Pallipuram Agraharam - 100 Agraharams Project

Summary

The video provides a vivid account of Pallipuram village's rich history and cultural traditions. It narrates the arrival of the Tamil Brahmin family from Tamil Nadu, the establishment of the village and its deities, and their devotion to Lakshmi Narayana Swamy. Through detailed rituals and festivals like Aarattu, Navaratri, and Kalapabhishekam, the village honors their divine protector. The story also highlights the dedication of individuals like doctors and artists who have contributed to the village's growth, showcasing the enduring spirit of the community. With roots tracing back centuries, the village continues to thrive through devotion and unity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The village of Pallipuram, near Palakkad, has a long history, with the settlement dating back 600-700 years, originating from Tamil Nadu.
• 😀 The village houses around 60 Brahmin families, who trace their ancestry to Tamil Nadu, during the Chola and Pandyan kingdom period.
• 😀 The family deity of the village, Lakshmi Narayana Swamy, was brought by the villagers when they settled here and initially placed in a water abode.
• 😀 A Kerala Brahmin woman helped the community by giving work to the locals and made significant contributions to the village’s temple worship and rice business.
• 😀 The village celebrates an extensive festival in honor of Bhagavan, which lasts 10 days, featuring grand rituals, processions, and a variety of offerings.
• 😀 The annual festival includes a significant event on the 9th day, where a chariot procession is held with great pomp, and people come together to offer food and drink.
• 😀 The month of Chitram is particularly important, with special worship and services like Bhagavat Seva and Bhavaseva being performed for the Goddess.
• 😀 The village celebrates several other rituals, such as Avani Avavatam, Purattasi Navaratri, and Mandala festivals, with devotees participating in oil offerings and special prayers.
• 😀 The village has a strong connection to its spiritual roots, with both Vishnu and Shiva worshipped as one entity, and several important temples, including those of Ganapathi and Shiva.
• 😀 Notable figures from the village include the president of Pallipuram village, who also mentions important historical figures, and artists who have achieved success, such as those in the field of music and medicine.

Q & A

What historical event led the ancestors of the villagers to move to Pallipuram?

The ancestors of the villagers migrated to Pallipuram due to a war that was ongoing during the time when the Chola and Pandyan kings ruled. Their great-grandmother's family moved to Pallapuram, which was then a forest area.

What is the significance of the water well in the village?

The water well in the village has a spiritual significance. The family deity was initially brought to the village, but as there was no space to properly worship it, the deity was established in a bad, dirty well. The well became a place where the Lord was revered.

How did the Kerala Brahmin contribute to the village's religious practices?

A Kerala Brahmin helped the villagers by offering teachings and guidance, especially to the Tamil Brahmin community. She played an important role in supporting the poor and also introduced a way to honor the family deity and perform religious rituals in the village.

What kind of festivals are celebrated in the village, and how are they observed?

The village celebrates various festivals, including the festival of Aarattu, which lasts for ten days. The festival includes grand rituals, processions with chariots, and offerings of food and drinks. Other festivals like Bhagavat Seva and Avani Avavatam are also celebrated with religious fervor, including special poojas and oil offerings.

What role does food play during the village's festivals?

Food plays an essential role in the village's festivals. Large amounts of food are prepared and distributed to people attending the festivals. Offerings like laddus, jalebis, and oil offerings are made to the deities, and the community comes together to share these meals.

What special rituals are performed for the deities during the festivals?

Special rituals, such as the Kalapabhishekam, Poornabhishekam, and other abhishekams, are performed for the deities. These rituals involve offerings of saffron, paneer, and sandalwood. The rituals are conducted with great reverence and attention to detail, ensuring that the deities are honored in a grand manner.

How does the village celebrate the festival of Navaratri?

During Navaratri, which falls in the month of Purattasi, the villagers celebrate with nine days of special poojas, oil offerings, and decorating the Lord. The tenth day, Vijayadasami, is celebrated with reverence, marking the culmination of the festival.

What is the significance of the Kalapabhishekam performed for Lord Ayyappa?

The Kalapabhishekam for Lord Ayyappa is a significant ritual performed in the village. It involves offering Neyvetyam (food offerings) and is conducted with great care, bringing together the community in devotion. This ritual honors Lord Ayyappa in the traditional manner.

What is the role of the Brahmotsavam festival in the village?

The Brahmotsavam festival in the village is a significant event, where a village pradakshan (circumambulation) of the deity is performed twice a day. The festival also includes the procession of two chariots, one big and one small, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the community.

How has the village's leadership and notable figures contributed to its development?

The village has had notable leaders, such as B. S. Lakshmi Narayan Iyer, who served as the chairman of Palakkad Municipality for two terms. Additionally, several artists and professionals, like Dr. Bhagyarathi, a leading doctor in Oman, have contributed to the village's reputation and development.