Martyr Devasahayam Pillai Shrine, Nattalam

Foundation and Establishment

The Devasahayam Shrine in Nattalam, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, was established to honor Saint Devasahayam Pillai, born in the village in 1712. Built in 1976 under the guidance of Fr. S. Joseph and blessed by Bishop Marianus Arokia Samy on December 30, 1976, the shrine’s foundation was laid at the site of Devasahayam’s family home, preserving a portion of its original structure as a historical link. The shrine serves as a sacred space for worship and reflection, welcoming pilgrims to connect with Devasahayam’s legacy. It also acts as a historical repository, displaying relics like a wall fragment from his home, and fosters a sense of community for visitors seeking spiritual and cultural enrichment.

The Devasahayam Shrine in Nattalam, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, offers a range of elements that enrich its spiritual and historical significance. A dedicated museum houses artifacts, including a preserved wall fragment from Saint Devasahayam Pillai’s family home, offering visitors a direct connection to his early life in the village. A historic well, once used by Devasahayam’s family, continues to provide drinking water to the local community, serving as a enduring symbol of his roots. The shrine also features a special prayer site, believed to be where Devasahayam prayed during his youth, creating a sacred space for devotees to reflect. At the heart of the shrine, the chapel hosts regular Eucharistic services, fostering a vibrant environment for communal worship and spiritual engagement.