MAHARASAN VETHAMONICKAM, born in 1763 in the
village of Mylaudy in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari
district, is remembered as the first
Christian convert in Travancore.
Raised in a Hindu family, his life changed
dramatically when he chose to embrace Christianity -- a decision that shaped
not only his own path but also left a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s religious
landscape. Vethamonickam’s baptism in 1799, influenced by the work of
missionary William Tobias Ringeltaube, marked a major turning point in his
life.
Some sources mention his first baptism by Jesuit
missionary Fr. Giovanni Battista Buttari
on May 14, 1745, suggesting early
Christian influences in his family. After his baptism, Vethamonickam dedicated
himself to sharing the Gospel, first within his family and village, then across
Tamil Nadu. His mission work laid the foundation for early Christian
communities in a traditionally Hindu region, leaving a legacy that endures in
Tamil Christianity today. He passed away in 1827, resting in the land he
served, his work continuing to inspire generations.
Travancore, once a historic princely
state in southwestern India, is now part of Kerala. Initially part of the ancient Kerala (Chera) kingdom, it became an important trading region. In
the 11th century, it came under the Chola
empire, and in the 16th century, it was held by the Vijayanagar empire. By the mid-18th century, Travancore became an
independent state and allied with the British. In 1956, it joined with Cochin to form Kerala, known today for its high literacy rate and progressive
history.
Had Vethamonickam not
been born, this remarkable chapter in the history of Christianity in South
India might never have been written. He laid the foundation for the spread of
Christianity in South India.
This was my first time learning
about this remarkable soul, and I felt truly fortunate to visit his tomb on 23
October 2024. There, we paid our respects and offered a prayer of thanksgiving
for his extraordinary contributions and lasting impact.
Here are some photos of his tomb and the words he cherished...
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