjee Pallonjee, with generous contributions from the Parsi community of Mumbai.
In addition to antique wooden furniture, the Parsee Mazagaon Anjuman Daremeher displays various items associated with the Zoroastrian faith. This carpet, for example, has representations of the Farvahar, Lamassu, and various kings of the Achaemenid Empire, which was based in ancient Persia.