Sacred Places in the Life and Legacy of Devasahayam Pillai
Nearby stood the Bhattirakali temple, once revered by Devasahayam’s family. After the death of his uncle, Raman Pillai, the temple fell into disuse and faded from memory. Devasahayam himself paid it no heed after his conversion.
In 1976, a chapel was constructed near his ancestral home in Devasahayam’s honor. It houses commemorative relics such as the long sword he once bore as a royal official and the axe he used. The site, once associated with traditional worship, has now become a Christian shrine, where pilgrims often gather. Among the many devotional practices, visitors drink from the leaves of a nearby tree believed to bring healing to the sick, a sign of ongoing faith in Devasahayam’s intercession.
Vadakkankulam: The Waters of New Birth
In the spiritually rich village of Vadakkankulam, Devasahayam underwent the transformative moment of baptism that marked the beginning of his new life in Christ. It was here, under the guidance of Fr. Giovanni Battista Buttari, a Jesuit missionary, that Neelakandan Pillai received the name “Lazarus”, or in Tamil, “Devasahayam”, meaning “God is my help.”
The baptism took place in the Our Lady of Sorrows Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the region, which served as a hub of missionary activity during the 18th century. This church, built through the zealous efforts of early Jesuits, became a refuge and spiritual home to many converts, including Devasahayam.
Local tradition holds that after his baptism, Devasahayam remained in Vadakkankulam for a brief period, immersed in prayer, catechesis, and spiritual formation. It was here that he learned to integrate his new faith into every aspect of life, preparing for the trials that lay ahead.
Today, the church and baptismal font where he was received into the faith are preserved with great reverence. Pilgrims visit the site to remember not only the grace of his baptism but also the radical commitment he made to live out the Gospel, even unto death.
Vadakkankulam thus remains a sanctuary of new beginnings, a place where the waters of baptism gave rise to a saint, and where seekers of faith still come to renew their own commitment to Christ.
Vettuvenni: The Cross of Silent Suffering
In Vettuvenni, a stone crucifix stands as a silent witness to the persecution Devasahayam endured. Erected by De Lannoy, the Dutch general who introduced him to the Christian faith, this cross marks a place of deep spiritual and historical significance.
Though many are unaware of its importance, oral traditions preserved by the local people continue to tell the story of his suffering here. These living memories are a vital part of Devasahayam’s enduring witness, and efforts are now underway to engrave his history at the site for future generations.
In Kulumaikadu, also known as Pandarakkadu, near Madathattuvilai, an initial royal order decreed that Devasahayam be beheaded. But divine providence intervened—a second decree spared his life, commuting the sentence to imprisonment instead.
To commemorate this act of mercy, a Kurusadi (cross shrine) and bell tower were erected at the site. These structures remind visitors of both the cruelty Devasahayam endured and the intervention of divine grace in his life.
Puliyoorkurichi: The Miraculous Fountain
Among all sacred sites, Puliyoorkurichi stands out for the miraculous spring that burst forth from a rock when Devasahayam, beaten and parched, cried out for water. As he struck the stone with his fist, a fountain sprang up, and the rock split into three flanges, forming a hollow that mirrored the shape of his knuckle.
Today, a new Kurusadi marks the current fountain, and a new church, modeled after Padmanabhapuram Fort—where Devasahayam once served as a palace official—has been built nearby. The site remains a spiritual destination, especially for the suffering and the faithful seeking divine help.
Kattadimalai: The Martyrdom Rock
Kattadimalai is the sacred ground of martyrdom, where Devasahayam Pillai gave his life for the faith. A stone cross marks the spot where he stood when he was shot, while a wooden cross marks where he fell. Some believe the altar of the Vyakulamatha Church, built nearby, now covers the very place where he shed his blood.
Pilgrims are drawn to a small rock bearing his footprint, where he knelt in prayer, and the “Maniyadichan Rock”, which miraculously split and rang like a bell at the moment of his death.
The site is alive with testimonies of healing and protection. People of all backgrounds, including athletes and pet owners, visit to seek blessings and strength. A museum dedicated to his life further enriches the visitor’s understanding and reverence.
Kottar: Where the Saint Rests
On April 16, 1913, under Fr. Bernard, the martyr’s tomb was secretly opened. Beneath a slab of marble lay a stone trough containing grey powder and bone fragments. These relics were respectfully sealed in a wooden box, encased in iron, and reinterred. A portion was preserved by order of Bishop Aloysius Maria Benziger in the archives of the Diocese of Kollam.
During the beatification ceremony on September 7, 2008, the sacred relics were solemnly returned to Kottar, where they now remain under the custody of the Diocesan Bishop. Devotees find peace and hope near his tomb, which continues to be a site of prayer and consolation for the afflicted.
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