Nestled near the Parvathipuram junction along the Nagercoil-Thiruvananthapuram Road lies Peruvilai, a village sanctified by the trials and miracles of the Blessed Martyr Devasahayam Pillai. This sacred ground once hosted the executioner, known locally as the Arachchar, whose life would be transformed through divine encounters with the martyr.
A Village Touched by Divine Providence
The Travancore government had designated Peruvilai as the home of the royal executioner, believing he bore the spiritual burden of death sentences, thereby shielding the king. To compensate, the Arachchar was granted land, a buffalo-drawn vehicle, a trumpet, and armed guards. Yet, beyond its grim role, this village would become a place of grace. A withered neem tree stood near the Arachchar’s home—dry and barren until Devasahayam was tied to it, exposed to the elements. Astonishingly, the tree began to sprout lush green leaves, a visible sign of divine favor. The hardened executioner was moved; it was the first miracle he would witness.
A Life Radiating Sanctity
Though given little food, Devasahayam accepted his sufferings with joy, reminiscent of hermits and saints of old. His holiness began to attract widespread attention across Travancore. Simultaneously, a deadly epidemic swept through the land, claiming the lives of those who had persecuted him. Locals attributed this tragedy to their mistreatment of the saintly prisoner. Crowds gathered daily to hear his prayers and teachings. Even the Arachchar, once an agent of death, began to seek Devasahayam’s spiritual counsel in secret. A miraculous blessing soon graced his household.
The Gift of a Child
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| The Gift of a Child |
Despite his wealth, the Arachchar’s heart ached for a child. In a moment of deep longing, he confided in Devasahayam. The saint gently prayed and prophesied, “In the name of the Lord Jesus, you will have a son.” Within a month, the Arachchar’s wife conceived. Their joy knew no bounds, and their gratitude toward Devasahayam was profound.
Moved by faith, the Arachchar built a small hut near the neem tree for Devasahayam and invited Gnanappu Ammaiyar, his faithful wife, to visit. She came often with her mother, praying and weeping at her husband’s side. The holy man documented many miraculous healings that occurred in Peruvilai, entrusting these records to Gnanappu and his friend, De Lannoy, at Udayagiri Fort.
A Vision of the Holy Family
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| A Vision of the Holy Family |
One night, as Devasahayam rested in the hut, a brilliant white light bathed his face. He awakened and immediately knelt in adoration. In that moment, he was graced with a vision of the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and the Infant Jesus—who appeared to him with joy. He called to a young guard nearby, who saw only the dazzling light. Devasahayam later wrote to Vadakkankulam Buttari about the vision. Buttari, in turn, linked the apparition to Devasahayam’s deep devotion to the Holy Family Church of Vadakkankulam, where he had received baptism.
Final Days in Peruvilai
Fr. Perreirise from Padmanabhapuram regularly brought Holy Communion to Devasahayam. However, jealous informants accused the Arachchar of aiding the prisoner. As a result, after six months and twenty days in Peruvilai, Devasahayam was transferred again—this time to the desolate Panchavan forest—on November 21, 1751.
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