Devasahayam Pillai (1712–1752), also known as Blessed Lazarus or Neelakandan Pillai, is celebrated as a saint and martyr in the Catholic Church, especially notable in India. His life story is marked by his conversion from Hinduism to Christianity, his dedication to the faith, and ultimately his execution as a Christian martyr. He is remembered for his challenge to the prevailing social hierarchies of the time and for his steadfast faith under persecution.

Early Life

  • Birth and Background: Devasahayam Pillai was born Neelakandan Pillai on April 23, 1712, in Nattalam, a village in the Kingdom of Travancore (modern-day Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu, India).
  • Family and Education: He was born into a Hindu Nair family, which belonged to a respected upper-caste community. His family was well-regarded in society, and he was well-educated in traditional Hindu teachings.
  • Career in the Royal Court: Neelakandan grew up to serve in the royal court of King Marthanda Varma, the powerful king of Travancore. He held an administrative position and was responsible for the management of the royal treasury and other administrative duties.

Conversion to Christianity

  • Meeting Captain De Lannoy: The turning point in Neelakandan’s life came when he met Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, a Dutch naval commander who was captured by Travancore’s army. After the defeat, De Lannoy joined the Travancore military, eventually becoming a trusted advisor to the king.
  • Influence of Christianity: De Lannoy, who was a devout Catholic, became friends with Neelakandan and shared Christian teachings with him. Inspired by these teachings, particularly those related to equality, love, and compassion, Neelakandan decided to convert to Christianity.
  • Baptism and New Identity: In 1745, he was baptized at the St. Francis Xavier Church in Kottar. He took the name “Devasahayam,” which means “God is my help” (equivalent to “Lazarus” in the Bible). His wife, Bhargavi Ammal, also converted to Christianity and took the name Gnanapoo (meaning “Flower of Knowledge”).

Life After Conversion

  • Preaching and Opposition: Devasahayam Pillai openly embraced his new faith, living according to Christian principles and preaching about Jesus Christ. He particularly emphasized teachings on equality, stating that everyone is equal before God. This stance was radical and controversial at the time, as the caste system was deeply ingrained in Indian society.
  • Conflict with Society: His new beliefs and refusal to participate in caste-based practices quickly made him a target of social hostility. His conversion was viewed as a betrayal by Hindu society, particularly by the upper castes. It also upset the royal court, as it was seen as a subversive act in a predominantly Hindu kingdom.
  • Royal Decree of Persecution: Members of the court, as well as his former allies, accused him of disrupting social order. Swayed by these arguments, King Marthanda Varma ordered his arrest and persecution. Devasahayam was imprisoned and subjected to torture in an effort to make him renounce Christianity, but he remained steadfast in his faith.

Torture and Martyrdom

  • Brutal Treatment: Devasahayam Pillai was subjected to various forms of torture. He was beaten, tied to a tree, and left in the scorching sun, enduring physical suffering and humiliation. His clothes were stripped, and he was forced to wear rags. Despite these punishments, he refused to renounce his beliefs.
  • Public Humiliation: To further intimidate him, he was paraded across villages in Travancore as a public spectacle, where he was mocked, humiliated, and abused by those who opposed his conversion. He was moved from one prison to another and endured starvation, physical abuse, and taunts.
  • Final Execution: In January 1752, Devasahayam was taken to the Aralvaimozhy forest, near Kanyakumari. He was executed by soldiers, and his body was left in the forest. Local Christians secretly retrieved his body and buried him near St. Xavier’s Church in Kottar.

Aftermath and Legacy

  • Veneration: Following his death, Devasahayam Pillai became a figure of devotion among local Christians who regarded him as a martyr. His burial site at St. Xavier’s Church in Kottar became a place of pilgrimage, with many people praying for his intercession.
  • Cause for Canonization: Due to his dedication and sacrifice, the Catholic Church began his cause for canonization. In 2004, Pope John Paul II declared him a Servant of God, the first step towards sainthood.
  • Beatification and Canonization: On December 2, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI recognized Devasahayam Pillai as a martyr and beatified him. Finally, on May 15, 2022, Pope Francis canonized him, making him the first Indian layperson to be canonized.

Significance of Devasahayam Pillai’s Legacy

  1. Champion of Equality: Devasahayam is celebrated for his stance on social equality, a theme that resonates with many across religious and social divides. His emphasis on the dignity and value of all people challenged the rigid caste hierarchies of his time.
  2. Symbol of Resilience: His story is a testament to resilience and devotion to faith under persecution, inspiring many Christians and non-Christians alike.
  3. Martyr for Social Justice: Devasahayam’s life and martyrdom are seen as a struggle against the oppressive caste system, making him a revered figure for human rights, social justice, and religious tolerance.

Commemoration

Devasahayam Pillai is commemorated as a saint in the Catholic Church, with his feast day celebrated on January 14. His canonization has also brought attention to the role of indigenous saints and laypersons in the Catholic Church, affirming his place as a significant religious and historical figure in India. His story of steadfastness in faith and dedication to equality continues to inspire millions worldwide, especially in India.