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.