Several senior priests and Arch Bishops received the body, airport sources said.
The body would be taken to Puducherry, his hometown by road and the mortal remains would be laid to rest on June 9, they said.
90-year-old Lourdsamy, born in Kalleri in Puducherry, was elevated as Cardinal in 1985. He was Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches at Rome.
He had died on June 2.