It is unfortunate that the
iconic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris stands ravaged by a massive fire. It is not only a place of worship especially for the Catholics but also a major historic site. It is, of course, a great tourist
attraction. I feel nostalgic, as I have
been there twice. I have also devoted
one chapter in my book "Marvels Very Majestic" to the cathedral. Here I present a few of its rare features.
WHERE RELIGION AND HISTORY MEET
(By Subbaram Danda)
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| The cathedral two decades ago |
Notre Dame means “Our Lady” in French. It is an “active Catholic church” dedicated to Virgin Mary containing the “Cathedra,” the official chair of the Archbishop of Paris. It is located on a small island in the river Seine at the centre of Paris. Besides attracting a large number of tourists every year, it finds a prominent place in several movies.
Strangely, as if jinxed, the Notre Dame cathedral has gone through periods of destruction and
renovation in its centuries of history. During the French Revolution
it was plundered and misused as a warehouse.
Many statues were decapitated or mutilated. For years it remained neglected. Celebrated
French Writer Victor Hugo, through his famous novel “The Hunchback of Notre
Dame,” whipped up the sentiments of Parisians and made them see the need for
its restoration. The consequent major
renovation brought the cathedral back to its old form. During both the world wars it was subjected to shelling, but it survived.
The cathedral's architecture is marked by ribbed vaults, pointed arches and towering columns. It is specially known for its stained glass windows and admirable sculptures.
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| A stained glass window (Photo courtesy: WhatsApp) |
Even the cathedral’s
beginnings were chequered. The cathedral was constructed on the spot, where the
Romans had earlier built a temple for Jupiter centuries ago. This was followed by a basilica and then by
another church. The foundation for the present shrine was laid in 1163 AD but
its progress was intermittent. It was
not completed until 1345 – a delay of about 180 years. A succession of architects and changing plans
made this edifice an amalgam of styles.
The cathedral was the
venue of several public events. It was
here that Napoleon Bonaparte demonstrated that the state enjoyed supremacy over
the church and crowned himself the emperor.
In dramatic sequences, he took the coronation oath, collected from the
alter the crown already blessed by the Pope and personally placed it on his
head. He them laid the diadem on the
head of his wife Josephine.
Subsequently, official heralds proclaimed Napoleon the Emperor of the
French.
On another occasion, when
Paris was liberated during the World War II General de Gaulle rushed to the
cathedral to offer his thanksgiving prayers.
His state funeral was also conducted there.
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| The devastating fire engulfing the cathedral (Photo courtesy: WhatsApp) |
There is another feature of the cathedral that is very fascinating. In front of its main entrance at a distance of about 100 feet there is a small octagonal brass plate set in the ground. Engraved on a surrounding circular granite slab is a legend "Point Zero -- Des Routes de France." It marks the starting point for measuring all distances in Paris.
Over the years, this "Point Zero" has acquired a mystic aura and become a "good luck" charm. People place their palms on the plate or spin with one foot on it making a wish. Some couples even stand together on it and kiss seeking eternal bliss.
April 17, 2019
Over the years, this "Point Zero" has acquired a mystic aura and become a "good luck" charm. People place their palms on the plate or spin with one foot on it making a wish. Some couples even stand together on it and kiss seeking eternal bliss.
April 17, 2019
