Korattymuthy

Korattymuthy
Our Lady with Poovan Bananas
Lourdes of Kerala
Poovankula Matha
Korattymuthy
Location	Koratty, Thrissur, Kerala
Country	India
Denomination	Catholic
History
Founded	October 1,  1381 (1381-10-01) - but see note below
Administration
Parish	St. Mary's Forane Church, Koratty
Archdiocese	Eranakulam - Angamaly
Diocese	Eranakulam - Angamaly
Synod	Syro Malabar
District	Thrissur
Clergy
Archbishop	Mar George Cardinal Alencherry
Bishop(s)	Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath
Vicar(s)	Fr. Lukose Kunnathoor

^{[1][2][3][4][5]} Korattymuthy is the locally known name of Hail Mary or Mother Mary of Syro-Malabar Catholic community at Koratty in Kerala State, India. Korattymuthy's Shrine is famous for its annual feast with 'Poovankula' (a special plantain), Muttilizhayal (walking on knee) offerings. Korattymuthy is also known as Our Lady with Poovan Bananas ( Poovankula Matha ).The shrine is also known as the Lourdes of Kerala. It is believed that the shrine was established in 1381. However its proven existence dates back only to the reign of Sakthan Thampuran (1775-1790).^[6]

Background Information

St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Koratty^[7], in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, is the most revered Marian Pilgrim Centre in India after Velankanni. It is also the largest Marian Pilgrimage travel and Catholic tour travel destination of Kerala. Millions of devotees throng to this Marian Apparition of India every year. Many miracles have been attributed to Our Lady at this Shrine. The ill and the infirm and the distressed, damsels who yearn for partners in life, the parents who long for a child - flock to this shrine to seek solace.

Myth and the Mystery

Folklore has it that in the 14th Century, while a coffin was being carried to Ambazhakkadu for burial in the Church there, the pallbearers rested a while at Koratty. When they tried to lift the coffin again they found that it was firmly stuck to the ground and they could not lift it. The ruler, Koratty Kaimal made arrangements for the burial there and gave instruction to build a church for the welfare of his Christian subjects. The altars and the artworks above it date back to the 15th century.

However evidences are there to prove that this church has existed during the period when Sakthan Thampuran (1775-1790) reigned over the erstwhile Cochin Province. It is believed that the church which is an epitome of an ancient era, dating back to the 14th Century, was established on September 8, 1381.

Six centuries back Kerala was divided into numerous provinces ruled by kings and landlords. Two of such neighbouring landlords were Koratty Kaimal and Kodassery Kartha. The descendents of these two feudal lords live in Koratty even now, and this adds on to the authenticity of this belief about the origin of the Koratty Church. Under the feudal lord, Koratty Kaimal, many Christians served in the army. In a battle between Kaimal and Kartha many were killed. Sri Kavalakkadan Kochu Vareed, the commander of the Kaimal army was one among the dead. At the time the Catholics had only one church in that area - at Ambazhakkad. Kaimal made all arrangements for the funeral of Sri. Kochu Vareed to be held in full military honours and religious rituals at the Ambazhakkad church. But his rival, Kodassery Kartha interfered and the burial could not take place there. The funeral procession had to return. In between, the pall-bearers had to rest and they placed the coffin down. When they tried to lift the coffin again they found to their astonishment, that it was firmly stuck to the ground and they could not lift. Knowing this, Koratty Kaimal made all arrangements for the burial there itself and gave instruction to build a church for the welfare of his Christian subjects. Today at that spot stands a granite stone cross. Kaimal gave away lots of land, free from tax, to sustain the rituals in the church. This church gradually was known as the Marian Pilgrim Centre of Koratty Muthy.

The history of ancient churches in Kerala is associated with Hindu Feudal Lords. The beginning of Koratty church is associated with Hindu Land lord, Thampuratty (queen) of Koratty Swaroopam. There were many landlords in Kochi region from the Middle Ages. Koratty Kaimal and Kodassery kartha were the two major feudal lords of Kochi royal family. Feudal Lords were also known as Swaroopams. There were independent army and soldiers for swaroopams. The Feudal lords were given authority to rule independently and even to give death sentence with keeping loyalty to the king. These two feudal lords used to conflict and fight between each other. Kodungalloor, Angamaly and Ambazhakad were the ancient Christian centers of Kerala.

Ambazhakad church was established in A. D. 300. Ambazhakad church was the parish of the Christians who resided at Koratty. Christians had acquired military training. They used to go to the church wearing sword and shield. The position, eminence, humbleness and truthfulness of Christians in business, agriculture and military service were the reasons for getting fondness of Hindu rulers. Ambazhakad church was under the administrative rule of Kodassery Kartha.

Koratty was the administrative region of Koratty Kaimal. The Nairs were under Kartha and Christians were under Kaimal for military service. They used to fight each other. Kodassery Kartha was much ahead in military power than Koratty Kaimal. Sri Kavalakkadan Kochu Vareeth was the chief commander of the Kaimal’s army. (It is told that in Ambazhakad parish, namboodiris from five families (Illam) got baptized and became Christians. Kavalakad family/ Kavalakatt family was one among them.) Kochu vareed’s leadership and military strategies lead the Kaimal’s party close to victory, but then Kochu vareed had to embrace heroic death by the sword of the enemies unexpectedly. But Thampuratty (the queen), the ruler of the Koratty Swaroopam, bravely led the army and won the battle Thampuratty was so sad in the puerile death of Kochu Vareeth , who was the chief commander of her army and the chief advisor. Thampuratty gave orders to conduct the funeral according to Christian rituals and in full military honours. The chief commander’s dead body was taken to Ambazhakad church for funeral. As Ambazhakad parish was under the administrative area of Kodassery, due to his interference the vicar did not give permission to bury the body there. They were asked to take the coffin from that place. In the return procession, carrying the coffin to Koratty region, the weary pall-bearers placed the coffin down. After rest, they could not take or lift the coffin from there. When they informed this to the Thampuratty, order was given to bury the body there itself. In reverence to the chief commander, a cross in granite, of around 20 feet height and 12 inches depth, was established there. This is the granite cross that stands in front of the church even now. Chief Commander and Chief Advisor Sri Kavalakkadan Kochu Vareeth’s descendants are still in existence and are recognized by the Surname ‘Kavalakatt’ today.

But Thampuratty (the queen), the ruler of the Koratty Swaroopam, bravely led the army and won the battle Thampuratty was so sad in the puerile death of Kochu Vareeth , who was the chief commander of her army and the chief advisor. Thampuratty gave orders to conduct the funeral according to Christian rituals and in full military honours. The chief commander’s dead body was taken to Ambazhakad church for funeral. As Ambazhakad parish was under the administrative area of Kodassery, due to his interference the vicar did not give permission to bury the body there. They were asked to take the coffin from that place. In the return procession, carrying the coffin to Koratty region, the weary pall-bearers placed the coffin down. After rest, they could not take or lift the coffin from there. When they informed this to the Thampuratty, order was given to bury the body there itself. In reverence to the chief commander, a cross in granite, of around 20 feet height and 12 inches depth, was established there. This is the granite cross that stands in front of the church even now.

Thampuratty constructed a church near the place where he buried his chief commander, and given to Christians as she understood that it is not easy to accomplish the spiritual needs from Ambazhakkadu church for the Christians living in that region. Land and many articles were given for the performance of church activities and rituals. Land was exempted from taxes. Construction work was started on 15th of August, 1381. Construction of the church was completed and consecrated on 8th of September, 1382.

This church gradually was known as the Marian Pilgrim Centre of Koratty Muthy.^[8]

• Another folklore has it that, a pilgrim from Meloor was carrying a basket of Poovan Bananas as an offering to the Koratty Muthy. On the way, he had to pass through a paddy field, where a rich landlord was supervising his laborers. On seeing the basket of bananas, he ordered the pilgrim to hand him two bananas. The pilgrim refused, explaining that it was an offering to be placed before the Koratty Mutthy. This irked the landlord and he forcibly took out two bananas from the basket and ate it. No sooner than he had eaten the bananas, the landlord started writhing with intense pain in his stomach. Medicines could not cure the pain and at last the landlord realized that it had been some divine intervention and he immediately gave away half of the paddy field as an offering to Koratty Muthy. The moment he did this, the pain subsided. Since that day, pilgrims throng from all parts of the hamlet with Poovan Bananas as an offering for the Koratty Muthy.

• The Koratty Angadi Railway Station is also part of a folklore. During one of the Annual feast and Festival of Koratty Muthy, a train which never had a stop in Koratty came to a mysterious halt when it reached Koratty. Neither could any mechanical snag be found out, not could anyone restart the train. The passengers joined in the Celebrations at the Koratty Muthy Church and gave offerings to the Muthy. Later, when they came back, the mechanical snag was rectified mysteriously and the train proceeded. Sensing divine intervention, the authorities immediately made arrangements for a Railway Station at Koratty and that is how the present day Koratty Angadi Railway Station came into existence.

• The Madura Coats Factory with around 3000 Employees has a similar awe inspiring tale to tell. The area where the Factory is situated at present was originally planned to be an airport. Work was in full swing for the airport and even a helicopter had landed there. The work kept on being hindered in one way or other by a mysterious lady with a child in hand. The Hindrances grew to such an extent that the plan for an airport was abandoned and instead the Madura Coats Factory came up, which employs over 1000 employees today.

Koratty Muthy's (St. Mary’s) Forane church at Koratty, in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam is the most revered Marian Pilgrim Centre in India after Velankanni (Vailankanni). It is also the largest Marian Pilgrimage travel and Catholic tour travel destination in the state of Kerala. Millions of Devotees from far and wide throng to this Holy Place, which is one of the biggest Marian apparitions in India, every year.

Location

• Situated close to the National Highway 47,9 km from between Angamaly and 5 km from Chalakudy in Trichur ( otherwise known as Thrissur or Trissur) Kerala State, South India

• 15 km from the Cochin (or Kochi) International Airport at Nedumbassery. Adjacent to the Koratty Angady Railway Station. Nearest big Railway Stations are Chalakudy and Trichur. Three km South of Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Chalakudy along National Highway 47 (NH 47 between Trichur and Cochin in southern part of India

Devotees Include

• The Ill and the Infirm
• Distressed Damsels yearning for their partners in life
• Parents longing for children

Devotion to Our Lady

• Offering “Bhajana”, a ritual, in devotion to Our Lady, whereby the devotee sits at the feet of Our Lady in Prayer and fasting to get imbibed with the spirit of Our Lady.

• “Thulabharam” - an offering symbolizing total surrender of the self before Our Lady whereby devotees weigh their body weight in “Poovan Kula” a special variety of Plantain.
• “Neendal Nercha” - a ritual, symbolizing penance for the sins committed, whereby a devotee crawls from the Main Entrance of the Church to the feet of Koratty Muthy. (Ph; +91 480 2732780 / 2734009)

Annual Feast and the Festival

• Every year, Our Lady’s Feast is celebrated in the month of October^[9] - Saturday and Sunday following the 10th of October, with great pomp and fanfare. Bishops, Priests, Nuns and people from every caste and creed from different parts of the Country attend the feast and seek Our Mother’s Blessings. The Offerings include cash, candles and other valuables. The Holy Mass is followed by an awe-inspiring pageantry. The newly built beautiful church with illuminations is in itself a magnificent sight.^[10]
• Octave - The following Sunday

Marian Prayer to Korattymuthy _ Our Lady with Poovan Bananas

• Virgin full of goodness, Mother of Mercy, KORATTYMUTHY, I entrust to you my body and soul,my thoughts,my actions, my life and my death.

• O my mother Korattymuthy, deliverme from all the snares of the devil. Obtain for me the grace of loving my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,with a true and perfect love, and after him. O Mary, Korattymuthy, to love you with all my heart and above all things.

• O my Korattymuthy, mother of God, help me in obtaining all the favors I now need and seek especially ………... (please mention your personal prayers)

Amen.

Hail Mary! Koratty Muthy, pray for us ( 10 times )

മലയാളം പ്രാർത്ഥന (Prayer in Malayalam)

      കൊരട്ടി മുത്തിയോടുള്ള പ്രാർത്ഥന

നന്മ നിറഞ്ഞ മറിയമേ, ദയവുള്ള മാതാവേ, ഞാൻ എൻറെ ശരീരവും ശരീരവും ആത്മാവും ചിന്തകളും പ്രവൃത്തികളും ജീവിതവും നിന്നിൽ ഭരമേൽപ്പിക്കുന്നു. ഓ അമ്മെ, കൊരട്ടിമുത്തി, അങ്ങ് കൈകളിലേന്തിയ ഞങ്ങളുടെ കർത്താവായ ഉണ്ണിയേശുവിന്റെ അനുഗ്രഹത്താൽ എല്ലാ പ്രലോഭനങ്ങളിൽ നിന്നും എന്നെ മോചിപ്പിക്കേണമേ. അങ്ങയുടെ പുത്രനും എൻറെ ദൈവവുമായ യേശുവിന്റെ കൃപയും അനുഗ്രഹവും എനിക്ക് ലഭ്യമാക്കണമെ. ഓ മറിയമേ, കൊരട്ടിമുത്തി, ഏതിനെക്കാളും ഉപരിയായി പൂർണ ഹൃദയത്തോടെ ഞാൻ അങ്ങയെ സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നു. ഓ എൻറെ കൊരട്ടിമുത്തി, ദൈവമാതാവേ, എനിക്ക് എല്ലാ അനുഗ്രഹങ്ങളും പ്രദാനം ചെയ്യണമേ. വിശിഷ്യ( ആവശ്യം പറയുക ........... ) അങ്ങയുടെ പുത്രനായ ഉണ്ണിയേശുവിന്റെ അനുഗ്രഹത്താൽ സാധിച്ചു തരുവാനും സഹായിക്കണമേ, ആമേൻ.

പരിശുദ്ധ അമ്മേ കൊരട്ടിമുത്തി, ഞങ്ങൾക്ക് വേണ്ടി അപേക്ഷിക്കണമേ  ( പത്തു പ്രാവശ്യം)

First Mobile Application For a Kerala Church

• Koratty Muthy Mobile Application - Apple IOS
• Koratty Muthy Mobile Application - Android

This is the first mobile application to be released for a Church in Kerala.

References

External links

• Korattymuthy.org

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Koratty Muthy Thirunaal.