St. Thomas Mount National Shrine

There is a general belief that Christianity was brought to India by the European priests during the 16th century CE. However, quite many people believe in a different theory. According to them, Christianity was preached in India right from the 1st century CE. They think that St. Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ, landed in Kodangallur in 52 CE. He was probably the only Apostle to cross Rome to preach Christianity. It is also believed that he was martyred in St. Thomas Mount in Chennai.

This article talks about the National Shrine located in St. Thomas Mount and the legend and history related to that site.

St. Thomas Mount, which is also called "Parangi Malai" by the locals of Chennai city, is a small hillock located in Chennai city's outskirts. The word "Parangi" in the Tamil language refers to "foreigner" (interestingly, this word was originated from an English word), and "malai" means "hill". (Some people claim that the site was associated with Bhringi Rishi, and hence the place was named Bhringi Malai, which became Parangi Malai now.)

A flight of 135 granite steps would take us atop the beautiful mount.  Coja Petrus Uscan, the wealthy Armenian merchant, who had constructed the Marmalong bridge, had built these steps in 1726 CE. He also donated 1,500 pagodas for the maintenance of these steps. The sides of the steps are adorned by fifteen Stations of the Cross that depict the last moments of Jesus.

As per the legend, St. Thomas, who was preaching Christianity in India, spent his last years in a cave in St. Thomas Mount. Reportedly, the local King was also converted into Christianity. A Brahmin who served the King did not want his King to follow another religion. He allegedly killed St. Thomas with a spear in 72 CE on this hill.

It is believed that there was a church atop the hill from the very beginning and it served as the light house for the Portuguese and Armenian vessels in the 16th and 17th centuries CE. As per the tradition, the Holy Cross found inside the Church was made by St. Thomas himself. It is believed that it has stains of his blood. When the Portuguese dug the new Church's foundation in 1547 CE, they accidentally discovered this Cross. As per the traditional records, the Cross was bleeding at regular intervals between 1558 CE and 1704 CE.

The Church of "Our Lady of Expectation" (Mother Mary) was built by the Portuguese in 1523 CE on this hill's top. It is believed that the altar of this Church was built on the spot where St. Thomas was killed. The paintings depicting the last days of all the Apostles are found on the walls of the Church.

On the top of the hill, there is a Calvary, built in 1963 CE, which acts as the landmark of this mount. The Church also has the holy relic of St. Thomas. There is a painting of Mother Mary with child Jesus which is believed to have been painted by St. Luke in 50 CE and was brought by St. Thomas himself. It is considered as the oldest Christianity-related painting in India. (It is not accepted by the historians, though).

Please note that many people challenge if St. Thomas visited India and if he was killed and all. According to them, the story was cooked up by the Portuguese. 

The statue of Pope John Paul and Mother Teresa are new additions to the shrine.
There is a huge banyan tree, which is believed to be more than 175 years old. Under the tree, the statue of Col. William Lambton is found. He was a British surveyor who planned the Great Trigonometrical Survey. He launched his fieldwork from this place on 10th April 1802 CE. 

Many local residents use the 300 feet high hillock for jogging, trekking and other fitness exercises. A great aerial view of Chennai airport is another highlight of the site. 
It is advisable to visit the mount either in the early morning or late evening to enjoy the pleasant climate and hill view.

Happy travelling.