Martyr Devasahayam Pillai Shrine, Nattalam

Nattalam in the 17th Century

Historical Context

In the 17th century, Nattalam was a small hamlet in the Travancore Kingdom, a powerful princely state in South India. Travancore, under rulers like Maharaja Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (reigned 1729–1758), was a hub of trade and cultural exchange, influenced by its Chera dynasty roots and maritime connections with the Dutch and Portuguese. Nattalam, part of Vilavancode taluk, was likely an agricultural village with ties to nearby temples and royal administration.

  • Political Landscape: Travancore was consolidating power, resisting invasions from neighboring kingdoms like the Cholas and Pandyas. By the late 17th century, the kingdom signed treaties with the Dutch East India Company, enhancing its economic and military strength.
  • Economic Activity: Nattalam’s economy centered on agriculture, with crops like paddy, coconut, and tapioca. 

Cultural Practices:

  • Religion: Hinduism dominated, with temples and sacred groves (kavu) central to village life. Rituals, festivals, and Sanskrit learning were common.
  • Language: Malayalam was the primary language, with Tamil influences due to Nattalam’s proximity to Tamil-speaking regions.


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.

How to Reach Nattalam

By Air

  • The closest airport to the Devasahayam Shrine in Nattalam, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, is Trivandrum International Airport (IATA: TRV), located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, approximately 50 km away. This major airport offers excellent connectivity with domestic flights from cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, as well as international flights from destinations such as Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo. Airlines operating at TRV include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, and international carriers like Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

    • Travel from Trivandrum Airport to Nattalam:

      • Taxi: Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs (e.g., Ola, Uber) are available at the airport, providing a direct and comfortable ride to Nattalam in 1–1.5 hours. The fare ranges from INR 1,500–2,000, depending on the vehicle type and time of day. Taxis are ideal for families, groups, or those with luggage.

      • Bus: Buses from Thiruvananthapuram to Marthandam (4 km from Nattalam) depart from the nearby Thampanoor Central Bus Station or East Fort, accessible via a short auto-rickshaw ride from the airport (INR 50–100). Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private buses take about 1 hour to reach Marthandam, with fares of INR 50–100. From Marthandam, take a local bus (10 minutes, INR 10–20) or auto-rickshaw (10 minutes, INR 50–100) to Nattalam.

      • Shuttle Services: Some private operators offer shared shuttle services from the airport to Marthandam or Kanyakumari, costing INR 200–400 per person. Check availability at the airport’s travel desk.

By Road

  • The Devasahayam Shrine is conveniently located in Nattalam, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, approximately 4 km south of Marthandam and 45 km from Nagercoil, along National Highway 66 (NH 66), a well-maintained route connecting Kanyakumari to Thiruvananthapuram. Nattalam’s accessibility by road makes it an easy destination for pilgrims and tourists traveling from nearby cities or within the region.

    • From Major Cities:

      • Nagercoil (45 km): The journey takes about 1 hour by road. Regular buses operated by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and private operators run from Nagercoil’s main bus stand to Marthandam or Nattalam, with fares ranging from INR 50–100. Taxis or app-based cabs (e.g., Ola, Uber) cost INR 800–1,200, offering a faster, more comfortable option.

      • Thiruvananthapuram (50 km): Located 1.5 hours away, Thiruvananthapuram offers frequent bus services from Thampanoor Central Bus Station to Marthandam, with fares between INR 100–150. KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) and private buses are available. Taxis or cabs cost INR 1,500–2,000 for a direct trip to Nattalam.

      • Kanyakumari (25 km): A 40-minute drive, Kanyakumari is connected by TNSTC buses to Marthandam or Nattalam, with fares of INR 30–70. Taxis or auto-rickshaws from Kanyakumari cost INR 500–800, ideal for small groups or those seeking convenience.
    • Local Transport from Marthandam:

      • Bus: Frequent local buses ply between Marthandam and Nattalam, taking 10–15 minutes with fares of INR 10–20. Buses depart from Marthandam’s main bus stand, dropping passengers near the shrine.

      • Auto-Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are widely available in Marthandam and provide a quick ride to Nattalam, costing INR 50–100 for the 4 km journey, depending on negotiation.

      • Taxi/Cab: Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from Marthandam to Nattalam cost INR 150–300, suitable for families or those with luggage.

By Rail

  • The most convenient way to reach the Devasahayam Shrine in Nattalam by rail is through Kuzhithurai Railway Station (station code: KZT), located approximately 8 km from the shrine. Kuzhithurai is a well-connected station on the Southern Railway network, serving trains that link major cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram, as well as regional destinations like Nagercoil and Kanyakumari. Key trains stopping at Kuzhithurai include the Kanyakumari Express, Island Express, and Anantapuri Express, offering daily services from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram.

    • Travel from Kuzhithurai to Nattalam:

      • Auto-Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are readily available outside the station and provide a quick, direct ride to Nattalam, taking about 15–20 minutes. The fare typically ranges from INR 100–150, depending on negotiation and time of day.

      • Local Bus: Buses from Kuzhithurai to Nattalam or Marthandam (4 km from Nattalam) are frequent and affordable, with fares between INR 20–30. The journey takes 20–25 minutes. From Marthandam, you can take another bus (INR 10–20) or an auto-rickshaw (INR 50–100) to reach Nattalam.

      • Taxi: Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs (e.g., Ola, Uber) are available for a more comfortable ride, costing INR 200–300 for the 8 km trip, ideal for groups or those with luggage.

Parish information 

Mass Timings

  • Daily Mass:
  • Weekly Eucharist: Fridays.
  • Special Feasts:
    • Feast of Saint Devasahayam (January 14): Masses at 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 6:00 PM.
    • Christmas/Easter: Additional masses at 6:00 AM, 6:00 PM.

Parish Priest

  •  Founding Priest: Fr. S. Joseph. 
  •  Current Priest of the Shrine: Fr. Richard


Address: Diocese of Kuzhithurai

Bishop’s House, P.B. No.1 Unnamalaikadai – 629179 K.K.Dist, Tamil Nadu

Phone: 04651-272077

Email: rcdiocesekuzhithurai@gmail.com

You Tube Channel: Friday: Live Retreat

Website: Diocese of Kuzhithurai

Locality and Surroundings

  • Locality: A rural village with fields and hills, the shrine is near homes and small shops.
  • Amenities: Basic eateries and guesthouses in Nattalam; more in Marthandam/Nagercoil.

Map and Directions

  • Coordinates: ~8.215°N, 77.275°E.
  • Landmarks: On the Marthandam-Nattalam road, marked by “Devasahayam Shrine” signs.
  • Directions from Marthandam:
    1. Head south on NH 66.
    2. Turn left at Nattalam junction (3 km).
    3. Shrine is 1 km ahead, on the right.
  • Tip: Use Google Maps for “Devasahayam Shrine, Nattalam.”

Practical Tips

  • Best Time: October–March (20–30°C). Avoid monsoons (June–September).
  • Dress Code: Modest clothing (e.g., covered shoulders, full-length pants).
  • Accommodation: Marthandam (INR 1,000–2,000 Day/night) or Nagercoil (INR 2,000–5,000 Day/night).
  • Language: Tamil, Malayalam; English understood in tourist areas.
  • Safety: Safe, but be cautious during crowded festivals.
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