Kadamattathu Kathanar Life History Malayalam audio book

The legendary Kadamattam church:
Constructed in the sixth century, the architectural style of the front porch bears a close resemblance to the Koothambalam of Hindu temples. Embedded in the low wall surrounding the church is a stone tablet, with inscriptions dating from the time of its construction. Years ago a team from the Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai, had come to Kadamattam and made note of this. It is not sure if they were able to decipher the strange script used in it: church authorities heard no more from them.
There is even a thookkuvilakku (hanging lamp) burning over the candles lit by believers. The more widespread opinion is that the church was constructed by the patriarch of an influential Kartha family in gratitude after his daughter's illness was cured by Kathanar's guru, the Persian missionary Mar Abo. The Karthas, who were Hindus, obviously employed their distinctive style of architecture.
The legend goes that Mar Abo performed a miracle in young Paulose's house when, with just three grains, he made a pot overflow with rice. Kathanar then became his disciple. But according to legend, Kathanar never told anyone from whom he learnt the amazing magical abilities that made him revered and feared in equal measures.
Stories of his victory over evil spirits and demons are legion, and even the most rational person will find it difficult not to be awed when standing on the land where these magical deeds had supposedly taken place.
"The wooden door of the church used to have a manichitrapootu (a huge ornate lock). It is said that when the lock was opened you could hear it for miles around," says a church official, who requested anonymity as he belongs to "one of the factions." Entering the church is out of question, but one is allowed to peep through a crack in the door. In the dim light can be seen the altar and to the left, Kathanar's tombstone.
Church records bear no reference to Kathanar, claims a pamphlet on the priest compiled by a Hindu believer of the priest. But in March 1991, when laying a new marble floor for the church, his (Kathanar) mortal remains were reportedly found. This reinforced the belief of the faithful and a huge surge of people to the church ensued.
At the time of construction, the church was surrounded by dense forest. Not surprisingly, the walls of the church are thick and sturdy. ("Seven feet thick," confirms the official). Sculptures of hunters chasing wild animals can be seen on the sidewalls, reflecting the preoccupation of those early years.
The facade is impressive, with a figure of Mother Mary and a host of angels. Associated with this wall is one of the most enduring of Kathanar legends: once while fleeing a groups of evil spirits, the priest arrived at the church only to find the doors shut for the night. At his cry of "Mother, help me!," the doors opened miraculously to lead him in and then were shut immediately. The thwarted spirits slammed the walls with the chains with great force, forming cracks in the facade. Believers swear that the cracks can be seen clearly on the inside of the wall even today.