St Thomas Cave, Chennai | Photo

Thomas Cave, also known as Little Mount or Chinna Malai, is one of the most sacred Christian sites in Chennai. It is believed to be the place where St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, lived, prayed, and preached during his stay in India nearly 2,000 years ago. Located in Saidapet, about 9 kilometres from Mylapore, this cave holds deep religious and historical significance for Christians and visitors alike.

Journey to India

According to ancient Christian tradition, after the resurrection of Jesus, the apostles spread out to different parts of the world to share the Gospel. St. Thomas is believed to have come to India in 52 A.D., landing at the port of Muziris (near modern-day Kodungallur in Kerala). He preached in Kerala and then travelled eastward to Tamil Nadu, where he continued to spread the message of Christ.

St. Thomas established seven and half churches along the Malabar Coast and later reached Mylapore (Chennai), where he spent his final years.  The cave on this small rocky hill is believed to have been his place of prayer, meditation, and refuge during times of persecution. Many believe that it was here St. Thomas lived for a short period before he was martyred at St. Thomas Mount (now known as Parangimalai) in 72 A.D. and his body was buried in Mylapore, where the St. Thomas Basilica now stands.

Who Was St. Thomas?

St. Thomas is often called “Doubting Thomas” because, after the resurrection of Jesus, he refused to believe that Christ had risen until he could see and touch His wounds. The Bible (John 20:24–29, NRSV) says:

“Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in His side, I will not believe.”

Later, when Jesus appeared to him and invited him to touch His wounds, Thomas responded,

“My Lord and my God!”

This powerful moment shows his journey from doubt to deep faith. St. Thomas is also called Didymus, meaning “the Twin” (John 11:16, NRSV). The name “Thomas” itself comes from the Aramaic word Toma, which also means “twin.” While the Bible does not name his twin, some early Christian writings describe him as one of Jesus’ closest brothers in faith and spirit.

What Is Inside the Cave

The Thomas Cave is small, calm, and filled with a sense of holiness. Inside, visitors can see:

• A small altar where St. Thomas is said to have prayed. Many pilgrims come here to light candles and offer prayers.

• A natural spring that still flows from the rock. It is believed that St. Thomas struck the rock with his hand, and water miraculously began to flow. Many people consider this water to have healing powers.

• A handprint mark on the rock wall that is believed to be of St. Thomas himself. Pilgrims often touch it reverently.

• Ancient carvings and inscriptions that tell stories of early Christian presence in the region.

• 

The cave is now enclosed within the Our Lady of Health Church (Chinna Malai Church), built by the Portuguese in 1551. Above the cave is a small chapel with a statue of the Virgin Mary. The surroundings are peaceful and offer a beautiful view of Chennai city.

Who Found the Cave

The Portuguese missionaries rediscovered and preserved the Thomas Cave when they arrived in India in the early 1500s. They were moved by stories of St. Thomas’s ministry in India and began searching for places connected to his life. When they found the cave at Little Mount, they believed it was where the apostle had once prayed and lived. To honour him, they built the present church to protect the site.

Since then, the cave has become a major Christian pilgrimage centre, especially during the Feast of St. Thomas on July 3rd. People of different faiths also visit the cave, drawn by its peaceful atmosphere and the stories of healing associated with it.

A Place of Faith and Reflection

Visitors often describe Thomas Cave as a place where one can feel the presence of faith and history. The gentle light, the cool air, and the echoes of prayer make it a spiritual refuge.

St. Thomas’s story reminds us that faith often begins with honest doubt. The same apostle who once questioned the resurrection later proclaimed the strongest confession of faith: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28, NRSV). 

For those visiting Chennai, Thomas Cave is more than a historical site—it is a sacred space that connects believers to the roots of Christianity in India and to the humble yet powerful faith of the Apostle Thomas, the “Twin” who found truth in the risen Christ.

Footprint of St Thomas

The National Shrine of St Thomas Basilica is built over his tomb. The sand taken from the tomb of St Thomas is believed to have miraculous healing powers.

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Date of Visit: 25.02.2023

Bruce K. Thangkhal

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