The Lion in the Forest: A Divine Encounter
As Devasahayam was transported from Neyyattinkara to Nedumangad through a dense forest, a lion suddenly leapt from a cave, attacking the buffalo that carried him. The armed servants, terrified, scattered and hid among the trees. Devasahayam, calm and unafraid, pointed at the lion and raised a prayer to heaven. Miraculously, the lion froze in its tracks, trembled, spun in place, and then swiftly retreated to its cave.
This astonishing event spread rapidly among the tribal communities, drawing many to see Devasahayam. He took this opportunity to preach the Gospel to the gathered people before continuing to Nedumangad.
Silenced at Nedumangad
Upon reaching Nedumangad, Devasahayam was courteously addressed by the Hall Officer, a Nair clansman, who called him Ammavan (uncle). However, to prevent his preaching, the officer silenced him by placing a basket over his mouth.
Mocked and Starved on the Way
From there, Devasahayam was taken to the prison hall. Weakened by starvation, he often fell from the buffalo. When he cried for water, a poor man compassionately offered him some, only for soldiers to mock this act of solidarity between lower-caste Christians.
Before any formal interrogation, Devasahayam was subjected to brutal beatings. At Anjuthengu fort, soldiers mocked him by announcing with drums that he would be fed to the fish, treating him with utter contempt for their entertainment.
Message from De Lannoy
De Lannoy’s Christian relatives, living at the Anjuthengu castle, secretly relayed a letter to Devasahayam:
“I can only support you through prayer. No arrangements have been made with the king. Place your full trust in the Lord!”
This moment is preserved in the Jesuit records of the Malabar Mission.
Transferred to Trivandrum: Solace and Sorrows
Following the sentencing, Devasahayam was taken to Trivandrum. Reactions varied—some mocked him with feigned blessings, while others pitied his plight. Christian fishermen came to visit him in Thiruvananthapuram, prompting authorities to move him to a hidden location. As he was dragged across the ground during this secret transfer, his body ached with sores and exhaustion.
The prison officer addressed him with regret:
“You, a married man, could have lived happily with your wife. Why disobey the king and subject her to pain?”
Devasahayam answered with unwavering faith:
“I choose to follow Christ, the King of kings, and obey Him alone.”
Confined in a Monkey Cage
Infuriated, the officer ordered Devasahayam to be locked in a small, filthy cage meant for monkeys, as recorded by Buttari. Compassionate onlookers visited him in sorrow. Later, he was tied to a Puvarsu (Portia) tree. Rumors began to spread that he had been killed in South Travancore.
Gnanappu Amma’s Suffering and Loyalty
Meanwhile, Gnanappu Amma, overwhelmed by grief, wandered from place to place in search of her husband. Though proud of his courage and faith, she was consumed by memories of their shared life. Her longing for his gentle words and presence became unbearable. Like a grieving mother, she ran after the fast-moving cart carrying him, eventually collapsing in tears.
She cried out:
“If anyone were to see the pendant-laden Mangalyam, they would know the truth... As for the Velli Thirumadam, safeguarded from sunlight and offered generously in times of need, it speaks of the love and sacrifices shared at home.”
A Tearful Reunion in Trivandrum
Through De Lannoy’s network, Gnanappu learned that Devasahayam was tied to a tree in Trivandrum. Though frail and weakened, she journeyed there. Her heart ached at the thought of his suffering. Her eyes, weary from sleepless nights, barely saw, and with trembling limbs, she collapsed at his feet.
Too weak to speak, she listened as Devasahayam comforted her:
“Dear partner, God will protect us like the apple of His eye; do not worry.”
His face bore clots of dried blood from beatings. Gnanappu gently wiped them away and refused to leave his side, declaring:
“Let them beat and torture me too—I will remain and praise the Lord with you.”
A Heavenly Assurance
In that sacred moment of shared suffering, the Archangel Michael appeared and proclaimed:
“You who suffer will be in paradise.”
Gnanappu later recounted this vision to Thomman Thirumuthu Pulavar, Devasahayam’s devoted friend and fellow believer.
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