St. Thomas Mount Church Chennai is a historical and religious monument located in the city of Chennai, India. It is situated atop a hillock called St. Thomas Mount, which is also known as Parangimalai. The church is dedicated to Mother Mary, also known as “Our Lady of Expectation,” and was built in 1523.
St. Thomas Mount Church is named after St. Thomas, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is also known as Didymus or Twin and is renowned as the Patron Saint of India. St. Thomas moved to Kerala in India after the death of Jesus in 52 CE and spent the last years of his life in a cave on the St. Thomas Mount. He was killed with a bow and arrow in 72 CE. The church is a significant pilgrimage site for Christians and attracts visitors from all over the world.
History of St. Thomas Mount Church
St. Thomas Mount Church is a significant religious site located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is believed to be the place where St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, spent his last days. The church is situated on top of a small hill called St. Thomas Mount and is also known as Parangimalai.
The history of St. Thomas Mount Church dates back to the 16th century when the Portuguese first built a small chapel on the hill. Later, the church was rebuilt by the British in the 18th century. The present structure of the church was constructed in 1893 and is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture.
St. Thomas Mount Church is an important pilgrimage site for Christians in India. The church is dedicated to Mother Mary and is known as Our Lady of Expectation. It is believed that St. Thomas prayed at this site and that the church was built over his tomb.
St. Thomas Mount National Shrine is also located at the church and is a popular tourist attraction. The shrine houses a relic of St. Thomas and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Over the centuries, St. Thomas Mount Church has played a significant role in the development of Christianity in India. The church stands as a testament to the faith and devotion of the people who have visited it over the years.
Architecture and Artifacts
St. Thomas Mount Church in Chennai is a beautiful and historic shrine that boasts a unique blend of Gothic and Indian architectural styles. The church was built in the 16th century and has undergone several renovations and extensions over the years. The rib vault ceiling of the church is made of teak wood and is supported by stone arches. The church has 16 windows and 34 stained glass panels that depict scenes from the life of St. Thomas and other saints.
The church also houses several important artifacts, including relics of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The most significant of these relics is a piece of St. Thomas’s toe bone, which is believed to have healing powers. The church also has relics of other saints, including St. Joseph and Mother Mary.
The church features several beautiful paintings and sculptures that depict scenes from the life of St. Thomas and other saints. One of the most notable paintings is the main stained glass on the altar, which depicts “Saint Thomas Touching the Wound of Jesus Christ”. This painting is a powerful representation of the faith and devotion of St. Thomas and is a testament to the enduring legacy of the church.
In addition to the artifacts and paintings, the church also has a beautiful cross that stands tall in the courtyard. The cross is made of stone and is intricately carved with beautiful designs and inscriptions.
Overall, St. Thomas Mount Church is a magnificent example of Indian and Gothic architecture and is home to several important artifacts and paintings. The church is a testament to the rich heritage and enduring faith of the people of Chennai.
Timings and Entry Details
St. Thomas Mount Church in Chennai is open to visitors every day of the week. Visitors can attend mass services and explore the church at their convenience. The church opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m.
There is no entry fee to visit St. Thomas Mount Church. Visitors can explore the church and its surroundings for free. However, donations are accepted and appreciated to help maintain the church’s facilities.
The church offers mass services in Tamil on weekdays at 6:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. On Sundays, mass services are held at 6:00 am, 7:30 am, and 9:00 am. Visitors are welcome to attend these services.
Visitors can reach the church through 160 steps leading to the hilltop. The climb can be challenging for some visitors, but the view from the top is worth the effort.
Overall, St. Thomas Mount Church is a must-visit destination in Chennai for those interested in history, religion, and architecture. Its convenient timings, free entry, and mass services make it accessible to all visitors.
Location and How to Reach
St. Thomas Mount Church is located atop a small hillock called Parangimalai in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The address of the church is #1 GST Road, St. Thomas’ Mount, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600016, India.
The church can be easily reached by road, rail, and air. The nearest railway station is the St. Thomas Mount Railway Station, which is just 1 km away from the church. The Chennai International Airport is located at a distance of 6 km from the church. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the church.
The church is also well-connected by road. Buses and taxis are easily available from all parts of Chennai to reach the church. The neighborhood surrounding the hillock is known as Parangimalai and is located close to the popular locality of Guindy.
Visitors can also climb up the 160 steps leading to the hhilltopto reach the church. The climb is not too difficult and can be easily managed by most visitors. The church is open every day from 7 am to 7 pm and there is no entry fee to visit the church.
Significance and Legends
St. Thomas Mount Church in Chennai is a significant religious site for Christians in India. It is believed to be the place where St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, spent his last years before being martyred. St. Thomas is considered the Patron Saint of India and is credited with spreading the faith in the country.
Legend has it that St. Thomas arrived in India in 52 CE and preached the gospel in various parts of the country, including Kerala. He then traveled to Chennai and spent his final days in a cave on St. Thomas Mount. It is said that he was killed with a bow and arrow by a group of Hindus who were opposed to his teachings.
The church on St. Thomas Mount is dedicated to Mother Mary and is also known as Our Lady of Expectation. It was built in 1523 by the Portuguese and was later renovated in the neo-Gothic style favored by British architects in the late 19th century. In 1956, it was elevated to the status of a basilica as a tribute to St. Thomas.
The church is also known for the Bleeding Cross, a wooden cross that is said to bleed every year on Good Friday. The Little Mount, located nearby, is another important site associated with St. Thomas. It is believed that he lived in a cave on the hill and prayed there.
Today, St. Thomas Mount Church is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The church is part of the Archdiocese of Madras and is also known as the St. Thomas Garrison Church. Pilgrims come from all over India to pay their respects to St. Thomas and to seek blessings from Mother Mary.
The church is particularly important to the Syrian Christian community in India, who trace their origins back to St. Thomas. The blood stains on the cross are believed to be a sign of the faith and devotion of the pilgrims who visit the church.
Visitor Experience
Visiting St. Thomas Mount Church is a must-do experience for anyone interested in history, religion, or architecture. The church is situated atop a hillock called St. Thomas Mount, and visitors can reach the church through 160 steps leading to the hilltop. The view from the top is breathtaking, and visitors can see the entire city of Chennai.
Reviews and ratings of St. Thomas Mount Church are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors also recommend taking a sightseeing tour of Chennai city, which often includes a stop at the church.
For those interested in learning more about the history of the church, hiring a guide is a great option. Guides are knowledgeable about the history of the church and can provide visitors with a deeper understanding of its significance to Christians.
While there is no food available at the church itself, there are many nearby restaurants and cafes in the city of Chennai where visitors can enjoy delicious Indian cuisine.
Overall, visiting St. Thomas Mount Church in Chennai is a memorable and enriching experience for anyone interested in history, religion, or architecture.
Additional Information
St. Thomas Mount Church is a significant religious site that attracts both tourists and devotees. Here are some additional pieces of information that might be useful to visitors:
- Sunday Mass: The Sunday Mass at St. Thomas Mount Church takes place at 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. in Tamil and at noon in English. Visitors are welcome to attend the Mass and witness the beautiful rituals and hymns.
- Flights to Chennai: Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport to St. Thomas Mount Church. Visitors can take a flight to Chennai from major cities across India and the world.
- Love for St. Thomas Mount: St. Thomas Mount is a place of great reverence for Christians in India, especially those belonging to the Anglo-Indian community. The love and devotion for St. Thomas Mount and the church are evident in the numerous songs and poems dedicated to the site.
- Kerala Connection: St. Thomas Mount is also significant for the Christian community in Kerala, as it is believed that St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, first arrived in India in Kerala and preached the gospel before his martyrdom in Chennai.
- The Spire: The spire of St. Thomas Mount Church is a prominent feature of the Chennai skyline. It stands at a height of 50 meters and is visible from a distance.
- Postage Stamps: In 1973, the Indian Postal Department released a commemorative postage stamp featuring St. Thomas Mount Church.
- Donations: The church accepts donations from visitors, which are used for the maintenance and upkeep of the site.
- Anglo-Indians: St. Thomas Mount Church has a special significance for the Anglo-Indian community in India, who are descendants of British and Indian ancestors and have a unique cultural identity.
- Parangi Malai: St. Thomas Mount is also known as Parangi Malai, which means “White Man’s Hill” in Tamil. The name is believed to have been given by the locals to the Portuguese who first built a church on the site.
- Martyrdom: St. Thomas Mount is the site where St. Thomas was martyred in 72 AD. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Expectation, who is believed to have appeared to St. Thomas before his death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of St. Thomas Mount Church?
St. Thomas Mount Church is a shrine situated atop a hillock called St. Thomas Mount in Chennai, which is also known as Parangimalai. The shrine was built in 1523 and is dedicated to Mother Mary – “Our Lady of Expectation”. The church has a rich history and is associated with the apostle St. Thomas, who is believed to have preached in India in the 1st century AD.
What are the visiting hours of St. Thomas Mount Church?
St Thomas Mount Church is open daily from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. and can be visited with no fee charges. People can visit either of three masses that take place every day from Monday to Friday at 6.30 A.M, 12 noon, and 6 P.M.
What is the entry fee for St. Thomas Mount Church?
There is no entry fee for St. Thomas Mount Church.
Are there any images available of St. Thomas Mount Church?
Yes, there are many images available of St. Thomas Mount Church. One can find images of the church and the surrounding area on various travel websites and social media platforms.
What is the information about St. Thomas Mount Church?
St. Thomas Mount Church is a beautiful church located on a hillock in Chennai. It is dedicated to Mother Mary and has a rich history associated with the apostle St. Thomas. The church is open daily from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. and can be visited with no fee charges. People can visit either of three masses that take place every day from Monday to Friday at 6.30 A.M, 12 noon, and 6 P.M.
How many steps are there in St. Thomas Mount?
There are 160 steps leading to the hhilltopwhere St. Thomas Mount Church is located. The steps are well-maintained and offer a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
