Brutal Parades, Torture, and Unshaken Faith of Devasahayam
Interrogation at Kalkulam: Loyalty Questioned Devasahayam was brought before the inquiry officer of Kalkulam, who lauded the king’s supreme authority and questioned his loyalty. “Even the sun bows to the king! Why do you cling to Christianity, tied to the low castes?” the officer demanded.
Calm and composed, Devasahayam replied by recalling a story of divine intervention: how the king, tormented by sleeplessness, found rest only after De Lannoy built a special bed from blessed trees. These trees, sanctified by the Padmanabhapuram Guru, finally brought peace to the restless king.
Thirty Lashes a Day and Humiliating Ordeals
Angered by Devasahayam’s defiance, the officer inflicted cruel punishments upon him. He was forced to drink chili-infused water, had pepper rubbed into his eyes, and was subjected to thirty lashes daily. As a symbol of disgrace, he was paraded backward on a buffalo—the vehicle of Yama, the god of death—for an entire month through neighboring towns.
Riding backward on the buffalo was an ominous sign of death, meant to degrade him. In every crowded place, he was assaulted and pushed off the animal, yet Devasahayam bore it all with a serene, unwavering spirit that inspired many.
Journey of Suffering Through Towns and Villages
From Padmanabhapuram to Thackalai, Kothanallur, Meykkodu, Travancore, Neyyur, Iraniyal, Alur, Kadiyapattanam, and Manawalakurichi, Devasahayam was dragged, beaten, and mocked. These public spectacles were meant to deter conversions and discredit his faith. Yet, through these torments, his calm endurance and teachings led many villagers to embrace Christianity.
Confrontation at Agastheeswaram: A Call to Renounce
In Agastheeswaram taluka, the official rebuked him: “By disobeying the king, you and your family have lost your status. You suffer hunger and humiliation. Why disgrace the king by mingling with the lower castes? Why ruin your name?”
Devasahayam replied with peace:
“I do not seek to disgrace the king or this land. Earthly riches vanish; only the soul remains. I follow the true God my heart longs for.”
The officer, enraged, threatened him. He was beaten with the spine of a shark fish, had chili powder smeared into his wounds, and was dragged across the region.
At Thovalai Hall: A Miraculous Witness
At Thovalai, the entrance officer, tormented by a severe headache, addressed Devasahayam in a northern dialect, unintelligible to others:
“Neelakanda, obey the king. Forsake Devasahayam, return to your former self, and restore your honor. We still value you.”
Devasahayam calmly answered, “Please help me reach my goal.”
Refusing to continue the torture, the officer summoned Brahmin priests to chant Vedic scriptures and win him back. But Devasahayam stood firm, unaffected. The officer, trembling, confessed, “I am unworthy of punishing this saint,” and retreated into silence.
Accusations of Sorcery and New Converts
Those determined to destroy Devasahayam protested fiercely:
“He is a sorcerer! He has silenced our gods. Do not let him go!”
But Devasahayam, undeterred, preached boldly to the Vellalar clan. His words bore fruit—many elders converted to Christianity.
Final Tortures En Route to Vilavancodu
The cruelty persisted. Devasahayam was dragged and beaten through Shenbagaramanputhur, Tirupathisaram, Alagiyapandipuram, Ettamadai, and Thadikkarankonam, on the road to Vilavancodu. In Vilavancodu, amidst these trials, a husband and wife—long separated—miraculously reunited, their encounter a quiet sign of God’s presence even amid suffering.
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