Story About Korathi

When the names are identical, that doesn't mean that those with the same name are identical. For example, if there are two Rama's in a community, it does not mean both are the same and both possess the same background of birth. In the same way, in Daivaradhane there are two separate Daivas which might be worshipped under the same name. just like Agni Korathi and Jala Korathi. They are different spirits which have quite similar ways of worshipping but their origins are completely different (according to researchers and pad-danas). Detailed information has not been found about this Daiva

Meaning of Korathi:

The term "Kora" may have originated from the cultural heritage of Koraga community and "thi" or "dhi" is typically used in Tulu for females by adding their community name in the front. like, Ullalthi, Maddeldhi,Buntedhi etc. 

Agni Korathi

Pula Ponjovu and Galibhadra were blessed with girl baby. She was named as Satyabari. The child had begun to grow. Initially, physical changes started taking place in her body. By the age of fourteen to sixteen, she was matured. As a custom of tulunadu, once the girl child gets matured. neighbouring women were called to advise the girl. To remove her impurity, women of Madivala community who were also called as early priest of tulunadu were called to make her bath and purify her. After the rituals were done, she was draped with saree and was sent to temple for blessings holding Gejjekathi (handy knife which has bells) in her hand.

When Brahmin priest saw Satyabari coming inside temple. Priest closes the door of temple. And started following her because she was girl of lower community.  satyabari got scared and tried to escape. Finally, she jumps into fire and scarifying her body. Since, she lost her life in temple surrounding, she attends Divinity and worshipped has Jwala korathi (Jwala indicates the flames of fire)  

Then she divinely goes near Mulihittilu Bhagavati temple. And she was worshipped in the presence of Bhagavati. From there she transmits with Bhagavati. Later, the chief of one village takes korthi Daiva along with him to protect them from Blackmagic and also to catch hold of thieves.

She is the Daiva who looks after the household surrounding and protect cows and paddy field. The method of worshipping korathi is similar to other female Daivas. Adding to it, she is a dark compaction woman (maybe it is shown to represent a specific community). She holds a broomstick and bent Knife in one hand and Thadppe (A plate which is made of woven bamboo strips) in her other hand. Entering into the fire is still shown during kola where Daiva plays with cinders. 

Jala korathi

The palace in Satyanapura was ruled by a king named Bermalva, who had a servant named Daru. She was in charge of all the work at Satyanapura Palace. Who has devoted herself to palace services. During the loss of his wife and only daughter, Bermalva was deeply concerned about the lack of an acceptable successor to his palace. Daru was the only one who cared for old Bermalva. 

Later, when Bermalva was blessed with the little girl named Siri. Who was born with Bermer Daiva's blessing from acre-flower. Daru nurtured Siri more than the duties of a mother. She continued looking after Bermalva even after Siri’s marriage. When Bermalva dies, Daru cries out loud and hits herself on the ground expressing her emotion.

After the death of Bermalwa, the palace of Satyanapura burns and disappears. Then, Daru carries the cradle with Siri's son kumara and goes behind Siri. 

When Siri do not get shelter in her husband's house.  she divorced to her husband. Because of this, Daru and siri had to stay in the forest with kumara. Even during this situation Daru never left Siri alone instead she continued her duties toward Siri staying with her.

Time passed; Daru felt uncontrollable hunger. It had been a long time since they saw the face of the rice. Daru had no strength to go in search of rice. Siri assures Daru that she will get rice for her, leaving kumara beside Daru. Siri goes nearby village in search of rice. Siri begged the handful of cooked rice and brings it to feed Daru.

Tears began to flow from the Daru’s eye. Reminding Siri, Daru tells," From my hand, I've served food for a lot of people, I've also done Alms for those who came in hunger. I have never made you or Bermalva work…. But today, I made my queen beg for me”. Duru started crying loudly.

Siri feeds rice to Daru with her own arms. Daru gazed at the rice and siri for a moment, and She closes her eyes forever.

Daru had dedicated her whole life to serve Bermalva and Siri. She attends Divinity from the blessing of Siri and worshipped Jala korathi / jala baikadhi throughout tulunadu.

Jala korathi kola is a replica of what she did during her life. Sweeping and other agricultural work is enacted during Korathi kola.

Along with the story, the experience tells us that no matter how much you fall down in life. We should never lose hope in life. Life must not only be about governing, but it must also be about severing. Thus, one or the other day we will get support from others in some other forms.

©️vishal kadri

Korathi Kola