More Legends from Kerala - 1
'Aitihya Kathakal', a collection of Keralan legends by the late Nilakantan Unni, is sometimes claimed to be a worthy successor to Kottarathil Sankunni's 'Aitihyamala'. In terms of prose-quality, Sankunni is way superior but Unni has worked hard and gathered over 260 stories in one fat volume - and manages to pack a few serious punches. Some samples (in condensed form without serious alteration of slant or tone) ..
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1. Buddha and his Dues:
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A stone Buddha idol has sat from undated antiquity amidst croplands near the village of Pallikkal. Popularly known as 'Pallikkal Puthrachan, He is known to bless farmers with bumper crops. It is also mandatory that those who benefit from Puthrachan's bounty deposit a share of the yield near the idol.
Puthrachan has no interest in residing in a proper temple or even having a minimal roof over his head. But he means business: all offerings he receives are to be distributed among the needy; if any wealthy person so much as touched the offerings made, he will be in trouble; and those who fail to deposit Puthrachan's dues will have pay for it!
Once a farmer sowed sesame plants and got a good crop. When reminded of Puthrachan's share, he said: "the yield is due to my efforts, labour and manure. I am no Puthrachan-devotee!"
The next year, he again planted sesame and worked on his field with diligence. The plants soon flowered but that was that; the harvest was absolutely zilch! Having learnt his lesson, the farmer bought sesame from the market at double price and made the offering that ought to have been made the previous year. Thereafter, he never failed to pay his dues and his fields always gave excellent yield.
Note: Puthrachan now sits in the compound of the Krishnapuram Palace Museum - and a roof shields him from the elements.
2. Ittikkombi Achan:
------------
Palakkad was a vassal state of the powerful Zamorins of Calicut. Mid 18th century. Ittikkombi Achan was the chief of Palakkad. He was a brave and highly principled leader. Although respectful towards the Zamorin, he was no spineless yes-man.
The then Zamorin wanted to mount a military campaign against the neighbouring Cochin state and send a message to Palakkad demanding money to finance the campaign and some soldiers too. Ittikkombi Achan flatly refused to take part in such military adventurism and sent the messenger back to Calicut with a strongly worded reply.
Achan was aware that the rebuff would provoke the Zamorin to invade Palakkad first. Rather than wait for the inevitable attack and then defend his territory, Achan decided to take the initiative himself. He sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore!
Hyder was looking for some excuse to capture Calicut and was more than happy to offer assistance to anyone wishing to move against the Zamorin. Soon, bolstered by Hyder's legions, Achan laid siege fo Calicut. Taken unawares and utterly outmaneuvred, the Zamorin committed suicide. Frustrated by his failure to capture the Zamorin alive, Achan and his men looted and destroyed the citadel of Calicut.
Back at Palakkad, Achan ruled his territory like a virtual king. Hyder Ali was quite tolerant and understanding in his dealings with his ally.
But after Hyder died, things changed. Tipu Sultan, the new Mysore king was a religious zealot who had far more aggressive designs on Kerala as a whole than his father. Given Achan's pride and staunch adherance to Hinduism, a falling-out between the two men was inevitable. However, before Achan could mount a serious revolt, Tipu's agents kidnapped him and spirited him away to Mysore.
Ittikkombi Achan's subsequent fate is unknown. It is said he died in Tipu's captivity or got killed while trying to escape.
3. The born-again 'Ammachi':
---------------
One day during the reign of Ayilyam Tirunal, Maharajah of Travancore (ruled from 1860 to 1880). After returning from the daily darshan of Lord Padmanabha, the Maharajah said to his trusted personal assistant, Keralavarman.
- "Did you not see a lovely lady standing by the northern wall?"
- "Sure enough, Highness! Is there anything the matter with her?"
- "Matter? No, none at all! Wonder who she is!"
- "I actually know her well. She is the wife of Eecharan, one of the managers in charge of the palace; they haven't been married for long"
- "I see, I knew his getting married but it is only today I learned how lovely his wife is!"
That was that for the day. The resourceful Keralavarman made a few visits to Eecharan's house (he could go often since he was the Maharajah's Man). He soon figured out that Eecharan was very religious and spent a couple of hours in his prayer room each evening without fail; and that would be a nice time slot for the Maharajah to work out a rendezvous with his charming wife!
Things moved fast. The Rajah timed his arrival at Eecharan's house to perfection but alas, not his departure - when Eecharan finished his prayers and stepped out, he caught sight of the Rajah leaving his wife's chamber in a hurry.
Eecharan approached his red-faced and trembling wife, bowed and said: "From today, you are Ammachi (royal consort) to me. You have my absolute loyalty!" He left promptly.
From the next day, he would sleep apart from his wife and never seek any help from her regarding household matters but continued to report for work at the palace regularly. The Rajah knew Eecharan had seen him with his wife. Although he managed to hide his acute embarassment from Eecharan, the Rajah was very puzzled as to the total lack of change in the latter's attitude. As for Eecharan's wife, she was hurt beyond words by the respectful distance her husband maintained from her; but what could she possibly do but bear it in silence!
A couple of weeks passed. Then, Eecharan approached the Rajah and spoke: "It would please me immensely if your highness accepted .... (name of his wife) as Ammachi without further delay."
"Four days from now... do make the arrangments!" said the Rajah with a straight face.
The wedding soon took place. Eecharan continued to do his managerial tasks with total devotion. Not once did he speak to or enquire about his ex-wife who now lived with the Rajah in the palace. The Maharajah, though much pleased to acquire the object of his desire, had his doubts: "after all, Eecharan was her husband... so is his present deferential behaviour not a sham? Are the two of them still ....?"
One day, the Rajah called the Ammachi and said: "Visit Eecharan's house tonight, alone, and walk into his bedchamber; spend some time there and get back!"
Though shocked, the lady could only obey the royal command. Shocked to see the Ammachi in his house at a late hour, Eecharan jumped up and said: "My Lady, why did you come here at this unearthly hour? Please get back to the king! I will send a couple of guards to escort you safely there!"
The Ammachi was brought to the palace. The Rajah was in great spirits. He already knew everything - he had sent Keralavarman to stalk the Ammachi all the way to Eecharan's house and he had rushed back with an accurate report of what had happened there.
Thus our story had a happy ending. The Rajah bestowed several precious gifts on Eecharan who continued to serve his master with great devotion.
Note: All characters in this story are from history (Wiki). Details may be legendary.
4. Tipu's Necklace:
------------
Tipu's Mysore army was beseiging Calicut. The local Zamorin Rajah was in mortal fear. Trying to defend his kingdom would mean certain defeat and death; and surrender would mean a forced conversion to Islam...
Tipu sent a messenger to the Zamorin asking him to come for a meeting. Knowing the game was up, the Zamorin prayed fervently to his favorite deity, the goddess Karthayini, and went out to meet the mighty sultan.
It was afternoon and Tipu was taking his siesta. The Zamorin was told to wait for a while. But rather surprisingly, within a minute, the Sultan emerged from his bed-chamber and approached the visitor.
"Welcome!" said Tipu. "I am much pleased that you didn't hide away and have come to meet me in person. I see you have no plans to fight against us. I too don't want unnecessary bloodshed. Let us part in peace. And here is a gift for you!" Tipu took off his gold necklace and gave it to the Zamorin and retired to his chamber.
The Zamorin returned to his palace in joy. His fears had been allayed and he was a free man with his territories and faith intact. He said a silent prayer to the Goddess.
Sometime later, Tipu again stepped out and asked his adjutants: "I slept too long... and by the way, that Zamorin fellow was supposed to have come. He didn't, right? Let's put him in his place!"
The sultan's men promptly reminded him of the Zamorin's arrival, waiting and departure, proudly wearing the sultan's necklace he had been gifted.
Tipu then noticed that his expensive necklace was gone. He was shocked. On hearing more - and thinking more - about what had happened, he said: "I think we should move from here!"
Shortly thereafter, the Zamorin had a dream: "I saved you from the sultan. His necklace ought to be mine. So, get it deposited here!"
The devout Zamorin knew what the dream meant. A grateful offering was made of the sultan's necklace to the Karthyayini temple at Kumaranelloor - and to this day, it remains a prized possession of the goddess.
------------
1. Buddha and his Dues:
-----
A stone Buddha idol has sat from undated antiquity amidst croplands near the village of Pallikkal. Popularly known as 'Pallikkal Puthrachan, He is known to bless farmers with bumper crops. It is also mandatory that those who benefit from Puthrachan's bounty deposit a share of the yield near the idol.
Puthrachan has no interest in residing in a proper temple or even having a minimal roof over his head. But he means business: all offerings he receives are to be distributed among the needy; if any wealthy person so much as touched the offerings made, he will be in trouble; and those who fail to deposit Puthrachan's dues will have pay for it!
Once a farmer sowed sesame plants and got a good crop. When reminded of Puthrachan's share, he said: "the yield is due to my efforts, labour and manure. I am no Puthrachan-devotee!"
The next year, he again planted sesame and worked on his field with diligence. The plants soon flowered but that was that; the harvest was absolutely zilch! Having learnt his lesson, the farmer bought sesame from the market at double price and made the offering that ought to have been made the previous year. Thereafter, he never failed to pay his dues and his fields always gave excellent yield.
Note: Puthrachan now sits in the compound of the Krishnapuram Palace Museum - and a roof shields him from the elements.
2. Ittikkombi Achan:
------------
Palakkad was a vassal state of the powerful Zamorins of Calicut. Mid 18th century. Ittikkombi Achan was the chief of Palakkad. He was a brave and highly principled leader. Although respectful towards the Zamorin, he was no spineless yes-man.
The then Zamorin wanted to mount a military campaign against the neighbouring Cochin state and send a message to Palakkad demanding money to finance the campaign and some soldiers too. Ittikkombi Achan flatly refused to take part in such military adventurism and sent the messenger back to Calicut with a strongly worded reply.
Achan was aware that the rebuff would provoke the Zamorin to invade Palakkad first. Rather than wait for the inevitable attack and then defend his territory, Achan decided to take the initiative himself. He sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore!
Hyder was looking for some excuse to capture Calicut and was more than happy to offer assistance to anyone wishing to move against the Zamorin. Soon, bolstered by Hyder's legions, Achan laid siege fo Calicut. Taken unawares and utterly outmaneuvred, the Zamorin committed suicide. Frustrated by his failure to capture the Zamorin alive, Achan and his men looted and destroyed the citadel of Calicut.
Back at Palakkad, Achan ruled his territory like a virtual king. Hyder Ali was quite tolerant and understanding in his dealings with his ally.
But after Hyder died, things changed. Tipu Sultan, the new Mysore king was a religious zealot who had far more aggressive designs on Kerala as a whole than his father. Given Achan's pride and staunch adherance to Hinduism, a falling-out between the two men was inevitable. However, before Achan could mount a serious revolt, Tipu's agents kidnapped him and spirited him away to Mysore.
Ittikkombi Achan's subsequent fate is unknown. It is said he died in Tipu's captivity or got killed while trying to escape.
3. The born-again 'Ammachi':
---------------
One day during the reign of Ayilyam Tirunal, Maharajah of Travancore (ruled from 1860 to 1880). After returning from the daily darshan of Lord Padmanabha, the Maharajah said to his trusted personal assistant, Keralavarman.
- "Did you not see a lovely lady standing by the northern wall?"
- "Sure enough, Highness! Is there anything the matter with her?"
- "Matter? No, none at all! Wonder who she is!"
- "I actually know her well. She is the wife of Eecharan, one of the managers in charge of the palace; they haven't been married for long"
- "I see, I knew his getting married but it is only today I learned how lovely his wife is!"
That was that for the day. The resourceful Keralavarman made a few visits to Eecharan's house (he could go often since he was the Maharajah's Man). He soon figured out that Eecharan was very religious and spent a couple of hours in his prayer room each evening without fail; and that would be a nice time slot for the Maharajah to work out a rendezvous with his charming wife!
Things moved fast. The Rajah timed his arrival at Eecharan's house to perfection but alas, not his departure - when Eecharan finished his prayers and stepped out, he caught sight of the Rajah leaving his wife's chamber in a hurry.
Eecharan approached his red-faced and trembling wife, bowed and said: "From today, you are Ammachi (royal consort) to me. You have my absolute loyalty!" He left promptly.
From the next day, he would sleep apart from his wife and never seek any help from her regarding household matters but continued to report for work at the palace regularly. The Rajah knew Eecharan had seen him with his wife. Although he managed to hide his acute embarassment from Eecharan, the Rajah was very puzzled as to the total lack of change in the latter's attitude. As for Eecharan's wife, she was hurt beyond words by the respectful distance her husband maintained from her; but what could she possibly do but bear it in silence!
A couple of weeks passed. Then, Eecharan approached the Rajah and spoke: "It would please me immensely if your highness accepted .... (name of his wife) as Ammachi without further delay."
"Four days from now... do make the arrangments!" said the Rajah with a straight face.
The wedding soon took place. Eecharan continued to do his managerial tasks with total devotion. Not once did he speak to or enquire about his ex-wife who now lived with the Rajah in the palace. The Maharajah, though much pleased to acquire the object of his desire, had his doubts: "after all, Eecharan was her husband... so is his present deferential behaviour not a sham? Are the two of them still ....?"
One day, the Rajah called the Ammachi and said: "Visit Eecharan's house tonight, alone, and walk into his bedchamber; spend some time there and get back!"
Though shocked, the lady could only obey the royal command. Shocked to see the Ammachi in his house at a late hour, Eecharan jumped up and said: "My Lady, why did you come here at this unearthly hour? Please get back to the king! I will send a couple of guards to escort you safely there!"
The Ammachi was brought to the palace. The Rajah was in great spirits. He already knew everything - he had sent Keralavarman to stalk the Ammachi all the way to Eecharan's house and he had rushed back with an accurate report of what had happened there.
Thus our story had a happy ending. The Rajah bestowed several precious gifts on Eecharan who continued to serve his master with great devotion.
Note: All characters in this story are from history (Wiki). Details may be legendary.
4. Tipu's Necklace:
------------
Tipu's Mysore army was beseiging Calicut. The local Zamorin Rajah was in mortal fear. Trying to defend his kingdom would mean certain defeat and death; and surrender would mean a forced conversion to Islam...
Tipu sent a messenger to the Zamorin asking him to come for a meeting. Knowing the game was up, the Zamorin prayed fervently to his favorite deity, the goddess Karthayini, and went out to meet the mighty sultan.
It was afternoon and Tipu was taking his siesta. The Zamorin was told to wait for a while. But rather surprisingly, within a minute, the Sultan emerged from his bed-chamber and approached the visitor.
"Welcome!" said Tipu. "I am much pleased that you didn't hide away and have come to meet me in person. I see you have no plans to fight against us. I too don't want unnecessary bloodshed. Let us part in peace. And here is a gift for you!" Tipu took off his gold necklace and gave it to the Zamorin and retired to his chamber.
The Zamorin returned to his palace in joy. His fears had been allayed and he was a free man with his territories and faith intact. He said a silent prayer to the Goddess.
Sometime later, Tipu again stepped out and asked his adjutants: "I slept too long... and by the way, that Zamorin fellow was supposed to have come. He didn't, right? Let's put him in his place!"
The sultan's men promptly reminded him of the Zamorin's arrival, waiting and departure, proudly wearing the sultan's necklace he had been gifted.
Tipu then noticed that his expensive necklace was gone. He was shocked. On hearing more - and thinking more - about what had happened, he said: "I think we should move from here!"
Shortly thereafter, the Zamorin had a dream: "I saved you from the sultan. His necklace ought to be mine. So, get it deposited here!"
The devout Zamorin knew what the dream meant. A grateful offering was made of the sultan's necklace to the Karthyayini temple at Kumaranelloor - and to this day, it remains a prized possession of the goddess.
posted by R.Nandakumar @ 11:34 PM
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