Devasahayam’s Trials and Gnanappu’s Devotion

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.

Devasahayam’s Miraculous Endurance and Continued Persecution

Unyielding Faith Amid Escalating Persecution

In a desperate bid to regain the king’s favor and secure renown, officials vied with one another to force Devasahayam back to his former religion. With each passing day, the punishments became more severe, yet his unwavering faith in Christ stood like a rock against their violent tide.

The guards themselves began to complain of their exhaustion and misery:

“For his sake, we suffer sun, rain, and the hardships of the road. Despite countless tortures, he remains unshaken. We afflict him, yet it is we who are afflicted.”

To this, Devasahayam answered with serenity,

“Even if I am cast into fire, I will not speak evil.”

The Grief of Gnanappu Amma: A Wife’s Tears at Vettuvenni

At Vettuvenni, near Marthandam, Devasahayam was allowed a brief visit from his wife, Gnanappu Amma, and some of his relatives. She broke down in tears at the sight of her once noble husband—formerly a distinguished accountant and guard of the Travancore treasury—now standing in chains, broken and wounded.

She wept as she touched his battered frame. Her tears washed his feet, once adorned in the dignity of royal service. Though nearly blinded by chili rubbed into his eyes, Devasahayam consoled her, offering words of guidance and strength in the midst of his own suffering.

Support from the Nair Community and Witness of Buttari Adigalar

Members of the local Nair community openly supported Devasahayam, asserting that the Namboodiri Brahmins were responsible for his torture and that King Marthanda Varma acted under their influence, not from personal hatred. This perspective was recorded by Buttari Adigalar, a contemporary chronicler.

Choked by Cruelty: The Fumes of Persecution

Moved by Devasahayam’s growing influence, the general urged the king to intensify his punishment. The king ordered the Vilavancodu officer to devise a harsher method. The officer had ten large pots filled with fermenting wood, chili, and pepper placed around Devasahayam to emit suffocating fumes.

The choking smoke was so unbearable that even the guards fled. After an hour, assuming him dead, they returned—only to find Devasahayam alive, kneeling in prayer. His wounds appeared healed, and his body radiated strength. Trembling, they approached, tapping him gently with sticks. He rose abruptly, unharmed, a sign of divine preservation.

The Cross at Vettuvenni: A Sacred Testament

Moved by the miracle, De Lannoy erected a stone cross opposite the Vettuvenni Sasta temple. Despite repeated royal orders to destroy it, the cross remained immovable, resisting all efforts. Finally, King Marthanda Varma relented and ordered its preservation. The site later became the sacred Vettuvenni Shrine Church, also known as Kurusadi, meaning “place of the cross.”

The Road of Suffering: Town to Town

From Vettuvenni, Devasahayam was dragged to town after town—Kuzhithurai, Kappikkadu, Munjirai, Pudukkadai, Painkulam, Amsi, Midalam, Ramayundurai, Tuttur, and Kollankodu. Each stop was marked by relentless torture and mockery.

His faithful wife, Gnanappu Amma, followed him, chased and harassed by guards and servants. Though grief-stricken, she remained nearby. Devasahayam, even in agony, consoled her:

“Pray for me always.”

Eventually, her relatives forcibly dragged her away.

Miracle by the Sea: The Gift of Pure Water

As the procession neared the coastal regions, bystanders knelt in the sand and prayed for Devasahayam. While the guards paused to eat, Christian fishermen read the Holy Scriptures aloud to him. He found great consolation in their words.

When he asked for water, they mockingly gave him seawater. But after he prayed over it, the salty water miraculously became fresh and drinkable, astonishing all who witnessed it.

Final Trials at Neyyattinkarai: Ants and Darkness

In January 1750, Devasahayam was brought before the officer at Neyyattinkarai, who echoed previous threats and commands. Under his orders, the guards mixed pepper with water and forced it down Devasahayam’s throat.

That night, they confined him in a wooden box filled with biting ants. To ensure no rest, he was tied to a tree. Despite the torment, his teachings drew large crowds. Many who heard him began to question their beliefs and consider the truth of Christianity.

Alarmed by his influence, the authorities locked him in a dark cell each night and forbade him from speaking publicly.

                                             

Devasahayam’s Public Humiliation and Unyielding Faith

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.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Devasahayam’s Trial and Torture

Summoned to the Palace

Devasahayam was brought to the royal palace in Padmanabhapuram for interrogation. Contemporary historical accounts reveal a barrage of accusations from influential figures, including the Namboodiris, General Ramayan, Singaram Anna, and others close to the king. They charged that after embracing Christianity, Devasahayam had distanced himself from his native community and publicly criticized royal authorities and Hindu customs, claiming that many practices were displeasing to God.

Offenses Against Tradition

Among the accusations was his refusal to participate in the Bhadhrakali temple festival, which was seen as a grave insult to Namboodiri worship. He had reportedly condemned the influence of the Namboodiris and Vedic Nairs and allegedly threatened to strip their sacred poonool (threads) and wear them as a waistband—an act that symbolically rejected caste privileges.

During the Thiruvonam festival at the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Devasahayam refused to offer traditional gifts such as yogurt, milk, and vegetables. Instead, he encouraged only the oppressed to contribute simple items like bananas, bamboo, and vegetables for Hindu temple festivals, openly challenging social and religious hierarchies.

Advocacy for the Oppressed

Devasahayam’s actions were rooted in his Christian conviction that all human beings are equal in the eyes of God. He rejected caste discrimination, treated slaves as equals, and avoided Hindu religious ceremonies at both the Padmanabhapuram Palace and Fort. His message of equality and his ability to attract even high-caste individuals to Christianity provoked fear and hostility.

He also advocated for Christians to be exempted from certain taxes, and helped secure timber for the construction of the Vadakkankulam church, arranging for the trees to be freely supplied to Fr. Paranjothi Nathar, the parish priest.

Refusal to Recant

Presented before the king’s court, Devasahayam was offered a harsh ultimatum: renounce Christ or face death. He chose silence over betrayal. When the king’s messengers reported this silence as defiance, Marthanda Varma himself interrogated Devasahayam. Yet the saint resolutely defended his faith and dismissed the false charges. Infuriated, the king ordered him to be handcuffed and imprisoned—ignoring the earnest pleas of Fr. Perririse and Commander De Lannoy.

Brutal Torture

Once imprisoned, Devasahayam was subjected to cruel and relentless torture. His tormentors beat and trampled him, inflicting wounds that rendered him helpless, like a bird with torn wings. In an act of extreme humiliation, they forced cow urine and dung into his mouth. Other Christians were also harassed and persecuted during this time.

Pressure for Execution

Worried that public sympathy for Devasahayam might inspire further conversions, his adversaries urged the king to hasten his execution. They argued that his faith was contagious and dangerous. Yielding to their pressure, Marthanda Varma issued an order for Devasahayam’s execution in the forest near Madathattuvilai.

March to the Forest

The soldiers obeyed. As a sign of condemnation, they placed a garland of erukkam (calotropis) leaves around his neck—a symbol usually reserved for criminals. Yet Devasahayam, clothed in serenity and innocence, bore it like a crown.

He was laid on a rock beneath the scorching sun. A woman was ordered to grind Gandhari chili to apply to his wounds. Feeling pity, she added turmeric to ease his pain. But Devasahayam, embracing his suffering for Christ, gently insisted that she obey the command fully. When she applied only the chili, he responded with holy irony: “It feels cold.” Hence, the forest came to be known as Kulumaikkadu—the “Cold Forest.”

A Temporary Reprieve

As the execution neared, a royal servant arrived with a sudden change in orders: the king had decided to imprison Devasahayam indefinitely in Travancore, hoping to force him to renounce his faith over time.