A Hindu carpenter who became a Catholic 13 years ago is in great demand among Christians who want to build new homes in Kerala, southern India.

Thomas, who prefers his first name after conversion, is an expert on vastu shastra, a science of construction popular among Hindus.

People in Kerala, including Christians, seek a vastu expert’s help while building their homes as they use rituals and prayers originated from Hinduism.

According to the vastu science, a new house’s direction and position are important and it is the vastu expert’s job to ensure strict observation of its rules.

“Vastu is a mix of science, engineering and spiritualism. It mainly deals with the shape and dimensions of a structure and the nature of land used for construction,” Thomas explained.

When Thomas became a Catholic, he baptized his profession too. He now puts a cross instead of OM, the Hindu sign, on the ground to begin construction. He also recites Christian prayers and verses from the Bible.

“I help people make eco-friendly homes that boost positive energy,” Thomas said.

Roy Augustine, a Catholic journalist, says construction with Christian prayers is “really wonderful.” He also finds Thomas’ prayers “really inspiring.”

Augustine says Thomas is in great demand in Kerala’s northern region as he is the only Catholic vastu expert there. “Unfortunately many Christians have to compromise with Hindu rituals,” he added.

Thomas said he became a Catholic after his wife’s cancer was cured after he prayed in a church. Doctors told him to take her home as she had only a few days left. “After my conversion, I was unemployed for a long time. Constant prayer inspired me to Christianize my profession too. Now, I am very busy,” he said.

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