Mar Thoma Sleeva (St Thomas Cross)

Introduction

**Mar Thoma Sleeva** (Saint Thomas Cross) or simply **Mar Sleeva** are ancient crosses associated with the Christian communities of the Indian subcontinent, who trace their origins to the evangelism of **Thomas the Apostle** in the 1st century AD. The Saint Thomas Christians are one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, primarily located in the Malabar region of Kerala, India, with a diaspora across the subcontinent.

These crosses are also known as **Indian Cross**, **Persian Cross** in English, and **Nasrani Sthambam** in Malabarese. They are found in several locations across India including Kadamattom, Muttuchira, Kothanalloor, Kottayam, Pallippuram, and Alangad.

Etymology

**Mar Thoma Sleeva** (also written as Mar Thoma Slīva) is a Syriac-language term which means Saint Thomas Cross.

Antonio Gouvea states in his 16th-century work *Jornada* that the old churches of Saint Thomas Christians were full of crosses of the type discovered at S. Thome (Mylapore). He also mentions that veneration of the cross is an old custom in Malabar.

*Jornada* is the oldest known written document which calls the cross “cross from (of) Sam Thome (Mylapore)”. The original phrase used is **Cruz de Sam Thome**, meaning “Cross of (from) St. Thomas”. For this reason, it can also mean “Cross from Sam Thome”, where Mylapore is equivalent to Sam Thomé, the name given by the Portuguese to the city of Mylapore.

Gouvea also writes about the veneration of the Cross at Cranganore (Kodungallur), mentioning it as the Cross of Christians.

Locations of Mar Thoma Sleeva

  • Mylapore, Tamil Nadu – Our Lady of Expectations Church, St. Thomas Mount
  • Alangad, Kerala – Saint Mary's Church, Alangad (Syro-Malabar Church)
  • Kottayam, Kerala – Saint Mary's Knanaya Valiyapalli (Persian Cross, 7–8th Century, Left Altar)
  • Kottayam, Kerala – Saint Mary's Knanaya Valiyapalli (Persian Cross, 10th Century, Right Altar)
  • Muttuchira, Kerala – Ruha d' Kudsha Church (Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Palai)
  • Kadamattam, Kerala – Saint George Church (Malankara Orthodox Church)
  • Kothanalloor, Kerala – St Gervasis and Prothasis Church (Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Palai)
  • Agasaim, Goa – Pilar Seminary Museum
  • Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka – Anuradhapura Museum
  • Other locations: Taxila (Pakistan), Xi'an (China), Parur North (Kerala)

Symbolism of Mar Thoma Sleeva

Unlike crosses in other traditions, the St Thomas Cross does not carry the effigy of Christ. Each of its elements carries symbolic meanings:

  • The cross symbolizes **life** rather than death and suffering.
  • The **absence of Christ’s effigy** points to the empty tomb and glorifies the Resurrection of Jesus.
  • The four **floral-shaped edges** symbolize fruition and life from the tree of life.
  • The **lotus flower** beneath the cross represents India and Buddhism, symbolizing Christianity taking root in India.
  • The **three steps** below the cross represent Golgotha, the three decks of the Ark, and the ascent to Mt. Sinai.
  • The **dove** above the cross represents the Holy Spirit, who raised Jesus from the dead and bestows gifts upon the faithful.
St Thomas Cross

Nasrani Sthambam

**Nasrani Sthambams** are giant open-air stone crosses with plinths shaped like lotus petals. Many bear iconographic motifs including elephants, peacocks, and other animals. They are found at numerous locations across Kerala such as Puthenchira, Parappukkara, Veliyanad, Kalpparambu, Angamaly, Kanjoor, Malayattoor, Udayamperoor, Kuravilangad, Uzhavoor, Chungam, Kaduthuruthy, Muttuchira, Kudamaloor, Niranam, Arakuzha, Kothamangalam, Chengannur, Thumpamon, and Chathannur.

Patronage

A St. Thomas Cross currently graces the altar, generously provided by Fr. Joseph Kappilumakkal. May this representation of our Patron Saint bring us closer in unity with the World Church.