Santhome Church is a magnificent neo-Gothic basilica that stands on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most revered and visited churches in India, as it is believed to contain the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. St. Thomas is also known as the patron saint of India and the founder of the Syrian Christian community in the country.
Santhome Church is not only a place of worship, but also a place of history, culture, and art. It showcases the rich and diverse heritage of Christianity in India, as well as the influence of different colonial powers and styles on its architecture and design. It also offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere for the visitors, who can experience the liturgical services, the relics and souvenirs of St. Thomas, and the stunning views of the sea and the city.
If you are planning to visit Chennai, Santhome Church should be on your list of must-see attractions. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this sacred and spectacular destination, such as its history, architecture, mass timings, how to reach, best time to visit, and tips for a memorable visit. Whether you are a religious, cultural, or historical tourist, Santhome Church will not disappoint you.
History of Santhome Church
The history of Santhome Church dates back to the first century AD, when St. Thomas, also known as Doubting Thomas, arrived in India in 52 AD. He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other parts of South India, and converted many to Christianity. He also performed many miracles and healed many sick and suffering people.
However, his mission was not without opposition and persecution. He was eventually martyred in 72 AD by a spear on a hill near Chennai, which is now known as St. Thomas Mount. His body was buried in a tomb on the beach, where a small shrine was built by his followers.
The shrine was later expanded and renovated by various Christian rulers and missionaries over the centuries. The most notable ones were the Portuguese, who built a grand church in the 16th century, and the British, who rebuilt it in the 19th century. The church was elevated to the status of a basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1956, and was named as Santhome Basilica, after the Portuguese name for St. Thomas.
The church also houses a museum and a crypt, where the relics and souvenirs of St. Thomas are displayed. These include a piece of his bone, a fragment of the spear that killed him, a cross made from his blood, and a painting of his face. The museum and the crypt are open to the public, and are visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.
Architecture of Santhome Church
Santhome Church is a splendid example of neo-Gothic architecture, which is characterized by pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornamental details. The church has a towering spire that rises to a height of 155 feet, and can be seen from a distance. The spire also has a cross that is illuminated at night, and serves as a landmark for the sailors and fishermen.
The interior of the church is equally impressive, with a spacious and elegant nave that can accommodate up to 1500 people. The nave has 14 stations of the cross, depicting the passion and death of Jesus Christ, and a beautiful altar that has a statue of St. Thomas and a painting of the Last Supper. The altar also has a tabernacle that contains the Holy Eucharist, the sacred bread and wine that represent the body and blood of Christ.
The church also has several stained glass windows that depict the life and miracles of St. Thomas, as well as the scenes from the Bible. The windows create a colorful and captivating effect, especially when the sunlight passes through them. The church also has a pipe organ, a choir gallery, and a confession box, where the faithful can receive the sacrament of reconciliation.
One of the most remarkable features of the church is the access to the tomb of St. Thomas, which is located below the main altar. The tomb is a small and simple chamber, where a marble plaque marks the spot where the body of the apostle was buried. The tomb is considered to be a holy and powerful place, where many people have experienced miracles and blessings.
Mass Timings at Santhome Church
Santhome Church is a vibrant and active place of worship, where the liturgical services are conducted regularly and reverently. The church follows the Roman Catholic rite, and offers the Holy Mass, the Rosary, the Adoration, and other prayers and devotions. The church also celebrates the feast of St. Thomas on July 3, and the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, with special masses and processions. The mass timings at Santhome Church are as follows:
Day Language Time
Monday to Saturday Tamil 6:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Monday to Saturday English 7:00 AM
Sunday Tamil 6:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 8:30
Sunday English 9:45 AM
Sunday Malayalam 4:00 PM
The Rosary is recited every day at 5:30 PM, followed by the Adoration and the Benediction. The church also has a chapel, where the perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The mass timings are subject to change, especially during the festivals and special occasions. It is advisable to check the official website of the church or call the parish office for the latest updates.
How to Reach Santhome Church
Santhome Church is located in the Mylapore area of Chennai, which is about 12 km from the Chennai International Airport, 8 km from the Chennai Central Railway Station, and 6 km from the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus. The church is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as buses, taxis, autos, and metro trains.
The cheapest and the most convenient way to reach the church is by bus, as there are many buses that ply to and from the church from different parts of the city. The bus stop near the church is called Santhome Church Bus Stop, and some of the bus routes that pass through it are 5B, 6D, 12B, 21L, 29C, and 45B.
The fastest and the most comfortable way to reach the church is by taxi or auto, as they are available throughout the city and can drop you at the entrance of the church. The approximate fare for a taxi from the airport to the church is Rs. 300, and for an auto is Rs. 150. You can also book a taxi or an auto online using apps like Ola, Uber, or Rapido.
The newest and the most modern way to reach the church is by metro train, as the Chennai Metro Rail has a station near the church called the Light House Metro Station. The station is on the Blue Line, which connects the airport and the central railway station. The station is about 1 km from the church, and you can walk or take an auto from there. The metro train runs from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the fare for a single journey is Rs. 10 to Rs. 60, depending on the distance.
Best Time to Visit Santhome Church
The best time to visit Santhome Church is from October to March, when the weather in Chennai is pleasant and cool, and the humidity is low. This is also the peak season for tourism in Chennai, as many festivals and events take place during this time, such as the Pongal, the Chennai Music Festival, the Chennai Book Fair, and the Chennai Marathon.
The worst time to visit Santhome Church is from April to June, when the weather in Chennai is hot and humid, and the temperature can reach up to 40°C. This is also the off-season for tourism in Chennai, as many people avoid traveling to the city due to the heat and the discomfort.
The best day to visit Santhome Church is Sunday, when the church is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the mass is offered in different languages and rites. This is also the day when the church is most crowded and lively, as many people come to attend the mass, pray, and socialize. You can also witness the cultural and religious diversity of Chennai, as you can see people from different backgrounds and faiths visiting the church.
The best hour to visit Santhome Church is in the evening, when the church is illuminated by the lights and the cross on the spire. This is also the hour when the church is most serene and peaceful, as the mass and the prayers are over, and the visitors are fewer. You can also enjoy the sunset and the breeze from the sea, as the church is located on the beach.
Tips for Visiting Santhome Church
Here are some useful tips for visiting Santhome Church that will help you make the most of your visit:
Dress appropriately: Santhome Church is a sacred place, and you should respect the dress code and the customs of the church. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or any other revealing or offensive clothing. Cover your shoulders, knees, and head with a scarf or a shawl. Remove your shoes before entering the tomb of St. Thomas.
Follow the rules: Santhome Church has some rules and regulations that you should follow to maintain the sanctity and the order of the church. Do not take photos or videos inside the church, especially during the mass or the prayers. Do not touch or disturb the relics or the souvenirs of St. Thomas. Do not make noise or talk loudly inside the church. Do not litter or damage the church premises.
Explore the nearby attractions: Santhome Church is located in a prime area of Chennai, where you can find many other attractions and activities to enjoy. You can visit the Marina Beach, which is the second longest beach in the world, and enjoy the sand, the sea, and the sun. You can also visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and admire its Dravidian architecture and colorful gopurams. You can also visit the Santhome Cathedral School, which is one of the oldest and the most prestigious schools in Chennai, and learn about its history and legacy.
Try the local cuisine: Santhome Church is surrounded by many restaurants and cafes, where you can taste the delicious and diverse cuisine of Chennai. You can try the famous South Indian dishes, such as idli, dosa, vada, sambar, chutney, etc., as well as the spicy and tangy Chettinad dishes, such as chicken 65, pepper chicken, mutton biryani, etc. You can also try the street food, such as sundal, bajji, murukku, etc., as well as the sweets, such as halwa, mysore pak, jangiri, etc.
Shop for souvenirs: Santhome Church has a gift shop, where you can buy some souvenirs and memorabilia of your visit. You can buy items such as rosaries, crosses, statues, paintings, books, etc., that are related to the church and St. Thomas. You can also buy some handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, etc., that are made by the local artisans and reflect the culture and the tradition of Chennai.
Santhome Church is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and the spirituality of Chennai. It is a place where you can witness the history and the heritage of Christianity in India, as well as the architecture and the art of different colonial eras.
It is also a place where you can feel the presence and the power of St. Thomas, who is one of the closest companions of Jesus Christ. Santhome Church is a place that will inspire you, enlighten you, and bless you.
