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{{Short description|Indian karhanar}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2019}} | {{Use Indian English|date=December 2019}} | ||
[[File:Kadamattom St. George Church.jpg|thumb| [[Kadamattom Church]] in [[Ernakulam district]], [[Kerala]]]] | [[File:Kadamattom St. George Church.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Kadamattom Church]] in [[Ernakulam district]], [[Kerala]]]] | ||
'''Kadamattathu Kathanar''' | '''Kadamattathu Kathanar''' was a ''[[kathanar]]'' (priest) who, according to legends, possessed [[Magician (fantasy)|magical]] powers. He was an ordained [[deacon]] of [[Kadamattom Church]] in the 9th century, in Kadamattam near [[Kolenchery]] in [[Ernakulam]] district, [[Kerala]]. According to legends, his real name was Poulose and he was the disciple of bishop [[Mar Sabor and Mar Proth|Mar Abo]]. The church's history is undocumented, surviving solely through local legends. The tales surrounding Kathanar encapsulate the experiences of the local populace, conveyed through elements of magic and sorcery. These tales portray him as a priest with supernatural powers, employed for the common good.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/02/18/stories/2005021802230300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406100329/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/02/18/stories/2005021802230300.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=6 April 2005 |title=Kathanar's Kadamattam |work=The Hindu |date=2005-02-18 |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref> | ||
In medieval legends, history and fables were combined inextricably.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2004/08/01/stories/2004080100490200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109105759/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2004/08/01/stories/2004080100490200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-11-09 |title=A symbol of amity |date=2004-08-01 |work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=2011-05-17}}</ref> The story of Kadamattathu Kathanar might be a mixture of history and fables. Currently there is no certain proof that he really existed, but the fact that a real priest lived in that area in the ninth century cannot be denied.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kerala.cc/keralahistory/index20.htm |title=Chera times of the Kulasekharas |publisher=kerala.cc |date= |accessdate=2011-05-17}}</ref> | ==Historicity== | ||
In medieval legends, history and fables were combined inextricably.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2004/08/01/stories/2004080100490200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109105759/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2004/08/01/stories/2004080100490200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-11-09 |title=A symbol of amity |date=2004-08-01 |work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=2011-05-17}}</ref> The story of Kadamattathu Kathanar might be a mixture of history and fables. Currently there is no certain proof that he really existed, but the fact that a real priest lived in that area in the ninth century cannot be denied.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kerala.cc/keralahistory/index20.htm |title=Chera times of the Kulasekharas |publisher=kerala.cc |date= |accessdate=2011-05-17 |archive-date=13 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813143323/http://www.kerala.cc/keralahistory/index20.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> History points out the existence of Christians in the area from around 2nd or 3rd century of the Christian Era.<ref>Kottoor_kulangattil Family Magazine 2012 (Kottoor Church History)</ref>{{sfnmp|1a1=Eusebius|1loc=Book V Chapter 10 ''"Pantaenus the Philosopher"''|Frykenberg|2008|2p=103|3a1=Baum|3a2=Winkler|3y=2003|3p=52|4a1=Medlycott|4y=1912|Whitehouse|1873|5pp=12–20}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indianchristianity.com/html/chap4/chapter4g.htm|title = Indian Christianity}}</ref> | |||
== | ==Legends== | ||
{{More citations needed section|date=September 2023}} | |||
Poulose, later known as Kathanar, was born to a poor family in Kadamattom, a small village in North [[Travancore]] (now part of [[Kerala]]). People fondly called him ''Kochu Poulose''. He had no siblings and his parents died when he was a child. He was taken care of by his mother for a short period before her death, after which he came under the patronage of the [[Persians|Persian]] priest [[Mar Sabor and Mar Proth|Mar Abo]] (also known as Mar Sabor).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/28/stories/2011012859820300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109105622/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/28/stories/2011012859820300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-11-09 |title=St. Mar Abo festival |date=2011-01-28 |work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=2011-05-17}}</ref> | |||
Poulose was given a good education under Abo. The priest taught him [[Syriac language|Syriac]] and [[Mass (liturgy)|Liturgy of the Mass]]. In due course he was ordained as a [[deacon]] and people began to call him deacon Poulose. | |||
Mar Sabor the [[bishop]] who ordained him as a priest left from Kadamattom after the arrival of Paulose. The Bishop built many churches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sor.cua.edu/ChMon/Ankamaly/AkaparambuMSaborAphroth.html|title=Mor Sabor-Mor Aphroth, Akaparambu|first=Thomas|last=Joseph|website=sor.cua.edu}}</ref> Sabor settled at Thevalakkara.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.marthamariamorthodoxsyrianchurch-thevalakara.in/ml/marabo.php |title=മര്ത്തമറിയം ഓര്ത്തോഡോക്സ് സിറിയന് ചര്ച്ച്, തേവലക്കര - Mar Abo |access-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218023800/http://www.marthamariamorthodoxsyrianchurch-thevalakara.in/ml/marabo.php |archive-date=18 February 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
Some stories of Kathanar are presented in the collection of legends, ''[[Aithihyamala]]''.<ref>{{citation|title=Stories from Ithihyamala: fables of Kerala|author=A. K. Shrikumar|publisher=Children's Book Trust |year=2001|isbn= 9788170119036|pages=79–94}}</ref><ref>Kottarathil Sankunni. ''EithihyamaalaIythiha Maala'' (legends of [[Kerala]]). Chapter 72. pp 380-391.</ref> | |||
== Gallery == | == Gallery == | ||
<gallery mode=packed-hover> | <gallery mode="packed-hover"> | ||
Nasrani cross.jpg| Famous Persian Cross- front view | Nasrani cross.jpg| Famous Persian Cross- front view | ||
Persian Cross Kadamatam church.jpg|Persian Cross-side view | Persian Cross Kadamatam church.jpg|Persian Cross-side view | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==In | ==In popular culture== | ||
* In the 1966 film ''[[ | * In the 1966 film ''Kadamattathachan'', [[Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair]] played the lead role. | ||
* A | * In the 1984 film ''Kadamattathachan'', [[Prem Nazir]] played the lead role. | ||
* A | * A TV series ''[[Kadamattathu Kathanar (TV series)|Kadamattathu Kathanar]]'' was telecast on [[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] in which Prakash Paul played Kathanar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/04/30/stories/2004043001280801.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040917132746/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/04/30/stories/2004043001280801.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-09-17 |title=Kadamattathu Kathanar |date=2004-04-30 |work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=2011-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/04/30/stories/2004043001280801.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040917132746/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/04/30/stories/2004043001280801.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-09-17 |title=Bhavan's Adarsh Vidyalaya emerges winner |date=2004-10-03 |work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=2011-05-17}}</ref> | ||
* A TV series was produced by [[JaiHind TV|Jai Hind]] and [[Surya TV]] titled ''Kadamattathachan''. Prakash Paul played the title role in both.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCSGrid.do?sgridType=list&fromTimeInMillis=1250049600000&stnNum=35757 |title=TV Listings- Surya TV |publisher=tvlistings |date= |accessdate=2011-05-17 |archive-date=9 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009011301/http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCSGrid.do?sgridType=list&fromTimeInMillis=1250049600000&stnNum=35757 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/02/08/stories/2008020850170400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212073913/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/02/08/stories/2008020850170400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-02-12 |title=Jai Hind- Serials |date=2008-02-08 |work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=2011-05-17}}</ref> | |||
* In the | * In the film ''[[Meghasandesam (2001 film)|Meghasandesam]]'', [[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]] plays the role of a descendant of Kadamattathu Kathanar. | ||
* | * In the 2025 superhero film ''[[Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra]]'', [[Sunny Wayne]] portrays Kathanar. | ||
* In the upcoming film ''[[Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer]]'', [[Jayasurya]] portrays Kathanar. | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Kottarathil Sankunni]] | *[[Kottarathil Sankunni]] | ||
*[[Yakshi]] | *[[Yakshi]] | ||
*[[Kalliyankattu Neeli]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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[[Category:Kerala folklore]] | [[Category:Kerala folklore]] | ||
[[Category:Legendary Indian people]] | [[Category:Legendary Indian people]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Saint Thomas Christians]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:25, 2 March 2026

Kadamattathu Kathanar was a kathanar (priest) who, according to legends, possessed magical powers. He was an ordained deacon of Kadamattom Church in the 9th century, in Kadamattam near Kolenchery in Ernakulam district, Kerala. According to legends, his real name was Poulose and he was the disciple of bishop Mar Abo. The church's history is undocumented, surviving solely through local legends. The tales surrounding Kathanar encapsulate the experiences of the local populace, conveyed through elements of magic and sorcery. These tales portray him as a priest with supernatural powers, employed for the common good.[1]
Historicity[edit | edit source]
In medieval legends, history and fables were combined inextricably.[2] The story of Kadamattathu Kathanar might be a mixture of history and fables. Currently there is no certain proof that he really existed, but the fact that a real priest lived in that area in the ninth century cannot be denied.[3] History points out the existence of Christians in the area from around 2nd or 3rd century of the Christian Era.[4][5][6]
Legends[edit | edit source]
This section needs additional citations for verification. (September 2023) |
Poulose, later known as Kathanar, was born to a poor family in Kadamattom, a small village in North Travancore (now part of Kerala). People fondly called him Kochu Poulose. He had no siblings and his parents died when he was a child. He was taken care of by his mother for a short period before her death, after which he came under the patronage of the Persian priest Mar Abo (also known as Mar Sabor).[7]
Poulose was given a good education under Abo. The priest taught him Syriac and Liturgy of the Mass. In due course he was ordained as a deacon and people began to call him deacon Poulose.
Mar Sabor the bishop who ordained him as a priest left from Kadamattom after the arrival of Paulose. The Bishop built many churches.[8] Sabor settled at Thevalakkara.[9]
Some stories of Kathanar are presented in the collection of legends, Aithihyamala.[10][11]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
Famous Persian Cross- front view
-
Persian Cross-side view
-
Altar of the church
-
External view of the church
-
Tomb of Marthoma IX
-
Bishops rest room built in the late 1940s or earlier
-
Unknown inscription on the wall of the church
In popular culture[edit | edit source]
- In the 1966 film Kadamattathachan, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair played the lead role.
- In the 1984 film Kadamattathachan, Prem Nazir played the lead role.
- A TV series Kadamattathu Kathanar was telecast on Asianet in which Prakash Paul played Kathanar.[12][13]
- A TV series was produced by Jai Hind and Surya TV titled Kadamattathachan. Prakash Paul played the title role in both.[14][15]
- In the film Meghasandesam, Napoleon plays the role of a descendant of Kadamattathu Kathanar.
- In the 2025 superhero film Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, Sunny Wayne portrays Kathanar.
- In the upcoming film Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer, Jayasurya portrays Kathanar.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Kathanar's Kadamattam". The Hindu. 18 February 2005. Archived from the original on 6 April 2005. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
- ↑ "A symbol of amity". The Hindu. 1 August 2004. Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
- ↑ "Chera times of the Kulasekharas". kerala.cc. Archived from the original on 13 August 2011. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
- ↑ Kottoor_kulangattil Family Magazine 2012 (Kottoor Church History)
- ↑ Eusebius, Book V Chapter 10 "Pantaenus the Philosopher"; Frykenberg (2008), p. 103; Baum & Winkler (2003), p. 52; Medlycott (1912); Whitehouse (1873), pp. 12–20.
- ↑ "Indian Christianity".
- ↑ "St. Mar Abo festival". The Hindu. 28 January 2011. Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
- ↑ Joseph, Thomas. "Mor Sabor-Mor Aphroth, Akaparambu". sor.cua.edu.
- ↑ "മര്ത്തമറിയം ഓര്ത്തോഡോക്സ് സിറിയന് ചര്ച്ച്, തേവലക്കര - Mar Abo". Retrieved 23 October 2012.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ A. K. Shrikumar (2001), Stories from Ithihyamala: fables of Kerala, Children's Book Trust, pp. 79–94, ISBN 9788170119036
- ↑ Kottarathil Sankunni. EithihyamaalaIythiha Maala (legends of Kerala). Chapter 72. pp 380-391.
- ↑ "Kadamattathu Kathanar". The Hindu. 30 April 2004. Archived from the original on 17 September 2004. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
- ↑ "Bhavan's Adarsh Vidyalaya emerges winner". The Hindu. 3 October 2004. Archived from the original on 17 September 2004. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
- ↑ "TV Listings- Surya TV". tvlistings. Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
- ↑ "Jai Hind- Serials". The Hindu. 8 February 2008. Archived from the original on 12 February 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
Further reading[edit | edit source]
- Kottarathil Sankunni, Aithihyamaala (legends of Kerala in Malayalam). Current Books. 1909. ISBN 81-240-0010-7.
- Mathew, N.M. Malankara Marthoma Sabha Charitram, (History of the Marthoma Church), Volume 1. Tiruvalla. 2006.






