Thomas the Apostle

== Saint Thomas Cross ==
{{main|Saint Thomas Christian cross}}
[[File:Nasrani cross.jpg|thumb|upright|Saint Thomas Christian cross]]
In the 16th-century work ''Jornada'', Antonio Gouvea writes of ornate crosses known as ''Saint Thomas Crosses''. It is also known as Nasrani Menorah,{{sfn|Collins|2007|p=119}} Persian Cross, or Mar Thoma Sleeva.{{sfn|Antony|2019}} These crosses are believed to date from the 6th century as per the tradition and are found in a number of churches in Kerala, Mylapore and Goa. ''Jornada'' is the oldest known written document to refer to this type of cross as a Saint Thomas Cross. Gouvea also writes about the veneration of the Cross at Cranganore, referring to the cross as "Cross of Christians".

There are several interpretations of the Nasrani symbol. The interpretation based on Christian Jewish tradition assumes that its design was based on Jewish [[Menorah (Temple)|menorah]], an ancient symbol of the Hebrews, which consists of a seven branched lamp stand (candelabra).{{sfn|Collins|2007|p=119}} The interpretation based on local culture states that the Cross without the figure of Jesus and with flowery arms symbolizing "joyfulness" points to the resurrection theology of [[Paul the Apostle]]; the Holy Spirit on the top represents the role of Holy Spirit in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The lotus symbolizing Buddhism and the Cross over it shows that Christianity was established in the land of Buddha. The three steps indicate Calvary and the rivulets, channels of Grace flowing from the Cross.{{sfn|Thadikatt|2004|p=114}}