Santhome Church: A Little Known Pilgrimage Spot For Christians In India
I’ve traveled extensively both on my own and with Shawn. Wait… Let’s rephrase that. The travel I have done with Shawn was to have fun and see new places. The travel I have done on my own is usually for work or to go and meet up with someone.
Until lately, I’ve always been work focused. Go.. Get your work done and then get out. When you go for a holiday then stop and smell the roses. Boy! How wrong was that approach. If I had gone ahead and just done that, I would have missed out on this gem.
It is however needless to say that Chennai is a place that I can head back to again and again. Its got good food, kind people and a lot of interesting places to visit!
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Rant Alert!
I’ve been waiting for my Russian visa for a long time. I don’t know about you but this was one of the worst experiences in getting a visa that I have ever had. I applied through Thomas Cook which coincidently only has an office in M.G. road.
This meant that I had to go through the annoying journey of traveling from Whitefield to M.G. road every time Thomas Cook needed something or forgot to ask me for something. Yup! That does happen! A lot!
I even submitted my documents there months in advance for confirmation that I had got everything right. The end result? Well I got a call telling me that I had two days to get a ticket and get my pretty little butt to Chennai. The Russian embassy wanted to meet me in person.
Surprised In Chennai: The Santhome Church
I reached Chennai a bit too early and I had some time to kill before the Russian embassy opened. What I didn’t know is that Chennai was on strike because of the ‘Jallikatu’ issue. (In case you aren’t sure what the Jallikatu issue is you can check out this Wikipedia link. I had to because I had no idea what was going on.)
The gorgeous Portuguese architecture that the Santhome church retains till date.
Determined to make my trip to Chennai worthwhile, I promised myself that I would see at least one item of interest. I chose a church called Santhome church which was walking distance away from the embassy.
I was unprepared but the church did look inviting and even though I’m not overtly religious I think I needed a breather. So I stepped in and spent a quite few minutes just indulging in the peace that the church offered.
What I Learned About Santhome Church
A visual display at the entrance of the tomb.
After looking around I realized that Santhome church is also popularly known as Saint Thomas Basilica. I thought St. Thomas was well St. Thomas. There are just so many saints named Thomas. Not so special right? I couldn’t have been far from wrong.
St. Thomas was none other than the disciple of Christ. Yes! One of the twelve first disciples! I always remember this disciple because he doubted. The phrase ‘doubting Thomas’ has always been one of my favorites because we all doubt and we all need reassurance.
So why was I so excited with my find? Most churches are spectacular in their architecture and that’s what attracts people to them. Others become famous because of miracles. Santhome is definitely beautiful but there is a fact that few are aware about. It houses the tomb and the remains of St. Thomas!
The tomb of St. Thomas in Santhome church, Chennai.
A famous relic (or should be famous) of our belief in my very own country and I didn’t know about it. I would have walked right by it if I didn’t have so much time on my hands. Curiosity as always got the better of me and I wandered down into the building and their prayer hall.
Truth be told I was still oblivious to the fact that St. Thomas was the same disciple of Christ that we were taught about at Catechism.
A portrait on the wall!
I spent some time reading the posters on the wall at Santhome church and that’s when it finally hit me. Yup! Slow on the uptake I have always been!
An Interesting Fact About Santhome Church
A point that still hits me hard is that there are only 3 churches in the world that house the remains of an apostle. One is in Spain, one is in Rome and one is in India! The last place that I would have thought of was India. It is sad that few know of this and still fewer visit. Probably why we need to go off the beaten track once in a while!
I got my visa and made my way back to the airport. Almost everything was closed because of the strike. I couldn’t go and see the Marina beach because my cab drivers said that was where the protests were being held. I didn’t want trouble and it does pay to be safe.
I ought to have been disappointed. I didn’t get to see the city but I was not. I had a feeling of contentment as I made my way back. My work was done. My visa was approved. I could start my plans to Russia in full swing.
Somehow the main highlight of my day was not that. My main highlight of the day lingered in a small room under the Santhome church (St. Thomas Basilica). I discovered something totally by accident. It does pay to be a wanderer at heart!
SANTHOME CHURCH IN A NUTSHELL (A 5 star review)
Honestly I don't feel comfortable reviewing a church with stars but since I always rate places that I go to, I will give it a try.
- Despite the prime location within the city, Santhome church continues to remain quiet and peaceful. It is a perfect place to reflect undisturbed.
- One can glance at the tomb of St. Thomas from the glass window near the altar or move on to the back of the church where the steps will lead you down to the basement.
- There isn't much off grandeur surrounding the tomb and many may unknowingly pass by without knowing of its existence.
If you are headed to Chennai, take a look at one of our favorite road trip from Bangalore to Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. It will give you an idea of some amazing places to visit in the vicinity.
Santhome church looks like a great place to visit when in Chennai. It's great that indicate the main points about the place in the end. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, yeah not something you would expect to see in India so this is fascinating. I am glad you made the most of your time in Chennai in spite of the circumstances.
I had never heard of this place, what an interesting discovery! I understand why you felt uncomfortable rating the church but hey, why not 😉
Glad to know you got your visa at last!
Thank you. It was a definite feeling of relief. I was glad for more reasons than one. Riots broke out in the next few days. They even burnt down the police station close to the embassy. If it hadn't happened on Friday, I probably wouldn't have got my visa at all!
Santhome Church is really exquisite and one of the treasures of Chennai. There are many hidden gems in Chennai that you must visit. We were in Chennai just last week and had been to Mahabalipuram. Have you visited the Theosophical Society in Chennai, this is a historic and serene place.
No I haven't visited the Theosophical society. With the riots underway I didn't feel to safe. I just headed off to the airport.
Haha you're like me, three years ago - work travel was work, play travel was play. 😀 It's all schmooshed together now 🙂 Yeah, it's the best when you make fortuitous discoveries like that.
It's those fortuitous discoveries that make life exciting!
This church looks stunning. I would love to visit it one day, Penny!
Definitely a place you should check out. In fact I pan on taking Shawn there next time we head to Chennai.
Omg this is amazing. I have never heard of this place before. The places you find and the history you learn on trips away can be magical.
Hello ! you're pictures are awesome ! They really make me want to visit and see for myself. I love how you included a fact at the end and the review as well ! Good read, can't wait to read more.
wow what a beautiful church. I would love to visit Chennai you can always find a hidden Gem in the most unlikely places! Beautiful pics.
Oh my! This is a stunning church! I love visiting churches in the places I visit as it's usually full of history! It's very interesting to learn the facts and you have shared are amazing. Beautiful shots!
Loved reading this post, Chennai is my stop when I visit India as it is the nearest international airport to my place, I have been to the Santhome Church in Chennai, among the other woeful places this city has to offer. This is a must see sight when visiting Chennai.
Which part of India do you go to from Chennai? I've been to Chennai just twice. Both times the visit was very short. Just a matter of hours.
Such a gorgeous church! Even though I'm not religious, I love visiting churches because of the solemn atmosphere and the lovely art. Thanks for sharing:)
Santhome church looks stunning - i would love to visit one day! Getting my russian visa was difficult too!
Personally I don't do review on churches or basilicas I just don't think that they deserve a review I mean like I just don't need to rate them but thats my personal opinion. I like your post anyway the way you presented it, I love the essence of every church in the world 🙂
It isn't a review. I like to write about things that make me emotionally charged. Whether it is good or bad. Some places just stir up emotions. Santhome Church was one of them especially since the remains of ST. Thomas came as a total surprise.
What a beautiful church! I had no idea that it housed the remains of St Thomas and that only 3 churches house the remains! Incredible. I'll visit the church when I visit Chennai one day.
Sometimes bad days turn out to be good because of these tiny surprises!
Really liked the post on this hidden gem in Chennai. Looks beautiful. I've plans of visiting Chennai by next year. Santhome Church is added to my list of must visit places. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I haven't done much in Chennai because the city was on lock down on that day. Santhome Church was a very lucky find!
Oh this looks like an amazing trip, thanks for sharing it with us.
I love this post! I learned so much. I had no idea there were only three churches with the remains of an apostle! How lucky of you to visit one. And what a good way to make a to-do of getting to the Russian embassy.
India boasts of 9000 years of culture and heritage starting from Indus Valley civilization. It is the birth of 4 religions of the world- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Each of them has a unique place in the world today. It is amazing to hear about the apostle Santhome church though I am surprised by your discovery but being a proud Indian I know there must be a lot of discoveries waiting to happen! Thanks for sharing this article. I am glad you chanced upon this discovery but I am happier that your shared it with us. India is a very nice country on all counts.
I love discovering churches and places of worship when travelling and I'm not even religious. This looks like a really interesting place and nice that you kinda stumbled upon it.
Yet to visit Chennai and Santhome Church is Definitely a place to visit, thanks for Sharing