20-Oct-2003
{ Source:- The New Indian Express, dt. 20-Oct-2003 }
World's biggest oil lamp installed at Koothattukulam Roman
Catholic church
The world's largest oil lamp, 26-ft-tall and weighing about 6,500 kg, after it was installed on the premises of the Holy Family Church in Koothattukulam, Kochi on Sunday
KOCHI: Ignoring the fist spell of northeast
monsoon, hundreds gathered on the premises of Holy Family Church, Koothattukulam,
on Sunday to witness the installation of the world's largest oil lamp.
The lamp, 26-foot-tall and weighing about 6,500 kg, would be formally dedicated
on October 28 to give this little-known church a place in the religious circuit
of Kerala.
"The lamp itself is a miracle," says church vicar Fr George Velooparambil, on a
day when the Church acknowledged the miracles of Mother Teresa.
"It has been an idea that was in my mind for a long time. The decision to build
the lamp was taken in May. We asked 1001 families to donate Rs 1001 each for
casting the 1001-wick lamp," says Fr George, who has transformed the church into
a major congregation centre in the last two years.
"About 30,000 believers from all religions throng this church on Tuesdays. Till
now we arranged earthen lamps. But when rains began disrupting this ceremony, we
decided to go for the lamp at an estimate of Rs 26 lakh," he says adding that
the church has received booking till the end of 2005.
The lamp will be relocated next year. "It would be operated on hydraulics. The
lamp, to be kept in a sub-surface chamber, will be lifted on all Tuesdays. And
we believe that the wishes of anyone who lights nine wicks in nine weeks will
come true," says Fr George.
The lamp is also a true symbol of secularism. The list of people who have
donated for this project figures the names of Hindus and Muslims. Moreover, the
brothers behind its construction are K L Sarma and Venkitachalam of P R M
Lakshmana Iyer and Associates, Mannar.