Ironically, the very site he had helped to fortify became Devasahayam’s prison. On November 16, 1752, he was confined within a prison adjacent to the fort’s walls. During the day, he was tied to a Puvarasu (Portia) tree near the customs post, fully exposed to the sweltering sun and drenching rain, with only the sky as a roof. Deprived of adequate food and water, his body wasted away like a tree stripped of its spring bloom. Though the fort’s medical facility offered treatment, he declined it, comparing himself to a sacrificial goat awaiting slaughter. By this time, Buttari recorded that he bore thirty-two severe wounds.
Ironically, the very site he had helped to fortify became Devasahayam’s prison. On November 16, 1752, he was confined within a prison adjacent to the fort’s walls. During the day, he was tied to a Puvarasu (Portia) tree near the customs post, fully exposed to the sweltering sun and drenching rain, with only the sky as a roof. Deprived of adequate food and water, his body wasted away like a tree stripped of its spring bloom. Though the fort’s medical facility offered treatment, he declined it, comparing himself to a sacrificial goat awaiting slaughter. By this time, Buttari recorded that he bore thirty-two severe wounds.
Travancore, already reeling from foreign threats, found itself torn between political expediency and spiritual conscience. Some within the royal court pressed the king to end the matter once and for all—by executing Devasahayam.
Meanwhile, Buttari—his friend, comforter, and spiritual companion—had been relocated to Auvoor in 1751. In his absence, Devasahayam’s sufferings intensified. His body was battered, but his spirit remained unbroken. Prayer and hope sustained him in those final days. Within the palace, Lieutenant Ramaiyan led deliberations that pointed toward a tragic resolution.
Travancore, already reeling from foreign threats, found itself torn between political expediency and spiritual conscience. Some within the royal court pressed the king to end the matter once and for all—by executing Devasahayam.
Meanwhile, Buttari—his friend, comforter, and spiritual companion—had been relocated to Auvoor in 1751. In his absence, Devasahayam’s sufferings intensified. His body was battered, but his spirit remained unbroken. Prayer and hope sustained him in those final days. Within the palace, Lieutenant Ramaiyan led deliberations that pointed toward a tragic resolution.
In the days that followed, two more miracles occurred:
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A mute woman was enabled to speak,
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And a barren woman conceived a child, freeing her from the shame and scorn of her mother-in-law.
These signs stirred the people to joyful uproar. Their gratitude erupted in the streets, as news of the miracles spread like wildfire.
In the days that followed, two more miracles occurred:
-
A mute woman was enabled to speak,
-
And a barren woman conceived a child, freeing her from the shame and scorn of her mother-in-law.
These signs stirred the people to joyful uproar. Their gratitude erupted in the streets, as news of the miracles spread like wildfire.
Despite the weariness of his body, Devasahayam’s face shone with peace—the radiance of a soul ready for heaven. He had foreseen his death eight days prior, and now, like a faithful soldier returning home, he prepared to meet his Lord.
Gnanappu, her eyes wide and pleading like a child’s, fell before him. He gently comforted her with soft words, acknowledging the trials she had borne since their marriage:
“The Lord is calling me. Do not grieve. One day, we will be united again in His heavenly kingdom.”
Despite the weariness of his body, Devasahayam’s face shone with peace—the radiance of a soul ready for heaven. He had foreseen his death eight days prior, and now, like a faithful soldier returning home, he prepared to meet his Lord.
Gnanappu, her eyes wide and pleading like a child’s, fell before him. He gently comforted her with soft words, acknowledging the trials she had borne since their marriage:
“The Lord is calling me. Do not grieve. One day, we will be united again in His heavenly kingdom.”
Knowing that Gnanappu might face uncertainty and persecution after his death, Devasahayam made a heartfelt plea:
“Take my wife with you. Let her find refuge among you. The same Lord who led me will now guide her.”
Then, turning to Gnanappu, he made the Sign of the Cross over her. As Christ entrusted His mother to the beloved disciple, so did Devasahayam entrust his wife to the care of the Christian community in Vadakkankulam.
Knowing that Gnanappu might face uncertainty and persecution after his death, Devasahayam made a heartfelt plea:
“Take my wife with you. Let her find refuge among you. The same Lord who led me will now guide her.”
Then, turning to Gnanappu, he made the Sign of the Cross over her. As Christ entrusted His mother to the beloved disciple, so did Devasahayam entrust his wife to the care of the Christian community in Vadakkankulam.
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