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 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 (1775-1790).
HISTORY
Kodungallur, Angamaly and Ambazhakad were the ancient Christian centers of Kerala and their history is associated with Hindu feudal lords and the Thampuratty (Queen) of the Kingdom of Koratty (Koratty Swaroopam). There were many landlords, also known as 'swaroopams', in the Kochi region; they had their own armies and could rule independently. They could judge people and even pronounce the death sentence, as long as they were loyal to the king. Koratty Kaimal and Kodassery Kartha were the two major feudal lords of the Kochi royal family, and they fought each other.[9]
Ambazhakad Church was established in A.D 300 and was the parish of the Christians 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 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.
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