Pakkanar
Encyclopedia
Pakkanar is a character in Malayalam Folklore. Pakkanar was born as the son of Vararuchi, the famous astrologer who adorned the court of King Vikramaditya
. Pakkanar was second among the twelve offsprings or the Parayi petta panthirukulam
. Just a shout away from Mezhathol Agnihothri
's home Vemancheri Mana in Thrithala
, is the Paakkanar colony otherwise known as Eerattinkal Paraya colony adjoining Arikkunnu mentioned earlier. In the traditional caste hierarchy in Kerala, the Paraya caste was considered a lower caste. Families of Paakkanaar lineage live in this colony in 18 houses. The story goes that it was Paakkanar who actually made a "Thampraakkal" out of "Azhvanchery Thamprakkal
", who is considered as the head of the Namboothiris of the region.
.A fest of Muram is conducted still today in Bhuvaneswari temple. In other story Agnihotri, Pakkanar's elder brother, and his wife visits Pakkanar's home. Agnihotri's wife is depicted as an orthodox upper caste woman. As the visitor's arrived Pakkanar called his wife ,who was taking water from well. The woman left the rope and ran to attend her husband, but the bucket stayed in the air were it was. Such is said to be the power of purity and respect that she showed to Pakkanar.
Vikramaditya
Vikramaditya was a legendary emperor of Ujjain, India, famed for his wisdom, valour and magnanimity. The title "Vikramaditya" was later assumed by many other kings in Indian history, notably the Gupta King Chandragupta II and Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya .The name King Vikramaditya is a...
. Pakkanar was second among the twelve offsprings or the Parayi petta panthirukulam
Parayi petta panthirukulam
Parayi Petta Panthirukulam, is a Malayalam language phase which translates as "twelve kulams born of a Pariah Woman". This phrase is a well recognized as the title of an important legend of ancient Kerala, a southern state in India. The 'Kulams' refer to vocation based hierarchical ethnic groups...
. Just a shout away from Mezhathol Agnihothri
Mezhathol Agnihothri
Mezhathol Agnihothri revived the traditions of the ancient Shrauta traditions in Kerala, India the 4th century AD. At that time, Buddhism and Jainism had eroded the ancient Vedic Religion culture of India. Mezhathol rejuvenated the ancient customs by performing 99 Yaagams...
's home Vemancheri Mana in Thrithala
Thrithala
Thrithala is a village in Ottappalam taluk in Palakkad District of Kerala state, South India. The village is located along the banks of Bharathapuzha and is famed for its Shiva temple.-Legends:...
, is the Paakkanar colony otherwise known as Eerattinkal Paraya colony adjoining Arikkunnu mentioned earlier. In the traditional caste hierarchy in Kerala, the Paraya caste was considered a lower caste. Families of Paakkanaar lineage live in this colony in 18 houses. The story goes that it was Paakkanar who actually made a "Thampraakkal" out of "Azhvanchery Thamprakkal
Azhvanchery Thamprakkal
The Azhvanchery Thamprakkal or Azhvanchery Samrat is the title of the senior most male member of the Brahmin feudal lords of Azhvanchery Mana, located in Athavanad, present day Malappuram district, Kerala state, South India...
", who is considered as the head of the Namboothiris of the region.
Stories of Pakkanar
Aithihyamaala by Kottarathil Sankunny says many stories of Pakkanar. According to one story Pakkanar made only 4 "Muram"( A traditional south Indian board used to separate the chaff from the rice). Pakkanar would sell 4 of them. He says "One for giving credits (for his kids to whom he provides everything for sustaining them) , One for paying off debts (To help his grandparents who made him what he his), One for himself and his wife, and the last one he just throws away (That is for charity without expecting returns). The stories of Aithihyamaala depicts such valuable messages of life through simple stories of miracles of the Parayi petta panthirukulamParayi petta panthirukulam
Parayi Petta Panthirukulam, is a Malayalam language phase which translates as "twelve kulams born of a Pariah Woman". This phrase is a well recognized as the title of an important legend of ancient Kerala, a southern state in India. The 'Kulams' refer to vocation based hierarchical ethnic groups...
.A fest of Muram is conducted still today in Bhuvaneswari temple. In other story Agnihotri, Pakkanar's elder brother, and his wife visits Pakkanar's home. Agnihotri's wife is depicted as an orthodox upper caste woman. As the visitor's arrived Pakkanar called his wife ,who was taking water from well. The woman left the rope and ran to attend her husband, but the bucket stayed in the air were it was. Such is said to be the power of purity and respect that she showed to Pakkanar.