The Road to Peruvilai: A Place of Waiting and Witness
Situated along the Nagercoil–Thiruvananthapuram Road, Parvathipuram served as the junction to Peruvilai, a small village about a kilometer away. It was here that the royal executioner, known as the Arachchar, resided. The Travancore government had granted him land, symbolically transferring the sin of executions from the king to this individual. With personal guards, a buffalo-drawn cart, a horn, and a distinct trumpet, the Arachchar was both feared and respected—locals even called him the “Peruvilai King.”
A Miraculous Tree and the Arachchar’s Awakening
Near the Arachchar’s home stood a withered neem tree. To this barren tree, Devasahayam was tied, exposed to the blazing sun with no shade. Miraculously, the tree sprouted fresh green leaves, a divine sign that astonished the Arachchar and marked the beginning of a spiritual transformation.
Despite being given only meager food, Devasahayam accepted it joyfully, like a holy ascetic. Word of his sanctity spread quickly throughout Travancore, especially as a mysterious epidemic began sweeping the land. Many of those who had persecuted Devasahayam—soldiers and officials alike—fell ill or died, and people attributed these misfortunes to their cruelty against the innocent servant of Christ.
Consolation and Healing in Peruvilai
Crowds began to gather each day around Devasahayam, seeking his words of comfort and healing. Among them was the Arachchar himself, who, despite his role, began to visit Devasahayam secretly, away from the eyes of the king.
The Arachchar, though powerful, bore a hidden sorrow—he and his wife were childless. In quiet desperation, he confided in Devasahayam, who prayed earnestly:
“In the name of the Lord Jesus, you will have a son.”
Miraculously, within a month, his wife conceived. Overcome with gratitude, the couple wept and thanked Devasahayam. In reverence, the Arachchar built a small hut for the saint under the very neem tree where he had once suffered. He invited Gnanappu Ammaiyar, Devasahayam’s wife, to visit regularly. She and her mother came often, praying and finding strength through these visits.
Many Christians began visiting Peruvilai, and through Devasahayam’s prayers, many were healed. He carefully recorded these miracles and entrusted the accounts to his wife and friend, De Lannoy, who preserved them at the Udayagiri Fort.
A Vision of the Holy Family
One night, as Devasahayam rested in his hut, a brilliant white light filled the space, illuminating his face. Awakened by the radiance, he instinctively knelt in prayer. In a wondrous vision, the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and the Child Jesus—appeared before him. A young soldier standing guard saw only the blinding light.
Devasahayam wrote of this vision to Buttari Adigalar of Vadakkankulam. Buttari, recognizing its spiritual depth, attributed it to Devasahayam’s profound devotion to the Holy Family Church of Vadakkankulam, where he had embraced the Catholic faith.
Holy Communion and a Sudden Transfer
Priest Perreirise from Padmanabhapuram often came to Peruvilai to administer the Holy Eucharist to Devasahayam. However, jealous eyes were watching. Lieutenant Ramayan, having heard that the Arachchar was showing favor to Devasahayam, intervened. After six months and twenty days of imprisonment in Peruvilai, Devasahayam was suddenly transferred on November 21, 1751, through Asaripallam to the Panchavan forest.
The Panchavan Forest: Hunger, Chains, and Holiness
Located near Kaluvanthittai in the Talawaipuram area, the Panchavan forest was reserved for the execution of criminals. Devasahayam was cast into its depths, bound and denied food. Yet some guards, moved by compassion, secretly brought him sustenance.
Parish priest Tomaso D. Bensika from Kottar risked visiting him in this desolate place to offer the Blessed Sacrament. There were sinister plots to poison Devasahayam’s food, but the prison officer refused to comply and warned him instead. The officer even offered a chance to escape. But Devasahayam, serene and unwavering, replied:
“Why should I flee like a coward? Is not martyrdom a great privilege?”
Buttari recorded that the officer was deeply touched by Devasahayam’s bravery and honesty.
A Martyr's Crown Foretold
During this dark season, Fr. Pimantel arrived in Travancore and visited the saint in chains. Moved to tears, he held Devasahayam’s shackled hands and feet and exclaimed:
“In the midst of voices extolling blessings untold, I embraced the chains upon my hand, willingly kissed, behold.”
Today, the site of this encounter is marked by the Ramanputhur Holy Family Church.
Widespread Persecution and Forced Reversions
Devasahayam’s growing influence sparked intense backlash. Christians across the region were hunted, tortured, imprisoned, or deported. Many fled to forests, abandoning their homes. Those who were coerced into renouncing their baptism were forced to drink dung water—a brutal act meant to erase their Christian identity.
The Final Transfer: Toward Aralvaymozhi
Unable to withstand the spiritual revolution Devasahayam was inspiring, the Namboodiris and ruling elites decided to move him once more. His presence had become too powerful, his words too effective. They arranged for his forcible transfer to Aralvaymozhi, a move meant to break his spirit and silence his witness.
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