St. Thomas was the chosen Apostle to India. He landed at Kodungalloor, then sailed to Palayoor, went to other parts of Kerala., crossed the Western Ghats to reach Tamil Nadu and at last was blessed with Martyrdom at Parankimalai, near Chennai. The holy mortal remains had been kept at Mylapore, but later taken to Europe. A portion of his right hand bone has been handed over to the church authorities and the relic is placed at Azhikode, near Kodungallur.