Devasahayam’s Challenges and Confrontations
Marthanda Varma initiated the construction of a dam at Ponmanai to support paddy cultivation. In the absence of cement, the dam was built using a blend of rock, limestone, brick powder, and sweet toddy. Devasahayam Pillai took on the full responsibility of overseeing this project, managing the supply of construction materials and ensuring workers received their wages. This demanding role kept him away from home for extended periods.
Meanwhile, his family faced economic hardships, which they attributed to Devasahayam’s conversion to Christianity, believing supernatural forces were punishing them for his change in faith. In an effort to bring him back to Hinduism, Namboodiris conducted religious rituals. During one of Devasahayam’s rare visits home, a ceremony aimed at reconverting him began, with sacred objects placed upon him. Devasahayam, however, gently turned away from the ritual.
He engaged in thoughtful debates with the Pujaris, who sought to challenge his beliefs, questioning the obscurities they imposed on people. Through theological discussions, he spoke out against unjust caste discrimination, condemned superstitions, and criticized the immorality prevalent in the king’s court and among his ministers. This confrontation occurred in 1748.
Following this, during a pooja at Devasahayam’s home dedicated to the goddess Kali, a sudden cry pierced through the chants and drumbeats from an inner room. Upon investigation, it was found that his uncle, Raman Pillai, had passed away. The Vaidikas blamed Devasahayam, accusing his conversion to Christianity of causing his uncle’s death. Influenced by this belief, his family grew resentful and began to accuse him.
Wishing to spare his family further distress and burdened by these accusations, Devasahayam chose to leave home and relocated to Kalkulam. He settled with his wife at Kunrikkadu, on the western side of the fort.
One day, a group of priests (Purokithars) visited Devasahayam at his Kunrikkadu home. He welcomed them warmly, and their conversation initially centered on family matters. However, the discussion shifted when the priests urged him to reconsider his beliefs and return to his former religion. As a knowledgeable scholar, Devasahayam calmly explained his Christian faith, maintaining composure despite being viewed as an adversary.
At one point, a priest, unable to refute Devasahayam’s reasoning, grew agitated and declared, “You show no reverence for the gods worshipped by the king and the people. You disrespect the priests who perform rituals and invoke the gods. Until you abandon your ignorance tied to the lower castes and your religion is eradicated from this land, I renounce my Brahminhood and discard this sacred thread (poonool).” He cast aside the poonool.
Devasahayam responded with calm resolve, “If that is so, this poonool is no different from the waistband I wear around my waist (araignankodi).”
He later shared this incident with Fr. Buttari, who had baptized him. Buttari noted that the event was significant enough to provoke the priests to seek Devasahayam’s demise. Deeply offended, the priests began plotting to eliminate him, their anger fueling their resolve to find ways to bring about his end.
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