St. Thomas Mount Church Chennai Entry Fee
- No entry fee
St. Thomas Mount Church Chennai Phone
N/A
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| 4/5 stars
Based on total 52 reviews
St. Thomas Mount Church Chennai Address: #1 GST Road, St. Thomas' Mount, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600016, India
St. Thomas Mount Church Chennai Tour Packages
St. Thomas Mount Church Chennai Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Wedesday | 6:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Thursday | 6:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Friday | 6:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Saturday | 6:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Sunday | 6:00 am – 8:00 pm |
St. Thomas Mount Mass Timings:
Mon - Sat: 6:30 am, 12:00 pm & 6:00 pm - All in Tamil
Sunday: 7:00 am & 6:00 pm (in Tamil), 12:00 pm (in English)
Tamil Nadu is known for their magnificent religious sites that reflects its rich history and culture. Awe-inspiring architecture of these sites inspires every tourist who throngs in to discover these iconic spots. Chennai has some incredible churches that are visited by several visitors every year.
St Thomas Mount Church is a significant religious sight that looms majestically on St. Thomas Mount. More popular as Perai Malai which means Big Mount in Tamil St. Thomas Mount is often visited by people of different religious faiths including Hindu, Muslim and Christians.
The famed Church is reached by pilgrims climbing around 134 steps made of granite. Devotees often vow to do so as an act of penance and scarification. Above the shrine there are plenty of rocks and a banyan tree where travellers climb up to enjoy the entire view of the bustling city.
History of St. Thomas Mount Church, Chennai
The Church was built as a lighthouse that served the Portuguese and the Armenian Ships and Vessels at the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that the sailors used to offer their prayers to the Lord before they start their journey.
This sacred shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Expectation (Mother Mary) has been built on the place where St. Thomas was martyred. St Thomas also known as Didymus or Twin was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ who moved to Kerala in India post the death of Jesus in 52 CE.
Renowned as the Patron Saint of India he spent the last years of his life in a cave of the St. Thomas Mount and was killed with a bow and arrow in 72 CE. Thomas built around seven churches along the Malabar Coast before he moved to the South.
He held on to a stone cross as he died which still have his blood stains and was excavated by the Portuguese in 1547. Legends state that the cross at times shed blood and the last time it was seen was in the year 1704. The Church built by Father Gaspar Coelho has fifteen Stations of the Cross along the sides of the steps that lead to the shrine. In 1962 European Bishop Archbishop Louis Mathias built a twelve feet wide asphalted road to the top of the hill.
Relics of St. Thomas called as His Toe Bone has been safely preserved in the Church which also holds another 100 relics of various Saints including those of St. Joseph, Mother Mary and all the Apostles of Jesus. An inspiring inscription above the main door reads “My Lord My God”.
Image Gallery of St. Thomas Mount Church Chennai
Architecture St. Thomas Mount Church, Chennai
Visitors would marvel at the wonderful wall paintings and artwork that adds charm of the site. A wonderful arch at the entrance holding three crosses welcomes the visitors to one of the sacred place. A treasure trove of ornamented arches, fascinating paintings and the amazing cross which is believed to have been chiselled by St. Thomas seeks the attention of the visitors.
The gracious shrine has the altar of Mother Mary at the place where St. Thomas was martyred. A noticeable feature found above the altar is the amazing painting of Madonna which is also known as the Scapular of St. Thomas.
It is considered to be one of the oldest paintings in the country which was painted by St. Luke and brought to India by St. Thomas. Other paintings made by St. Luke include that of Mother Mary and Jesus. Glorious arches of the sacred shrine attract the attention of the visitors. One of the arches inside the church displays the Glorious arches of the sacred shrine attracts the attention of the visitors. A important feature of the church is an arch inside the church that portrays the title “Senhora da Expectaco” specified in Portuguese. Paintings of the twelve Apostles, Christ and St Paul add to the charm of the Church.
The sacred complex holds the inscriptions of biblical scenes such as The Last Supper. People would be amazed to see the Cross carved by St. Thomas. A noteworthy feature of the chapel is the Golden Pillar with a cross at the top. A recent addition to St. Thomas Mount is the statue of Mother Teresa.
It accommodates more than 100 relics of Saints including those of St. Joseph, Mother Mary and all the Apostles of Jesus. There is a small bell tower built in black and white marble outside the Church. It also houses the statue of Pope John Paul II. Constructed in the fifth century the Cathedral attained the status of a Basilica in honour of St. Thomas.
Events at St. Thomas Mount Church, Chennai
On December 18th the Annual Feast Day is celebrated with great devotion.
Nearby Attractions
Complement your visit to the church exploring the nearby attractions that includes Anjaneyar Temple, Madras War Cemetery.
Entry Fees and Timings of St. Thomas Mount Church, Chennai
St Thomas Mount Church is open daily from 7 A.M to 7 P.M and can be visited with no fee charges. People can visit either of three masses that takes place every day from Monday to Friday at 6.30 A.M in the morning, 12 noon and 6 P.M in the evening.
Worship is held on Sunday at 7 A.M, 12 noon and at 6 P.M. Masses are held in various languages like Tamil, English, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. It has been one of most photographed place and there are no charges for taking photos.
Best way to reach St. Thomas Mount Church, Chennai
Being a metropolitan city, Chennai is accessible through all the means of transportation including air, water and land. Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore are the two major railway stations of the state capital that connects it to the different parts of the country.
Domestic airlines operate at the Kamaraj domestic terminal on a daily basis. Anna International Airport at Chennai connects the capital city to the major airports of the world. Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal or CMBT is one of Asia’s largest bus stations and has several buses connecting all the cities of the country to Chennai.
Located on the way to Chennai International Airport in Guindy St Thomas Mount Church can be reached through local buses, auto, taxi or cabs. It lies just next to Kathipara junction going towards the Airport. Travellers taking local bus may have to get down at the Mount Bus Stop, Kathipara, Jyothi Theatre or Butt Road bus stops. Church is only 30 minutes drive from the city centre.
FAQ’s and General Information about St. Thomas Mount Church
Why should we visit St. Thomas Mount Church?
St. Thomas Mount Church is a must-go visit in Chennai. Tourists would be delighted to see the panoramic views of the city from the tranquil place.
When should we visit St. Thomas Mount Church?
St. Thomas Mount Church can be visited any time of the year, however reaching the place before 8 A.M or post 4 P.M would be more preferred in order to avoid the heat of the city.
