A part of Indiaonline network empowering local businesses
Home city guide saint thomas mount in chennai

St. Thomas Mount in Chennai

St. Thomas Mount, the hillock near Guindy is a holy place of international prominence owing to the presence of a church on the hillock.St. 

Thomas Church has served as lighthouse for the Portuguese and Armenian ships and vessels in the Bay of Bengal. Sailors used to offer prayers for a safe voyage when the sighted the church.

Structure of St Thomas Mount in Chennai:

Saint Thomas Mount is one of most famous churches of Chennai. Its architecture is so beautifully designed that people from all across the world come here to view this piece of art.

The act of climbing the 134 granite steps is considered an act of penance. In the year 1726 an ornate arch with an imposing elegance was constructed. The Portuguese were the architects of this place of worship. 

The granite steps flanked by a double wall were built by Petrus Uscan. Petres even left a sum of money with the Administrator General of Madras for the upkeep of these steps.

Miracle of Cure at Saint Thomas Mount:

St. Thomas Mount,Chennai

Innumerable miracles of cure are attributed to this sacred stone cross and mere contact with it has roused the conversion of many unbelievers. 

The natural dampness on its surface is a perennial factor of surprise and devotion.

According to the sayings innumerable miracles of cure were attributed to the stone. The inscription on the cross was decoded in 1908. 

The first written account of the painting was made in 1559 when the King of Bisnaga took it to his court in Chandragiri and later returned it in a palanquin to the Mount.

A cross was chiseled on a stone of this hill by St. Thomas himself and used by him for his personal prayer. According to ancient records this cross sweated blood during the holy mass celebrated by Fr. Gasper Coelho on 18th December 1558. In the early years this cross used to sweat blood every year.

Other Features of Saint Thomas Mount:

The oil printing of the Madonna of the blessed virgin was painted by St. Luke, an artist. The wear and the warp of this sacred species are explained by efforts of the people down the ages to bury and hide it in order to protect it from the onslaught of the invading enemies.

The shell patterned roof of the chapel is a tunnel of spiritual energy leading thousands of pilgrims in fervent prayer to the cave of their hearts. 

The minute precision with which the figures are molded is an example of architectural magnificence. The bishop celebrates the annual gathering of people for the Mass on the Palm Sunday evening at the culmination of their Lenten pilgrimage.

The stone inscription on the top of the outer side wall reads in Portuguese that the frontal extension of the original chapel and the massive main wooden doors were ordered to be done by Zacharias in the year 1707.

To know more about other Churches in Chennai, click here.

Read More 
About-ChennaiAadhar Card Centers in ChennaiA-Guide-to-Madras-Bashai, Airlines in Chennai, Amusement Parks in Chennai, Beaches in Chennai, Blood Donation Centers in ChennaiArt and Culture of Chennai, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Best Hair Salons in Chennai,BPOs in Chennai, British Council Library in Chennai, Madras High Court, Cycling Cafe in Chennai, Fertility Centers in Chennai, Different Types of Buses in Chennai, Consultancies in Chennai, Fire Services in Chennai, Koyambedu Vegetable Market in Chennai, 5 Star Hotels in Chennai, Madras Crocodile Bank,  Atho Noodles in ChennaiCricket in Chennai, Fashion Houses in Chennai, List of Eye Hospitals in Chennai City


Explore more about Chennai Tourism

Major Cities You Must Know

Are you a Business Owner?

Add the products or services you offer

Promote your business on your local city site and get instant enquiries

+ LIST YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE