St Thomas Mount Church is situated in the heart of the Chennai city. The church was built in 1523 to honor the martyrdom of Saint Thomas, an ardent follower of Jesus Christ. The church stands on a small hill, which is also named after the saint. This church is also known as Peria Malai. Every year a good number of festivals are celebrated in the St Thomas Mount Church including the Saint Thomas Day.
St Thomas Mount Church is popularly known as Peria Malai. The church was built in the year 1523 in honor of Saint Thomas. It is said that Saint Thomas, an ardent follower of Jesus Christ, was murdered here and the church marks his martyrdom. This holy structure is located on a small hill, which stands at the center of the city of Chennai. Therefore the church is named as the St Thomas Mount Church.
A Concise History
The St Thomas Mount Church in Chennai bears a rich historical past. Saint Thomas was a disciple of Jesus Christ. He reached South India in 52 AD to preach Christianity. His last years were spent in Chennai before he was martyred in 72 AD. The church was built by the Portuguese rulers in 1523 who, later on
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inhabited Chennai for trading purposes. The local name of St Thomas Mount Church is Peria Malai, which in Tamil means large mountain.
Description
The spire of the church measures about 300 feet. As per the local saying, the altar is built on the martyrized place of saint Thomas. The visitor must climb a total of 160 steps in order to reach the top of the church. The top of the mount features a shrine, dedicated to 'Mother Mary' or 'Our Lady of Expectation'. Four curves with a cross at the top guard the entrance of St Thomas Mount Church at the north base. The cross is popularly known as the 'Bleeding Cross', which according to the local saying bled in 1558 during a Mass. The area surrounding the altar bears oil paintings of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. The oil painting of Madonna, which is regarded as one of the finest Christian paintings, adorns the top of the altar.
Events at St Thomas Mount Church
St Thomas Day on 3rd July is celebrated with great pomp and festivity. Besides, on 18th December the festival of Our lady of Expectation is also celebrated. The church is also decorated grandly during Easter, when devotees visit the place to offer prayers.
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