Korattymuthy at Koratty Church (Koratty palli) is the locally known name of
Hail Mary
The Hail Mary ( la, Ave Maria) is a traditional Christian prayer addressing Mary, the mother of Jesus. The prayer is based on two biblical passages featured in the Gospel of Luke: the Angel Gabriel's visit to Mary (the Annunciation) and Mary's ...
or Mother Mary of
Syro-Malabar Catholic community at
Koratty
Koratty is a census town in Thrissur district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a main centre of Marian Pilgrimage.
Demographics
As of 2011 India census, Koratty had a population of 17,618. Males constitute 49% of the population and femal ...
in
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
State, India. Korattymuthy's Shrine is famous for its annual feast with 'Poovankula' (a special
plantain
Plantain may refer to:
Plants and fruits
* Cooking banana, banana cultivars in the genus ''Musa'' whose fruits are generally used in cooking
** True plantains, a group of cultivars of the genus ''Musa''
* ''Plantaginaceae'', a family of flowerin ...
), Muttilizhayal (walking on knee) offerings.
Korattymuthy is also known as ''Our Lady With The 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
Rama Varma Kunji pillai Thampuran (1751–1805), or Rama Varma IX, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran (''Sakthan'' meaning powerful), was the ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin. The current southern Indian city of Kochi was part of the erstwhile ...
(1775-1790).
Background information
![KorattyMuthy](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/KorattyMuthy.jpg)
''St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Koratty,'' in the
Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, is the most revered Marian Pilgrim Centre in India after
Velankanni
Velankanni (''Vēḷāṅkaṇṇi''), is a Special Grade Panchayat Town in Nagapattinam district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It lies on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, 350 km south of Chennai (Madras), 12 km south of ...
. It is also the largest Marian pilgrimage travel and Catholic tour travel destination of Kerala. Millions of devotees throng to this
Marian apparition
A Marian apparition is a reported supernatural appearance by Mary, the mother of Jesus, or a series of related such appearances during a period of time.
In the Catholic Church, in order for a reported appearance to be classified as a Marian a ...
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, and parents who long for a child, will flock to this shrine to seek solace.
History and Marian apparitions
Kodungallur
Kodungallur (; also Cranganore, Portuguese: Cranganor; formerly known as Mahodayapuram, Shingly, Vanchi, Muchiri, Muyirikkode, and Muziris) is a historically significant town situated on the banks of river Periyar on the Malabar Coast in Th ...
,
Angamaly
Angamaly (''Aṅkamāli''), , Malayalam : അങ്കമാലി Situated about north of the city centre, the town lies at the intersection of Main Central Road (MC Road) and National Highway 544. MC Road, which starts from Thiruvanantha ...
and Ambazhakad were the ancient Christian centers of
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
and their history is associated with
Hindu
Hindus (; ) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pages 35–37 Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for ...
feudal lords and the Thampuratty (Queen) of the Kingdom of Koratty (Koratty Swaroopam). There were many landlords, also known as 'swaroopams', in the
Kochi
Kochi (), also known as Cochin ( ) ( the official name until 1996) is a major port city on the Malabar Coast of India bordering the Laccadive Sea, which is a part of the Arabian Sea. It is part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of K ...
region; they had their own armies and could rule independently. They could judge people and even pronounce the
death sentence
Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is the state-sanctioned practice of deliberately killing a person as a punishment for an actual or supposed crime, usually following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that ...
, as long as they were loyal to the king.
Koratty
Koratty is a census town in Thrissur district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a main centre of Marian Pilgrimage.
Demographics
As of 2011 India census, Koratty had a population of 17,618. Males constitute 49% of the population and femal ...
Kaimal and
Kodassery Kartha were the two major feudal lords of the Kochi royal family, and they fought each other.
Ambazhakad Church was established in A.D 300 and was the parish of the
Christians
Christians () are people who follow or adhere to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The words '' Christ'' and ''Christian'' derive from the Koine Greek title ''Christós'' (Χρ ...
of Koratty. The church was under the administrative rule of Kodassery Kartha. Christians had acquired military training and went to the church with a
sword and
shield. The position, eminence, humbleness and truthfulness of Christians in business, agriculture and military service were the reasons they were regarded trustworthy by Hindu rulers.
Koratty was the administrative region of Koratty Kaimal. In military service, the
Nairs
The Nair , also known as Nayar, are a group of Indian Hindu castes, described by anthropologist Kathleen Gough as "not a unitary group but a named category of castes". The Nair include several castes and many subdivisions, not all of whom histo ...
were under Kartha and Christians were under Kaimal. There were constant battles between the two armies. Kodassery Kartha far surpassed in military power Koratty Kaimal. The Christian Sri Kavalakkadan Kochu Vareeth was the chief commander of Kaimal's army. His leadership and military strategies led the Kaimal's party close to victory, but then he was
killed in action by Kartha's army. But the Thampuratty (the queen), the ruler of the Koratty Swaroopam, bravely led Kaimal's army and won the battle, as she was so shook by the death of Kochu Vareeth. Thampuratty gave orders to conduct the funeral according to the Christian rituals and in full military honours. The chief commander's dead body was taken to Ambazhakad church for the funeral. As Ambazhakad parish was under the administrative area of Kodassery, due to his interference, the vicar did not give his 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 pallbearers placed the coffin down. After rest, they could not lift the coffin from there. When they informed Thampuratty about the situation, an order was given to bury the body there. In reverence to the chief commander, a cross in granite, of around 20 feet high and 12 inches width, was posted there. This is the granite cross that stands in front of the church today. Kochu Vareeth's has descendants still recognized by their family name 'Kavalakatt'.
The Thampuratty constructed a church near the burial place of her chief commander, for the spiritual needs of the Christians living in that region. Land free from taxes was given to support the church activities and rituals. Construction work began on 15 August 1381 and was completed with the consecration on 8 September 1382. The altars and the artworks above it dated back to the 15th century.
This church came to be known as the Marian Pilgrim Centre of Koratty Muthy.
Now Korattymuthy is one of the major
Marian apparition
A Marian apparition is a reported supernatural appearance by Mary, the mother of Jesus, or a series of related such appearances during a period of time.
In the Catholic Church, in order for a reported appearance to be classified as a Marian a ...
s of India.
Story behind the name – Our Lady with Poovan Bananas
![Koratty Muthy Thirunaal IMG 5484](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/Koratty_Muthy_Thirunaal_IMG_5484.JPG)
The main story was that a pilgrim from Meloor near Koratty was carrying a bunch of a special variety of plantain fruit, namely 'Poovan Bananas', as an offering to the Koratty Muthy. On the way, he had to pass through a paddy field where a hungry man was sitting. On seeing the basket of bananas, he asked the pilgrim to hand him two bananas. The pilgrim refused, explaining that it was an offering to be placed before the Koratty Mutthy. But he forcibly took out two bananas from the basket and ate them. As soon as he had eaten the bananas, the man started writhing with intense pain in his stomach. Medicines could not cure the pain and the landlord realized that it had been some divine intervention; he immediately gave away a golden statue of banana as an offering to the Koratty Muthy. The moment he did this, the pain subsided. Since that day, pilgrims come from all over Kerala with bananas as an offering to the Koratty Muthy. Now 'Poovankula Matha' is also the Virgin Mary shrine as Korattymuthy.
Other Marian events in Koratty
![KORATTYMUTHY MARIAN PROCESSION](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/KORATTYMUTHY_MARIAN_PROCESSION.jpg)
The
Koratty railway station
Koratty railway station (station code: KRAN), which also known as 'Koratti Angadi' falls between Divine Nagar railway station and Karukutty railway station in the busy Shoranur–Cochin Harbour section
Shoranur–Cochin Harbour section is ...
is also part of a popular tale. During one of the annual feasts and festivals of the Koratty Muthy, a train which never had a stop in Koratty came to a mysterious halt when it reached Koratty. They found out it wasn't the cause of a mechanical fault, and they couldn't start the train again. The passengers joined in the celebrations at the Koratty Muthy Church and gave offerings to the Muthy. Later, when they came back, the mechanical fault was mysteriously rectified and the train could proceed. Sensing divine intervention, the authorities immediately made arrangements for a railway station at Koratty; that is how the present day Koratty Angadi Railway Station came to be.
The Madura Coats Factory has a similar awe-inspiring tale. The area where the factory is situated at present was originally planned to be an airport. Work was in full swing for the airport but kept 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 was built, which employs over 1000 employees today.
St. Mary's Forane Church at Koratty, in the
Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly, is the most revered Marian pilgrim centre in India after
Velankanni
Velankanni (''Vēḷāṅkaṇṇi''), is a Special Grade Panchayat Town in Nagapattinam district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It lies on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, 350 km south of Chennai (Madras), 12 km south of ...
(Vailankanni). Millions of devotees from far and wide come to this shrine, which is one of the biggest
apparition sites in India.
Location
*Situated close to the National Highway, 47,9 km from Angamaly and 5 km from
Chalakudy
Chalakudy is a municipal town situated on the banks of Chalakudy River in Thrissur district of the Kerala state in India. It is the headquarters of Chalakudy taluk. It is the base camp for travellers to Athirappilly Falls and Vazhachal Falls. ...
in
Trichur ( otherwise known as
Thrissur
Thrissur (), formerly Trichur, also known by its historical name Thrissivaperur, is a city and the headquarters of the Thrissur district in Kerala, India. It is the third largest urban agglomeration in Kerala after Kochi and Kozhikode, and t ...
or Trissur)
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
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
Chalakudy is a municipal town situated on the banks of Chalakudy River in Thrissur district of the Kerala state in India. It is the headquarters of Chalakudy taluk. It is the base camp for travellers to Athirappilly Falls and Vazhachal Falls. ...
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)
Devotion to Our Lady
Devotees include
*The ill and the infirm
*Distressed damsels yearning for their partners in life
*Parents longing for children
Offerings
*Offering "Poovankula", the famous offering of Korattymuthy Shrine with "Poovan" Variety of banana, which grows in southern India. The offering (or 'Nercha') is made in single or in bunch. For this reason, Korattymuthy is known as "Our Lady With The Poovan Bananas" or "Poovankula Matha" in Malayalam. This offering is very much related to the myths associated with Korattymuthy Shrine. Many blessings and favours are evident from the thanks offerings given by the devotees.
*"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" – also known as "Muttilizhayal" – 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.
*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.
Annual feast and festival
*Every year, Our Lady's Feast is celebrated in the month of October – Saturday and Sunday following 10 October followed for 14 days – with great pomp and fanfare. Bishops, priests, religious sisters and people from every caste and creed from around the country attend the feast and seek Our Lady's Blessings. The offerings include cash, candles and other valuables. The Mass is followed by pageantry. The newly built church is magnificently illuminated.
*Octave – the following Sunday
Marian prayer to Korattymuthy – Our Lady with the 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, deliver me 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 ......... ... ''(mention your personal prayers)''
Amen.
Facebook page
*https://facebook.com/korattymuthyofficial
*https://www.facebook.com/korattymuthiamma/
First Mobile Application For a Kerala Church
Koratty Muthy Mobile Application - Apple IOSKoratty Muthy Mobile Application - Android
This is the first mobile application to be released for a Church in Kerala.
References
External links
*
Korattymuthy OfficialKorattymuthy.orgPrayer in Malayalam
{{coord missing, Kerala
Cities and towns in Thrissur district
Eastern Catholic churches in Kerala
Churches in Thrissur district
Syro-Malankara Catholic church buildings
Eastern Catholic shrines