Doubting Thomas

Kishen Prasad · April 2, 2020

Doubting Thomas – Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Mylapore

By Kishen Prasad South India travel to India 1 Comment

A few days back my neighbors son ‘Thomas’ ran up to me doubting, if he indeed would be promoted to the next grade without writing his exams?

Considering the Covid19 pandemic and the countrywide lock down imposed across India in 2020; it is natural to raise a doubt when not sure. So why blame Thomas?

I am not referring to my neighbors son here but ‘Saint Thomas’; who doubted Jesus Christ’s appearance post his resurrection! 🙂

In order to understand more about Saint Thomas and his contribution in India, I visited Santhome Cathedral in Mylapore last summer. Read more to clear your doubts!

Jesus identified Thomas as one of the 12 apostles to spread the religion of Christianity world over. Although analytical and courageous, he was generally suspicious in nature.

Having appeared only in front of the 11 apostles, Thomas doubted the resurrection of Jesus. Therefore he wanted to see Jesus in person and feel the wounds inflicted.

Eight days after his request Jesus made an appearance under closed doors before Thomas and the rest of the apostles. After seeing and feeling the wounds inflicted by the nails; Thomas stood convinced and fell on his knees crying ‘My Lord and My God’.

He is referred to as Doubting Thomas because of this incident.

Doubting Thomas and India

There are two perspectives to St. Thomas and his presence in India.

Perspective 1 – St. Thomas in India:

It is believed that Thomas traveled to the east and arrived in Kodungallur, India via sea in 52 AD. It is said, he set up India’s first church ‘St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church’ in Palayoor. Thomas helped set up another 6 churches of which only three continue to be functional in the true form even today.

After spending about 10 years in the Malabar coast; Thomas then traveled east to arrive in Mylapore in 68 AD. The locals refused to accept Christianity as the new religion. He was martyred in 72 AD in a cave now called ‘St. Thomas Mount’ and his body interred in Mylapore.

Perspective 2 – St. Thomas never traveled to India:

There has been quite a bit of research done which prove that St. Thomas ‘never’ traveled to India. St. Thomas at the most reached South Arabia and not beyond. There is also some reference that St. Thomas preached Christianity in Western India (modern day Pakistan).

Hence the belief of Santhome Cathedral standing on the tomb of Thomas isn’t true.

It is said that the original temple of Kapaleeshwar stood at the spot where Santhome Cathedral exists today. The Portuguese destroyed the temple in 1561 and built the Santhome Church. Thus taking forward the belief of Thomas and his tomb being located where the church stands today.

Santhome Cathedral

Santhome is the Tamil name of St. Thomas who is an archbishop of the Catholic community of Christians.

The Portuguese built the church in the 16th century which remained until the 18th century. Finally the British rebuilt the church in the 18th century and elevated it to the status of a cathedral.

In 1956, Pope Pius XII raised the rank of the cathedral to a ‘Minor Basilica‘.

There are in all 26 Minor Basilicas in India; out of which 9 exist in the state of Kerala, 6 in state of Tamil Nadu, 4 in the state of Karnataka and 1 each in the respective states and union territories.

Basilica’s built over the tomb of apostles:

There are three basilica’s in the world built over the tomb of the apostle of Jesus as I have noted below:

Santhome Cathedral in Chennai, supposedly built over the tomb of apostle ‘Thomas’
St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City, built over the tomb of apostle ‘Peter’
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain, built over the tomb of apostle ‘James’

Large stained glasses depicting Thomas meeting Jesus is seen in this Neo-Gothic styled church. The mortal remains of Thomas are in Italy; but the tiny bone from the tip of his little finger exists in the church. This relic is bought out every month as a part of a special mass.

In conclusion, leaving aside the doubt of whether Doubting Thomas came to India or not – the Santhome Cathedral Basilica is worth a visit when you are visiting Chennai.

How to reach Chennai?

Chennai is accessible by road or bus or flight depending upon the city you reside in. As a matter of fact, Chennai is a 5 hour drive from Bangalore. Santhome Cathedral is located along the seashore close to Marina beach. One can catch an auto from the city of Chennai to reach Santhome Cathedral.

Best time to visit?

The best time to visit Chennai is between October to February since the summers are quite harsh. Hence it is best to plan your travel towards the end of the year.

For more such spiritual experiences in India, check out some of the holy places to visit in India. And if history is your interest, check out the historical places in Tamilnadu and the rest of India.

In case you are keen on traveling to southern India, you could take a look at the itinerary of Tamilnadu and cover the Santhome Cathedral as a part of this itinerary.

India is not just about spirituality. There are many more facets to this ancient land – culture, mystery, history, nature, wildlife and so on. Check out the holiday and tour packages representing the different facets of India travel.