Chinnamalai, translated in English as Little Mount,[1] is a hillock that lies on the bank of Adayar River in the Saidapet taluk of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
[2] There is a proposed footbridge, which will allow pedestrian access to Little Mount avoiding road traffic; this will be 100 m away from the already existing walkway bridge, and built by the State Highways department of Tamil Nadu.
[3] It is traditionally acknowledged to be one of the places where St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus, lived and preached when he came to India.
[5] Little Mount is a small hillock, about 24 m in height, located on the south bank of the Adyar River near the Marmalong Bridge in Saidapet.
He led a spartan prayerful life in solitude, often praying on the top of the hill and preaching to the local crowds that gathered to hear the Good news.
The cave is well preserved and can be accessed from the old Church (chinna kovil) and is used for prayer and meditation by the devotees from all creeds.
When St. Thomas was thirsty, he split the rocks and drank the refreshing water that gushed forth from the spring.
The Portuguese realized the importance of this sacred place and in 1551 AD, built a church in honor of Our Lady of Health.
The cave in which St. Thomas lived can be accessed from a small entrance at the left side of the altar of the church.
On each day, mass and prayers are offered for special intentions of a specific category of people.
This school was started with the purpose of providing education in English medium for the poor residents of the Little Mount parish.
Karunai Illam provides a home for the destitute people who are differently disabled, both mentally and physically.
It was started at a time when common diseases were spreading among the poor people and doctors were difficult to find.
It seeks to provide consultation and treatment to poor people for free or at nominal cost.
A graveyard used for burying the dead parishioners is located near the newly constructed meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dr. Chadwick Samuel, who is the eldest son of Pastor Mohan, serves the English congregation.
Other places include Hotel Adyar Anantha Bhavan, Wangs Kitchen, French Loaf and Mount Palace.