Bhargavi’s Conversion and Devasahayam’s Mission

Witnessing a Transformed Life

Bhargavi Ammaiyar watched with awe the profound transformation in her husband’s life. She was moved by his extended prayers, his compassion for the marginalized, and his deepening commitment to charitable acts. Devasahayam, now a fervent Christian, shared with her his heartfelt hope—that she too would embrace the faith that had renewed his spirit.

Though touched by his sincerity, Bhargavi hesitated. She turned to her family for guidance, but they raised a troubling question: Could a family of the Nair caste truly adopt Christianity?

Challenging the Caste System

Devasahayam gently addressed her doubts. He explained that the caste system—dividing people into Brahmins, Chattriyar, Vaisiyar, and Sutirar—was a human invention crafted by Manu for the benefit of the privileged few. The Namboodiris, he said, now manipulated this system for their own advantage.

“No one is born superior or inferior,” he explained. “It is our actions that determine our worth.”

He continued, “We eat the grains grown by those the Namboodiris label as inferior. We profit from their labor and offer their produce as part of our rituals. Why then does caste matter only at certain moments? It’s a construct built on selfishness and deceit.”

He added with emphasis, “The Namboodiris classify even our Nair caste as Sutras—the fourth tier. We are labeled servants of the upper castes. If we were once considered inferior, how can we now turn and look down on others?”

One Creation, One Humanity

“Our culture treats others as less,” he told Bhargavi, “but think of this: one sun shines on all, one sky gives rain, one earth supports our lives. We breathe the same air, hunger the same way, and bleed the same red. Beyond male and female, all else is illusion. Will those who defend caste ever admit this truth?”

He pointed to the revered poet-sage Valmiki. “He was born to a hunter and a prostitute, yet we honor him. Why then deny dignity to others of humble birth? Do the Namboodiris truly uplift our caste—or do they keep us in servitude and shame?”

His voice grew firm. “Look at how Nair women are treated—they must carry talappoli when the king passes by, and the one whose offering he touches becomes his for the day. Is this what glorifies our caste? The Namboodiris and the king are driven by self-interest.”

A Wife’s Fear and a Husband’s Faith

“I’m afraid,” Bhargavi admitted. “I trust my mother’s advice. And I’m troubled by your closeness to those of lower caste.”

Devasahayam responded tenderly, “My dear Bhargavi, do not let caste cloud your heart. There is one God who created all, a God of love who gave Himself for humanity. Follow His truth, and do not turn back.”

His words, spoken with unwavering conviction and love, stirred something deep within her. Inspired by his example, Bhargavi Ammaiyar made her choice.

A New Name, A New Life

Together, they traveled to Vadakkankulam and met the priest Paranjothi Nathar. There, Bhargavi was baptized and received the name Gnanappu—meaning Theresa in Tamil—a name that reflected her inner transformation.

Drawing from the example of John the Baptist, who preached repentance in the wilderness of Judea as the kingdom of heaven approached (cf. Matthew 3:3), Devasahayam invited her to symbolically immerse herself in God’s path, as John once urged the people of Israel to do.

Though John the Baptist was criticized by priests and scribes, he drew the sincere and the humble—those who yearned for truth. Likewise, Bhargavi stepped into a new life of faith, inspired by her husband’s courage and the Christian witness that had touched their lives.

The Meaning of Baptism

Her baptism marked not merely a ritual, but a profound turning point—a shedding of the old and a commitment to new life. It meant sowing goodness, seeking justice, and inspiring others, just as John the Baptist had done. Through the guidance of De Lannoy, the influence of Neelakandan, and the living testimony of her husband Devasahayam, Bhargavi’s soul awakened to divine grace.

As taught by Paranjothi Nathar, baptism signified not only the forgiveness of sin, but the beginning of a life marked by integrity and righteous labor in a world marred by oppression.

A Journey Toward Martyrdom

A divine joy now filled Devasahayam’s heart. His wife had joined him on the path of faith. And so, in Vadakkankulam—where his journey as a Christian had begun—the road to his ultimate martyrdom was also set in motion.