The Kurathi concept of Deity has been present since ancient times. Kurathi is mentioned in many folk songs and arts throughout Kerala. Although there are many variants like Pulli Kurathi, Malankurathi, Seva Kurathi, Kunhar Kurathi, Southern Kurathi and Northern Kurathi, it is believed that Kurathi is actually an incarnation of Goddess Shri Parvati.
In Tulu land and in northern Kerala, Kurathi’s theyam is performed. Kurathi Theyam is the Urvara deity who gives food and prosperity. Kurathi Theyam is a deity belonging to the Mantra Murthys. Kurathi Theiyam comes to the homesteads and kavus. Kurathi considers as the favorite deity of women.
Here is a story about Kurathi Theyat. Daughter of Parvati who grew up in Sri Kailasa went to Surya deva and asked for a boon, but Surya deva asked me to beat him in Chaturanga and gambling if he wants to give me the boon. The clever Kurathi defeated Surya Deva in Chaturanga and Chuti. Surya Deva gave her divine weapons and costumes.
Kurathi reached Malanad in earth and then from there reached Athirevi Vanavara’s palace in Arappuram country and then destroyed Vanavara’s palace and killed the cattles. The steward told the Athirevi Vanavar that the Kurtahi had arrived at the family home and that if they did not please him, everything would perish. Athirevi Vanavar worshiped Kurathi. Sampreeta Kurathi and gave her Puja.
It is believed that later on from there Kurathi moved to Kodumala region and Keezhatur Vannarat Vaidya’s family home near Taliparamba.
Kurathi then stood on the right side of Chalathur Kollan, on the right side of the Vaidyas at Kunnaru Patap and on the right side of the Cherukun Panasiankal Gurus.
Later Kurathi reached Alladam Nadu and fixed his position in Nileswaram Patena Maniara family. The elder person in that family kept Kurathi as a guard for their betel nut flag. Without knowing that Kurathi was guarding the betel leaf, The elder person syster Unnanga plucked the betel leaf and tightened it. But after a while Unnanga died. It is believed that Unnanga, who died from Kurathi, was later reborn as a God.
Kurathi Teyam is performed by people belonging to Velan, Mavilan, Malayan, Pulayan and Cheravan communities. Kurathi Theiya also has a distinct difference in appearance and clothing when the various sections are performed.
