The Dhyana Ashram, A Heritage walk around Adyar Greek

02^nd October 2016

THE DHYANA ASHRAM

The Dhyana Ashram is located in a place called Kuyil Thoppu in Santhome on 5 acres of Land. The Church, initially known as “MA DE DEUS” (Mother of God), started with St. Francis Xavier's arrival in Mylapore in the year 1545. In 1547, Fr Alphonso Cyprian took over his service. A new Church was built for Mae De Deus on 8^th September 1576, and the same was maintained by Portuguese Jesuits. It was believed that the founder of the Madurai mission, Fr. Robert De Nobili, spent his last days.

The old Church was pulled down, and a new Church was constructed, for which the foundation was laid on 29^th Feb 1999 and completed on 11^th Feb 2000. Archbishop James Aruldhas and Fr. D. Jayaraj were instrumental in the construction of the new Church. Only the original Alter was retained, and the rest was built with concrete.

LOCATION OF THE DHYANA ASHRAM: CLICK HERE

 The original alter 

 The original alter 

 Reliefs of Peacock and Dogs?

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Nivedita Louis The letters AMDG on the relief are the Jesuit Society motto- Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriem, meaning 'for the greater glory of God'. As for the relief figures- peacock symbolises pride- the biggest sin, dog symbolises envy, and maybe the hanging cauldron might symbolise punishment for greed, which is boiling in oil....

Mr. Vincent D’ Souza pointed out that there must be a lane (on the present church’s place) opposite to this Pillayar Temple in front of the House.

... to be continued, (Admiralty House)