It is a relationship business; it is about helping people build a business or focusing on your customers for your products and services. Network Marketing really is an unseen business and it is all about sales.
It is businesses in which anyone can invest a small sum of money and through sheer tenacity achieve staggering levels of financial reward and personal freedom. But it requires education based on market tested results.
Network Marketing does not have giant signs or large offices, yet according to the Direct Selling Association (DSA) over 13 million people in the U.S. are working in the network marketing / direct selling industry.The Network Marketing / MLM industry has a very shady reputation.
They usually offer reasonably priced products and services that people consume in a short time. Generally the commission structure is less up-front then the direct sales companies, but it has a benefit that most direct sales companies do not have and that is residual income.
Network marketing is all about sales and distribution, but a different kind of sales. It’s more of a soft sale or recommendation then the hard closing type that you’re accustomed to with the typical salesman or saleswoman in the direct sales.
it's based on providing people with real, legitimate products they need and want at a fair price. While some people do make a lot of money through network marketing, their financial benefit is always the result of their own dedicated efforts in building an organization that sells real products and services.
Pyramids are illegal and are based on taking advantage of people. For a person to actually make money in a pyramid scheme, someone else has to lose money. But in network marketing, each person can multiply his or her efforts, skills and talents by helping others be successful. Network marketing has proved itself as part of the new economy and a preferred way to do business here and around the world.
Network marketing isn't about taking advantage of your friends and relatives. Only a few years ago, network marketing meant retailing to, and sponsoring people from, your "warm list" of prospects. Although sharing the products or services and the opportunity with people you know is still the basic foundation of the business, today we see more people using sophisticated marketing techniques such as the Internet, conference calling and other long-distance sponsoring techniques to extend their network across the country.
Network marketing isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. Of course some people do make large amounts of money very quickly. Many would say those people are lucky. But success in networking isn't based on luck. (Unfortunately, money won't sprout wings and fly into your bank account no matter what someone has promised you.) Success in network marketing is based on following some very basic yet dynamic principles.
So Avoid falling for the semantic trap of chain-selling promoters who say they are not MLM, or multi-level marketing. If the program pays on more than one level of participants, it is multi-level or MLM. If you get paid only for selling directly to customers and get no override commissions (other than a small referral fee) for recruiting more than one level of participants, it is single level compensation and could be considered true direct selling.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Online Shopping Tips: E-Commerce
With just a click of the mouse, shoppers can buy nearly any product online - from groceries to cars, from insurance policies to home loans. The world of electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce, enables consumers to shop at thousands of online stores and pay for their purchases without leaving the comfort of home. For many, the Internet has taken the place of Saturday afternoon window shopping at the mall.
These consumers expect merchants to not only make their products available on the Web but to make payments a simple and secure process. However, the same things can go wrong shopping in cyberspace as in the real world. Sometimes it is simply a case of a computer glitch or poor customer service. Other times, shoppers are cheated by clever scam artists.
Internet is very common among people now a days and many people depending online shopping even for books,cds to almost all consumer goods through companies like Amazon,ebay,yahoo shopping,futurebazaar,hindu shopping etc.
The top security concerns of online shoppers:
1.Not receiving the items purchased, or receiving items different from what was described.
2.Email addresses being sold to third parties.
3.Fears about personal or financial information being stolen.
4.Email scans known as "phishing" or "spoofing" in which consumers receive messages from dishonest sources disguised as messages from trusted retailers or financial institutions
Some tips to make online shopping an enjoyable experience:
1.Shop at Secure Web Sites
How can you tell if a web site is secure? It uses encryption technology to transfer information from your computer to the online merchant's computer. Encryption scrambles the information you send, such as your credit card number, in order to prevent computer hackers from obtaining it en route. The only people who can unscramble the code are those with legitimate access privileges.
2.Research the Web Site before You Order
Do business with companies you already know. If the company is unfamiliar, do your homework before buying their products. If you decide to buy something from an unknown company, start out with an inexpensive order to learn if the company is trustworthy.
Reliable companies should advertise their physical business address and at least one phone number, either customer service or an order line. Call the phone number and ask questions to determine if the business is legitimate. Even if you call after hours, many companies have a "live" answering service, especially if they don't want to miss orders. Ask how the merchant handles returned merchandise and complaints. Find out if it offers full refunds or only store credits
3.Read the Web Site's Privacy and Security Policies
Every reputable e-commerce web site offers information about how it processes your order. It is usually listed in the section entitled “Privacy Policy.” You can find out if the merchant intends to share your information with a third party or affiliate company. Do they require these companies to refrain from marketing to their customers? If not, you can expect to receive “spam” (unsolicited e-mail) and even mail or phone solicitations from these companies.
You can also learn what type of information is gathered by the web site, and how it is — or is not — shared with others. The online merchant’s data security practices are also often explained in the Privacy Policy, or perhaps a separate Security Policy.
4.What's Safest: Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, or Checks?
The safest way to shop on the Internet is with a credit card. In the event something goes wrong, you are protected under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. You have the right to dispute charges on your credit card, and you can withhold payments during a creditor investigation. When it has been determined that your credit was used without authorization, you are only responsible for the first $50 in charges. You are rarely asked to pay this charge. We recommend that you obtain one credit card that you use only for online payments to make it easier to detect wrongful credit charges.
E-commerce shopping by check leaves you vulnerable to bank fraud. And sending a cashier's check or money order doesn't give you any protection if you have problems with the purchase
5.Disclose Only the Bare Facts When You Order
When placing an order, there is certain information that you must provide to the web merchant such as your name and address. Often, a merchant will try to obtain more information about you. They may ask questions about your leisure lifestyle or annual income. This information is used to target you for marketing purposes. It can lead to "spam" or even direct mail and telephone solicitations.
6.Check the Web Site Address
Above the web site at the top of your screen is a rectangular window that contains the web site address (also called the URL, or Uniform Resource Locator). By checking that address, you can make sure that you are dealing with the correct company.
Don’t click on any link embedded within a potentially suspicious email. Instead, start a new Internet session from the beginning by typing in the link’s URL into the address bar and pressing “Enter” to be sure you’re directed to a legitimate web site.
7.Always Print Copies of Your Orders
After placing an order online, you should receive a confirmation page that reviews your entire order. It should include the costs of the order, your customer information, product information, and the confirmation number.
We recommend you print out at least one copy of the web page(s) describing the item you ordered as well as the page showing company name, postal address, phone number, and legal terms, including return policy. Keep it for your own records for at least the period covered by the return/warranty policy.
8.Pay Attention to Shipping Facts
Under the law, a company must ship your order within the time stated in its ad. If no time frame is stated, the merchant must ship the product in 30 days or give you an "Option Notice." This gives you an opportunity to cancel the order and receive a prompt refund, or agree to the delay.
9.Be Cautious with ìElectronic Signatures
A recent federal law enables shoppers to verify online purchases with merchants using an ìelectronic signature.î Usually, this process is nothing more than clicking on a box that says you accept the terms of the order.
The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, also known as the E-Sign Act, is a complex law. It states that electronic signatures and electronic records used in interstate and foreign commerce will not be denied validity just because they are in electronic form. Further, the law says that online purchases do not need to be accompanied by the more traditional handwritten signature on a paper document.
10.Be Wary of Identity Theft
As e-commerce becomes more common, there will be more cases of identity theft committed over the Internet. Imposters are likely to obtain their victims' identifying information using low-tech means like dumpster diving, mail theft, or workplace access to SSNs. But they are increasingly using the web to apply for new credit cards and to purchase goods and services in their victims' names
These consumers expect merchants to not only make their products available on the Web but to make payments a simple and secure process. However, the same things can go wrong shopping in cyberspace as in the real world. Sometimes it is simply a case of a computer glitch or poor customer service. Other times, shoppers are cheated by clever scam artists.
Internet is very common among people now a days and many people depending online shopping even for books,cds to almost all consumer goods through companies like Amazon,ebay,yahoo shopping,futurebazaar,hindu shopping etc.
The top security concerns of online shoppers:
1.Not receiving the items purchased, or receiving items different from what was described.
2.Email addresses being sold to third parties.
3.Fears about personal or financial information being stolen.
4.Email scans known as "phishing" or "spoofing" in which consumers receive messages from dishonest sources disguised as messages from trusted retailers or financial institutions
Some tips to make online shopping an enjoyable experience:
1.Shop at Secure Web Sites
How can you tell if a web site is secure? It uses encryption technology to transfer information from your computer to the online merchant's computer. Encryption scrambles the information you send, such as your credit card number, in order to prevent computer hackers from obtaining it en route. The only people who can unscramble the code are those with legitimate access privileges.
2.Research the Web Site before You Order
Do business with companies you already know. If the company is unfamiliar, do your homework before buying their products. If you decide to buy something from an unknown company, start out with an inexpensive order to learn if the company is trustworthy.
Reliable companies should advertise their physical business address and at least one phone number, either customer service or an order line. Call the phone number and ask questions to determine if the business is legitimate. Even if you call after hours, many companies have a "live" answering service, especially if they don't want to miss orders. Ask how the merchant handles returned merchandise and complaints. Find out if it offers full refunds or only store credits
3.Read the Web Site's Privacy and Security Policies
Every reputable e-commerce web site offers information about how it processes your order. It is usually listed in the section entitled “Privacy Policy.” You can find out if the merchant intends to share your information with a third party or affiliate company. Do they require these companies to refrain from marketing to their customers? If not, you can expect to receive “spam” (unsolicited e-mail) and even mail or phone solicitations from these companies.
You can also learn what type of information is gathered by the web site, and how it is — or is not — shared with others. The online merchant’s data security practices are also often explained in the Privacy Policy, or perhaps a separate Security Policy.
4.What's Safest: Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, or Checks?
The safest way to shop on the Internet is with a credit card. In the event something goes wrong, you are protected under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. You have the right to dispute charges on your credit card, and you can withhold payments during a creditor investigation. When it has been determined that your credit was used without authorization, you are only responsible for the first $50 in charges. You are rarely asked to pay this charge. We recommend that you obtain one credit card that you use only for online payments to make it easier to detect wrongful credit charges.
E-commerce shopping by check leaves you vulnerable to bank fraud. And sending a cashier's check or money order doesn't give you any protection if you have problems with the purchase
5.Disclose Only the Bare Facts When You Order
When placing an order, there is certain information that you must provide to the web merchant such as your name and address. Often, a merchant will try to obtain more information about you. They may ask questions about your leisure lifestyle or annual income. This information is used to target you for marketing purposes. It can lead to "spam" or even direct mail and telephone solicitations.
6.Check the Web Site Address
Above the web site at the top of your screen is a rectangular window that contains the web site address (also called the URL, or Uniform Resource Locator). By checking that address, you can make sure that you are dealing with the correct company.
Don’t click on any link embedded within a potentially suspicious email. Instead, start a new Internet session from the beginning by typing in the link’s URL into the address bar and pressing “Enter” to be sure you’re directed to a legitimate web site.
7.Always Print Copies of Your Orders
After placing an order online, you should receive a confirmation page that reviews your entire order. It should include the costs of the order, your customer information, product information, and the confirmation number.
We recommend you print out at least one copy of the web page(s) describing the item you ordered as well as the page showing company name, postal address, phone number, and legal terms, including return policy. Keep it for your own records for at least the period covered by the return/warranty policy.
8.Pay Attention to Shipping Facts
Under the law, a company must ship your order within the time stated in its ad. If no time frame is stated, the merchant must ship the product in 30 days or give you an "Option Notice." This gives you an opportunity to cancel the order and receive a prompt refund, or agree to the delay.
9.Be Cautious with ìElectronic Signatures
A recent federal law enables shoppers to verify online purchases with merchants using an ìelectronic signature.î Usually, this process is nothing more than clicking on a box that says you accept the terms of the order.
The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, also known as the E-Sign Act, is a complex law. It states that electronic signatures and electronic records used in interstate and foreign commerce will not be denied validity just because they are in electronic form. Further, the law says that online purchases do not need to be accompanied by the more traditional handwritten signature on a paper document.
10.Be Wary of Identity Theft
As e-commerce becomes more common, there will be more cases of identity theft committed over the Internet. Imposters are likely to obtain their victims' identifying information using low-tech means like dumpster diving, mail theft, or workplace access to SSNs. But they are increasingly using the web to apply for new credit cards and to purchase goods and services in their victims' names
Friday, June 20, 2008
Retail Business Revolution
Most of the organizations are planning to enter into retailing business, because there is a lot of scope for retailing business in developing countries like India. Here the following concepts gives an overview of retail management.
Retailing: All activities involved in selling goods or services directly to final consumers for their personal, non business use.
Retailer: Business whose sales comes primarily from retailing
Ex: Wal- Mart, Shoppers Stop, Cross Roads,Reliance,Big Bazaar,Spencer,Bharati,Pantaloons etc.
Types of Retailing:
There are different types of retailers depending on their size, shape, product lines, amount of service they offer and prices they charge etc. Some of them are given below.
a) Speciality Store: A store that carries a narrow product line with a deep assortment with in that line.
b) Department Store: A retail organization that carries a wide varieties of product lines- typically clothing, home furnishings and household goods; each line is operated as a separate department managed by specialist buyers or merchandisers.
c) Super Market: Large, low-cost, low-margin, high-volume, self service store that carries a wide variety of food, laundry and household products.
d) Discount store: A retail institution that sells standard merchandise at lower margins and selling at higher volume.
e) Factory Outlet: Off- price retailing operation that is owned and operated by a manufacturer and that manufacturers' surplus, discontinued, or irregular goods.
f) Chain stores: Two or more outlets that are owned and controlled in common, have central buying and merchandising, and sell similar lines of merchandise.
g) Franchise: A contractual association, between a manufacturer, wholesaler, or service organization and independent business people who buy the right to own and operate one or more units in the franchise system.
The major difference between wholesaling and retailing is that, retailing involves selling for personal consumption unlike wholesaling. Retailer has the actual contact with the ultimate customer/ consumer.
Retailing in India:
The Pantaloon is one of the largest retail chains in India It belongs to Pantaloon Retail India Ltd (PRIL). Reliance Petroleum Ltd (RPL) is also doing retailing with petrol, diesel as products. The company has established many retail outlets, which are fully owned by the company. The companies like Shoppers Stop, Cross Roads, Spencer's chain, Food World are in retailing business. The above businesses are having crores of rupees turnover for example food world annual turnover is more than rupees 310 crores. There is lot of scope for retail business in India. It can be called as retail revolution but organizations must concentrate on place (city), area choice and should do market research on households of various strata of the society. The Wal- Mart is very much eager to enter into Indian retailing business.
Retail is India's largest industry. It accounts for over 10 per cent of the India's GDP and around eight per cent of the employment. Retail sector is one of India's fastest growing sectors with a 5 per cent compounded annual growth rate. India's huge middle class base and its untapped retail industry are key attractions for global retail giants planning to enter newer markets. Driven by changing lifestyles, strong income growth and favorable demographic patterns, Indian retail is expected to grow 25 per cent annually. It is expected that retail in India could be worth US$ 175-200 billion by 2016.
The organized retail industry in India had not evolved till the early 1990s. Until then, the industry was dominated by the un-organized sector. It was a sellers market, with a limited number of brands, and little choice available to customers. Lack of trained manpower, tax laws and government regulations all discouraged the growth of organized retailing in India during that period. Lack of consumer awareness and restrictions over entry of foreign players into the sector also contributed to the delay in the growth of organized retailing. Foundation for organized retail in India was laid by Kishore Biyani of Pantaloon Retails India Limited (PRIL). Following Pantaloon's successful venture a host of Indian business giants such as Reliance, Bharti, Birla and others are now entering into retail sector.
A number of factors are driving India's retail market. These include: increase in the young working population, hefty pay-packets, nuclear families in urban areas, increasing working-women population, increase in disposable income and customer aspiration, increase in expenditure for luxury items, and low share of organized retailing. India's retail boom is manifested in sprawling shopping centers, multiplex- malls and huge complexes that offer shopping, entertainment and food all under one roof.
But there is a flip side to the boom in the retail sector. It is feared that the entry of global business giants into organized retail would make redundant the neighbourhood kiryana stores resulting in dislocation in traditional economic structure. Also, the growth path for organized retail in India is not hurdle free. The taxation system still favours small retail business. With the intrinsic complexities of retailing such as rapid price changes, constant threat of product obsolescence and low margins there is always a threat that the venture may turn out to be a loss making one.
A perfect business model for retail is still in evolutionary stage. Procurement is very vital cog in the retail wheel. The retailer has to fight issues like fragmented sourcing, unpredictable availability, unsorted food provisions and daily fluctuating prices as against consumer expectations of round-the-year steady prices, sorted and cleaned food and fresh stock at all times.
Trained human resource for retail is another big challenge. The talent base is limited and with the entry of big giants there is a cat fight among them to retain this talent. This has resulted in big salary hikes at the level of upper and middle management and thereby eroding the profit margin of the business. All the companies have laid out ambitious expansion plans for themselves and they may be hampered due lack of requisite skilled manpower.
But retail offers tremendous for the growth of Indian economy. If all the above challenges are tackled prudently there is a great potential that retail may offer employment opportunities to millions living in small town and cities and in the process distributing the benefits of economic boom and resulting in equitable growth.
Retailing: All activities involved in selling goods or services directly to final consumers for their personal, non business use.
Retailer: Business whose sales comes primarily from retailing
Ex: Wal- Mart, Shoppers Stop, Cross Roads,Reliance,Big Bazaar,Spencer,Bharati,Pantaloons etc.
Types of Retailing:
There are different types of retailers depending on their size, shape, product lines, amount of service they offer and prices they charge etc. Some of them are given below.
a) Speciality Store: A store that carries a narrow product line with a deep assortment with in that line.
b) Department Store: A retail organization that carries a wide varieties of product lines- typically clothing, home furnishings and household goods; each line is operated as a separate department managed by specialist buyers or merchandisers.
c) Super Market: Large, low-cost, low-margin, high-volume, self service store that carries a wide variety of food, laundry and household products.
d) Discount store: A retail institution that sells standard merchandise at lower margins and selling at higher volume.
e) Factory Outlet: Off- price retailing operation that is owned and operated by a manufacturer and that manufacturers' surplus, discontinued, or irregular goods.
f) Chain stores: Two or more outlets that are owned and controlled in common, have central buying and merchandising, and sell similar lines of merchandise.
g) Franchise: A contractual association, between a manufacturer, wholesaler, or service organization and independent business people who buy the right to own and operate one or more units in the franchise system.
The major difference between wholesaling and retailing is that, retailing involves selling for personal consumption unlike wholesaling. Retailer has the actual contact with the ultimate customer/ consumer.
Retailing in India:
The Pantaloon is one of the largest retail chains in India It belongs to Pantaloon Retail India Ltd (PRIL). Reliance Petroleum Ltd (RPL) is also doing retailing with petrol, diesel as products. The company has established many retail outlets, which are fully owned by the company. The companies like Shoppers Stop, Cross Roads, Spencer's chain, Food World are in retailing business. The above businesses are having crores of rupees turnover for example food world annual turnover is more than rupees 310 crores. There is lot of scope for retail business in India. It can be called as retail revolution but organizations must concentrate on place (city), area choice and should do market research on households of various strata of the society. The Wal- Mart is very much eager to enter into Indian retailing business.
Retail is India's largest industry. It accounts for over 10 per cent of the India's GDP and around eight per cent of the employment. Retail sector is one of India's fastest growing sectors with a 5 per cent compounded annual growth rate. India's huge middle class base and its untapped retail industry are key attractions for global retail giants planning to enter newer markets. Driven by changing lifestyles, strong income growth and favorable demographic patterns, Indian retail is expected to grow 25 per cent annually. It is expected that retail in India could be worth US$ 175-200 billion by 2016.
The organized retail industry in India had not evolved till the early 1990s. Until then, the industry was dominated by the un-organized sector. It was a sellers market, with a limited number of brands, and little choice available to customers. Lack of trained manpower, tax laws and government regulations all discouraged the growth of organized retailing in India during that period. Lack of consumer awareness and restrictions over entry of foreign players into the sector also contributed to the delay in the growth of organized retailing. Foundation for organized retail in India was laid by Kishore Biyani of Pantaloon Retails India Limited (PRIL). Following Pantaloon's successful venture a host of Indian business giants such as Reliance, Bharti, Birla and others are now entering into retail sector.
A number of factors are driving India's retail market. These include: increase in the young working population, hefty pay-packets, nuclear families in urban areas, increasing working-women population, increase in disposable income and customer aspiration, increase in expenditure for luxury items, and low share of organized retailing. India's retail boom is manifested in sprawling shopping centers, multiplex- malls and huge complexes that offer shopping, entertainment and food all under one roof.
But there is a flip side to the boom in the retail sector. It is feared that the entry of global business giants into organized retail would make redundant the neighbourhood kiryana stores resulting in dislocation in traditional economic structure. Also, the growth path for organized retail in India is not hurdle free. The taxation system still favours small retail business. With the intrinsic complexities of retailing such as rapid price changes, constant threat of product obsolescence and low margins there is always a threat that the venture may turn out to be a loss making one.
A perfect business model for retail is still in evolutionary stage. Procurement is very vital cog in the retail wheel. The retailer has to fight issues like fragmented sourcing, unpredictable availability, unsorted food provisions and daily fluctuating prices as against consumer expectations of round-the-year steady prices, sorted and cleaned food and fresh stock at all times.
Trained human resource for retail is another big challenge. The talent base is limited and with the entry of big giants there is a cat fight among them to retain this talent. This has resulted in big salary hikes at the level of upper and middle management and thereby eroding the profit margin of the business. All the companies have laid out ambitious expansion plans for themselves and they may be hampered due lack of requisite skilled manpower.
But retail offers tremendous for the growth of Indian economy. If all the above challenges are tackled prudently there is a great potential that retail may offer employment opportunities to millions living in small town and cities and in the process distributing the benefits of economic boom and resulting in equitable growth.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
IMPORTANT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF KERALA
Introduction
A silver of dense greenery sandwitched between the Arabian sea and forested western ghat mountains,the state of KERALA runs down the southwest coast of India around 550 km long and 120km wide and it is blessed with unique geographical and cultural features and the over powering tropical landscape with 41 rivers and countless waterways,fed by 2 annual monsoons intoxicates every new comer.Equally Kerala's arcane rituals and spectacular festivals stimulate even the most jaded imaginations continuing centuries of tradition that has never strayed far from the realms of magic.
For visitors the most popular is the great PORT OF KOCHI,where Kerala s extensive history of peaceable foreign contact is evocatively evident in the atmospheric old quarters of MATTANCHERY and FORT COCHIN, which is famous for tea and spice trade.The capital THIRUVANANTHAPURAM almost as far south as you can go and a gateway to the near by palm fringed beaches of KOVALAM provides visitors of varied opportunities to sample kerala;s rich cultural and artistic life.
The greatest joy of exploring Kerala is the actual travelling especially by boat,in the spell binding KUTTANAD region near Kollam and Alappuzha.Vessels,from cruisers to wooden long boats,ply the backwatres in day long voyage well worth taking for the chance of a closeup view of village life.Further more it is always easy to escape the heat of the low lands by taking off to the hills.Roads through a landscape dotted with churches and temples pass spice,tea ,coffee and rubber plantations and natural forest,enroute to wild life reserves such as PEPPARA or PERIYAR roamed by hearts of mud caked elephants.
Following an unwritten law,few buildings ,whether houses or temple are higher than the surrounding trees,from highground in the urban areas.This can create the miraculous illusion that you are surrounded by forest.
Phenomenal amounts of money are lavished upon many varied and often all night enetrtainments associated with Keralas temples.Fireworks rend the air,while processions of gold-bed ecked elephants are accompanied by some of the loudest drum orchestras in the world.most famous POORAM festival in Thrissur is the most astonishing but smaller events take place through out the state - often outdoors,with all welcoem to attend.
A silver of dense greenery sandwitched between the Arabian sea and forested western ghat mountains,the state of KERALA runs down the southwest coast of India around 550 km long and 120km wide and it is blessed with unique geographical and cultural features and the over powering tropical landscape with 41 rivers and countless waterways,fed by 2 annual monsoons intoxicates every new comer.Equally Kerala's arcane rituals and spectacular festivals stimulate even the most jaded imaginations continuing centuries of tradition that has never strayed far from the realms of magic.
For visitors the most popular is the great PORT OF KOCHI,where Kerala s extensive history of peaceable foreign contact is evocatively evident in the atmospheric old quarters of MATTANCHERY and FORT COCHIN, which is famous for tea and spice trade.The capital THIRUVANANTHAPURAM almost as far south as you can go and a gateway to the near by palm fringed beaches of KOVALAM provides visitors of varied opportunities to sample kerala;s rich cultural and artistic life.
The greatest joy of exploring Kerala is the actual travelling especially by boat,in the spell binding KUTTANAD region near Kollam and Alappuzha.Vessels,from cruisers to wooden long boats,ply the backwatres in day long voyage well worth taking for the chance of a closeup view of village life.Further more it is always easy to escape the heat of the low lands by taking off to the hills.Roads through a landscape dotted with churches and temples pass spice,tea ,coffee and rubber plantations and natural forest,enroute to wild life reserves such as PEPPARA or PERIYAR roamed by hearts of mud caked elephants.
Following an unwritten law,few buildings ,whether houses or temple are higher than the surrounding trees,from highground in the urban areas.This can create the miraculous illusion that you are surrounded by forest.
Phenomenal amounts of money are lavished upon many varied and often all night enetrtainments associated with Keralas temples.Fireworks rend the air,while processions of gold-bed ecked elephants are accompanied by some of the loudest drum orchestras in the world.most famous POORAM festival in Thrissur is the most astonishing but smaller events take place through out the state - often outdoors,with all welcoem to attend.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Parassinikkadavu Muthappan
A temple located in Parassinikadavu which is about 20 kms away from the city of Kannur in the state of Kerala the reigining deity's staple deit is toddy and meat. While the devotees who flock to this temple is also given baked fish and toddy as prasadam for their darshan(visit).
This rebel deity is Muthappan. As the belief goes and flock tales tells the story. Muttappan is believed to be an incarnation of Shiva who was born to a childless Brahmin couple. The child is said to have an insatiable craving for liquor, meat and fish right from his childhood. This forced the Brahmin parents to kick him out of their house.
Muttappan then wandered around in search of enlightenment and after several months of wandering he reached Puralimala near Mattannur where he became the main abode untill a senior man from a well known family requested him to settle in Parassinikadavu.
It is at Parassinikadavu Muttappan advocated values of equalitarianism, humanity and radicalism. Muttappan had a special place for the downtrodden and the oppressed in his heart. He rebelled against the Brahmanical way of life and also the belief systems advocated by them. Due to which the main devotees who flock to his temple is from the members of the low caste of Ezhava's( toddy tappers).
This rebel deity is Muthappan. As the belief goes and flock tales tells the story. Muttappan is believed to be an incarnation of Shiva who was born to a childless Brahmin couple. The child is said to have an insatiable craving for liquor, meat and fish right from his childhood. This forced the Brahmin parents to kick him out of their house.
Muttappan then wandered around in search of enlightenment and after several months of wandering he reached Puralimala near Mattannur where he became the main abode untill a senior man from a well known family requested him to settle in Parassinikadavu.
It is at Parassinikadavu Muttappan advocated values of equalitarianism, humanity and radicalism. Muttappan had a special place for the downtrodden and the oppressed in his heart. He rebelled against the Brahmanical way of life and also the belief systems advocated by them. Due to which the main devotees who flock to his temple is from the members of the low caste of Ezhava's( toddy tappers).
Performing Arts of Kerala
For ages, the rich and vibrant culture of Kerala has intrigued people worldwide. The songs and dances of the people, their ballads, their rituals and their intellectual pursuits. Truly, the real treasures of Kerala lay in the cultural heritage of its people. Kerala has its own typical art forms which reflect the life and outlook of the people. From the renowned Kathakali, considered to be the complete art form as it synthesizes all that is best in the fields of drama, music and dance, to the folk dances which are reflection of the rhythmic impulses of a sensitive people. Recently, the UNESCO brought to light, a less known art form - Koodiyattom - and declared it as one among the 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It is for the first time in the history of UNESCO that select art forms across the world have been given this recognition as part of its effort to safeguard expressions of oral heritage and traditional culture which are in danger of disappearing due to the effects of globalization. Given here are the descriptions of various classical folk and martial art forms of Kerala.
Koodiyattom
Oldest art form Koodiyattom, (literally, dancing together) is the Sanskrit theatre of Kerala which is believed to have originated two millennia ago. The plays are in Sanskrit with the Chakyars performing the male roles and the Nangiars (women of the Nambiar community) performing the female roles. The Vidushaka or clown recites the Malayalam translation for the benefit of the audience. Manipravalam, a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam language owes its origin to Koodiyattom.
Kathakali
Kathakali (literally, story play), the spectacular classical dance drama of Kerala based on the guidelines laid by Sage Bharatha's Natya Sastra, the ancient treatise on dance and drama, is over 500 years old. This elaborate art form integrates dance, music, poetry and histrionics. And combines both the thandava (powerful energetic dance, as that of Shiva) and lasya (gentle graceful dance, as that of Parvathi) elements.
Chakyarkoothu
Chakyarkoothu, also called Koothu, is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of Kerala.
This solo dance is usually presented by members of the Chakyar community in the Koothambalams (temple theatres) of temples to the accompaniment of the mizhavu (drum in the shape of a large spherical copper pot) and elathalam. The Chakyar is an ideal satirist who uses narrative, mime, wit and innuendo to communicate with the audience, often cutting jokes even at the expense of the people present there. It is his prerogative, and custom has conferred upon him immunity from interruption during a performance. Themes are usually from the epics.
Folk Art Forms of Kerala
Krishnanattam
Krishnanattam as the name suggest, originated as a votive offering to Sree Krishna. The Performance, bases on the Sanskrit text Krishna Geethi, is presented across eight nights. The costume and make-up of Krishnanattam bear traces of resemblance to Kathakali and folk arts like Mudiyettu and Theyyam. Musical instruments used are maddalam, elathalam and chengila. All three elements of performance recognized by the classical Indian tradition, viz., acting, singing and dancing is important in Krishnanattam. The language is Sanskrit and the singing is done in sopanam style. A distinctive feature of Krishnanattam is the use of masks by some of the characters. Krishnanattam performances begin at night after the ritual closing of the temples' sandum sandorum. Krishnanattam is most commonly performed in the Guruvayoor temple, Thrissur.
Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam (the dance of the enchantress) is the gracefully elegant classical dance form with lasya as the predominant element. The dancer is dressed in white and gold. The hair is gathered and put up at the side of the head and adorned with jasmine, in the traditional style. The entire technique in Mohiniyattam is of a graceful, gliding movement of the body, a circular use of the torso and a revolving in the half-bent position with the toe and heel used in a flowing rhythmic structure. Music is in the sopanam style with the drums and cymbals as accompaniments.
Patakam
Patakam (literally, dissertation) is similar to Koothu in technical content, gestures and movements. However, the narration is through prose and song sequences. The costume is predominated by the red color - a red headdress and a red silk wrist band. The performer also wears heavy garlands around the neck and thick lines of sandal paste across the forehead. Patakam is also performed outside the temples.
Thullal
Thullal is a modification of the Koothu and is characterized by simplicity of presentation, wit and humour. It owes its origin to Kunjan Nambiar, one of the leading poets of Malayalam. This solo dance with no stage or any other form of arrangement required is marked by fast and rhythmic movements. The dancer himself sings the lead to the accompaniment of the maddalam and elathalam. Thullal is classified into three - Ottanthullal, Seethankamthullal and Parayanthullal - based on the metre and rhythm of the songs and the distinctions in costume and dance. As most other art forms of Kerala, Thullal also has colourful costumes, with elaborate headgears and paintings of the face. It is usually presented during temple festivals.
Theyyam
Said to be the corrupt form of Deivam or God, Theyyam is one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala and has its origin in the northern parts of the State. Also called Thirayattam, (because every Thira or village performed this ritualistic art at the village temple) this primitive ritualistic art reflects features of a tribal culture. It is performed in temples and kavus (sacred groves) to propitiate the deities and a Theyyam acts as a medium between the deity and the devotee.
Kalampattu
Kalampattu or Kalamezhuthu pattu is another folk art form that belongs to the northern regions of Kerala. This art form which is over 600 years old is performed by a group of five to fifteen people in Bhadrakali and Ayyappa temples. The ritual is performed around the kollam - an elaborate picture, usually of Bhadrakali, drawn on the floor, using five colours. The performance in the light of temple torches lasts through the night. The singers are neatly dressed with women wearing their hair on the side of the head. A series of songs (kalampattu) are sung to the accompaniment of nanthuni (stringed instrument) and elathalam.
Kaliyoottu
Kaliyoottu is an eight day long colorful folk ritual which reenacts the combat between goddess Durga and the demon Darika. The ritual is performed in different stages. The climax of the play - the ritual called Paranettu - is performed on a specially constructed 100 feet high stage on the eighth day.
Kanniyarkali
Kanniyarkali or Deshathukali which is a ritual art and a swift dance form performed to the accompaniment of devotional folk songs and the resounding drum beats is usually staged in Bhagavathy temples.
Kavadiyattam
Kavadiyattam is a ritual dance offering in Subramanya temples. The group of devotees wearing bright yellow or saffron costumes with ash smeared all over the body, dance in a frenzy carrying kavadis on their shoulders. Kavadis are colourful bow shaped wooden structures raising six to ten feet high. The ambalakavadi is structured and decorated like a temple. The pookavadi has clusters of colourful paper, cloth or plastic flowers arraigned on it. The resounding beats of percussion instruments like udukku and chenda and the nadaswaram (a wind instrument) are characteristic of the kavadi procession.
Kummatti
Kummatti is a ritualistic ceremony to propitiate the Devi (Goddess) where performers wearing masks and adorning garbs made of grass, dry leaves etc. go from house to house singing and dancing.
Kumbhamkali
Kumbhamkali or Kumbhamthullal (pot dance) is a folk ritual dance of devotees carrying pots on the head.
Kuthiyottam
Kuthiyottam is a ritual art exclusive to the Devi temples of South Kerala. A team of artists perform this song and dance ritual. The songs include those in praise of Durga and other deities, padapattu (war songs) and kalaripattu (martial art songs). Instrumental accompaniments are mainly percussions, ganjira, bells and chaplankatta. Faces are painted and red curtains are used as partitions on the stage.
Thattumelkoothu
Thattumelkoothu is a devotional folk art. The dance is performed on a special platform which is carried around the temple by devotees even as the performance goes on.
Poothamkali
Poothamkali is a folk art performed in the Bhagavathy temples of Malappuram. Pootham is a character who accompanied Durga in her combat with Darika Asura. The performers, usually three in number, undergo a week of austerity before presentation. Colourful and intricately designed masks carved out of the pala and murukku trees are the highlights of the attire. The fifteen minute performance starts slowly and works up to frenzy towards the end. The thudi provides rhythm to the dance which is usually rendered at night.
Sarpa pattu
Sarpa pattu or Sarpam thullal or snake dance is a ritual art performed in shrines and temples devoted to Nagaraja, the king of serpents. It is performed by women who belong to the Pulluvar caste, in a specially decorated pandal, before the sarpakalam (snake designs on the floor). The women dance in a frenzy to the rhythm of the sarpa pattu, until they fall down exhausted. The sarpa pattu is performed to the accompaniment of pulluvakudom, a stringed instrument.
Thidampu nrittam
Thidampu nrittam which is over 700 years old is a ritualistic art form of North Kerala. The dancer moves to the rhythmic beats of the chenda carrying the thidampu (the symbolic image of the deity) on his head. Seven artists accompany him on percussion instruments while two others hold aloft the ritualistic lamps. The artist wears much jewellery and a decorated turban known as Ushnipeetam.
Mayilnrittam
Mayilnrittam or Mayilattam is a ritual art performed by artists in peacock costume. It is performed in Subramanya temples in South Kerala.
Padayani
Padayani (literally, a column of army) is a colourful ritual art which is symbolic of the victory march of goddess Kali after defeating the demon Darika. The elaborate costume of this art form bears slight resemblance to Theyyam.
Thiyattu
Thiyattu is a devotional offering to goddess Bhadrakali and Sree Ayyappa. This ritual art is performed in a specially decorated pandal, before the kalam (five colour design on the floor), nilavilakku (the traditional lamp) and peetam (stool). The performance usually starts at dusk. The artists sing and dance to the rhythmic music of the chenda, elathalam and chengila. The costumes bear resemblances to that of Ottamthullal and Kathakali. The distinctive features are huge jingling anklets and face make-up with tiny dots.
Chavittunatakam
Chavittunatakam is an art form which evolved due to Portuguese influence. It developed under the auspices of the church in Kerala with the object of presenting Biblical themes. The actors stamp with their feet on wooden platforms to the tune of songs and drums. Music is important in Chavittunatakam. Stories include that of Christian saints, Charlemagne and Napoleon.
Pulikali
Pulikali also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight in Kerala during festive seasons. Performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the loud beats of percussion instruments like the udukku and thakil.
Thiruvathirakali
Thiruvathirakali is a dance form which is a pointer to the old customs followed in Nair tharawads (joint families) where the women of the house dance elegantly around the ceremonial lamp or floral decoration on festive occasions to the accompaniment of the thiruvathira pattu (song). Kummi is another form of Thiruvathirakali.
Margamkali
Margamkali is an art form popular among the Syrian Christians of Kerala, where twelve persons sing and dance around a nilavilakku (lamp) with eleven burning wicks. The lamp is believed to represent Christ, and the performers, His twelve disciples.
Cherumarkali
Cherumarkali is a harvest dance in which the dancers, both men and women move in a swift rhythm, linked in a back lock or holding arms. The costumes are in striking red and white.
Kolkali
Kolkali is a group dance form of the farming community in Kerala. Twelve to twenty four dancers move rhythmically in a circle around the ceremonial lamp, tapping the two feet long wooden sticks held in their hands.
Vadithallu
Vadithallu is almost similar to Kolkali and is a folk dance in which artists tap the short sticks held in both hands.
Oppana
Oppana is a Muslim bridal group dance where the bride dressed in all her finery sits in the centre while the others move around her singing and clapping their hands rhythmically.
Martial Art Forms of Kerala
Kalaripayattu
This comprehensive system of martial arts, regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world, evolved in North Kerala. The State has produced many a hero whose exploits find expression in folk songs and legends. One of them, Thacholi Meppayil Kunhi Othenan has been immortalized in vadakkan pattukal (northern ballads) as one of its greatest exponents.
Velakali
Velakali is a ritual art where fifty or more performers in the traditional attire of soldiers, bearing colourful shields and swords, dance with war like steps in perfect orchestration to the thakil, suddha maddalam, elathalam and kuzhal. It is called thirumumbil vela when performed before the deity and kulathilvela when performed near the temple pond. A few fighting techniques of Kalaripayattu are also included in the performance.
Parisakali
Parisakali was developed by the Mappilas of North Kerala as a folk art. It is a game played in the form of a mock fight by boys holding short sticks in one hand and a red straw-board shield in the other.
Music of Kerala
Sopana sangeetham
This is sung in front of sopana (steps in front of the sanctum sanctorum). Sopana sangeetbam has a distinct style. Bhakti movement in Kerala influenced sopana sangeetham and most of the lyrics (asthapathi) are based on Jayadeva's (thirteenth century poet) immortal work, 'Geeta Govinda'. The song varies according to the time of performance and the deity. Musicians always stand on the left side of the sopana and singing stops once the shrine opens. Instruments used are edakka and chengila.
Panchavadyam
Suddha-maddalam, komb, edakka, elathalam, timila are the five instruments used besides sankh (conch) for Panchavadyam. The Panchavadyam can have different types depending on the number of instruments. The minimum requirement is three thimilas, one suddha-maddalam, two elathalams, two kombs and one edakka, besides the sankh. The positioning of an artist in apanchavadyam mela (concert) is also important. Timila and suddha-maddalam artists face each other. Elathalam artists stand behind the timila artists and komb artists stand behind suddha-maddalam artists. Edakka drummers face each other and the sankh blower stands in front, next to them. Panchavadyam starts with the blowing of sankhs. The famous Thrissur Pooram gives an opportunity to witness playing of a full complement of Panchavadyam.
Panchavadyam
Pancharimelam
This is mainly confined to temples. Chenda, komb, kuzhal and elathalam are the main instruments used. For a complete performance, the minimum requirements are 33 veekuchendas, 33 elathalams and 11 each of komb, kuzhal and muttuchenda.
Pandimelam
This differs from Pancharimelam slightly, though the instruments used are the same. While the beating of chenda in Pancharimelam is done with two sticks, only one is used for drumming in Pandimelam. Another difference lies in the blowing of kuzhal, which in Pandimelam is done in Bhairav Raaga.Pandimelam can be seen in its full splendor during Pooram at the Sri Vadakkumnathan Temple compound in Thrissur.
Thayambakam
This can be seen during festival days, especially when the temple deity is taken out in procession. Only chendas and elathalams are used. The artist uses his palm and stick for drumming.
Koodiyattom
Oldest art form Koodiyattom, (literally, dancing together) is the Sanskrit theatre of Kerala which is believed to have originated two millennia ago. The plays are in Sanskrit with the Chakyars performing the male roles and the Nangiars (women of the Nambiar community) performing the female roles. The Vidushaka or clown recites the Malayalam translation for the benefit of the audience. Manipravalam, a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam language owes its origin to Koodiyattom.
Kathakali
Kathakali (literally, story play), the spectacular classical dance drama of Kerala based on the guidelines laid by Sage Bharatha's Natya Sastra, the ancient treatise on dance and drama, is over 500 years old. This elaborate art form integrates dance, music, poetry and histrionics. And combines both the thandava (powerful energetic dance, as that of Shiva) and lasya (gentle graceful dance, as that of Parvathi) elements.
Chakyarkoothu
Chakyarkoothu, also called Koothu, is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of Kerala.
This solo dance is usually presented by members of the Chakyar community in the Koothambalams (temple theatres) of temples to the accompaniment of the mizhavu (drum in the shape of a large spherical copper pot) and elathalam. The Chakyar is an ideal satirist who uses narrative, mime, wit and innuendo to communicate with the audience, often cutting jokes even at the expense of the people present there. It is his prerogative, and custom has conferred upon him immunity from interruption during a performance. Themes are usually from the epics.
Folk Art Forms of Kerala
Krishnanattam
Krishnanattam as the name suggest, originated as a votive offering to Sree Krishna. The Performance, bases on the Sanskrit text Krishna Geethi, is presented across eight nights. The costume and make-up of Krishnanattam bear traces of resemblance to Kathakali and folk arts like Mudiyettu and Theyyam. Musical instruments used are maddalam, elathalam and chengila. All three elements of performance recognized by the classical Indian tradition, viz., acting, singing and dancing is important in Krishnanattam. The language is Sanskrit and the singing is done in sopanam style. A distinctive feature of Krishnanattam is the use of masks by some of the characters. Krishnanattam performances begin at night after the ritual closing of the temples' sandum sandorum. Krishnanattam is most commonly performed in the Guruvayoor temple, Thrissur.
Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam (the dance of the enchantress) is the gracefully elegant classical dance form with lasya as the predominant element. The dancer is dressed in white and gold. The hair is gathered and put up at the side of the head and adorned with jasmine, in the traditional style. The entire technique in Mohiniyattam is of a graceful, gliding movement of the body, a circular use of the torso and a revolving in the half-bent position with the toe and heel used in a flowing rhythmic structure. Music is in the sopanam style with the drums and cymbals as accompaniments.
Patakam
Patakam (literally, dissertation) is similar to Koothu in technical content, gestures and movements. However, the narration is through prose and song sequences. The costume is predominated by the red color - a red headdress and a red silk wrist band. The performer also wears heavy garlands around the neck and thick lines of sandal paste across the forehead. Patakam is also performed outside the temples.
Thullal
Thullal is a modification of the Koothu and is characterized by simplicity of presentation, wit and humour. It owes its origin to Kunjan Nambiar, one of the leading poets of Malayalam. This solo dance with no stage or any other form of arrangement required is marked by fast and rhythmic movements. The dancer himself sings the lead to the accompaniment of the maddalam and elathalam. Thullal is classified into three - Ottanthullal, Seethankamthullal and Parayanthullal - based on the metre and rhythm of the songs and the distinctions in costume and dance. As most other art forms of Kerala, Thullal also has colourful costumes, with elaborate headgears and paintings of the face. It is usually presented during temple festivals.
Theyyam
Said to be the corrupt form of Deivam or God, Theyyam is one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala and has its origin in the northern parts of the State. Also called Thirayattam, (because every Thira or village performed this ritualistic art at the village temple) this primitive ritualistic art reflects features of a tribal culture. It is performed in temples and kavus (sacred groves) to propitiate the deities and a Theyyam acts as a medium between the deity and the devotee.
Kalampattu
Kalampattu or Kalamezhuthu pattu is another folk art form that belongs to the northern regions of Kerala. This art form which is over 600 years old is performed by a group of five to fifteen people in Bhadrakali and Ayyappa temples. The ritual is performed around the kollam - an elaborate picture, usually of Bhadrakali, drawn on the floor, using five colours. The performance in the light of temple torches lasts through the night. The singers are neatly dressed with women wearing their hair on the side of the head. A series of songs (kalampattu) are sung to the accompaniment of nanthuni (stringed instrument) and elathalam.
Kaliyoottu
Kaliyoottu is an eight day long colorful folk ritual which reenacts the combat between goddess Durga and the demon Darika. The ritual is performed in different stages. The climax of the play - the ritual called Paranettu - is performed on a specially constructed 100 feet high stage on the eighth day.
Kanniyarkali
Kanniyarkali or Deshathukali which is a ritual art and a swift dance form performed to the accompaniment of devotional folk songs and the resounding drum beats is usually staged in Bhagavathy temples.
Kavadiyattam
Kavadiyattam is a ritual dance offering in Subramanya temples. The group of devotees wearing bright yellow or saffron costumes with ash smeared all over the body, dance in a frenzy carrying kavadis on their shoulders. Kavadis are colourful bow shaped wooden structures raising six to ten feet high. The ambalakavadi is structured and decorated like a temple. The pookavadi has clusters of colourful paper, cloth or plastic flowers arraigned on it. The resounding beats of percussion instruments like udukku and chenda and the nadaswaram (a wind instrument) are characteristic of the kavadi procession.
Kummatti
Kummatti is a ritualistic ceremony to propitiate the Devi (Goddess) where performers wearing masks and adorning garbs made of grass, dry leaves etc. go from house to house singing and dancing.
Kumbhamkali
Kumbhamkali or Kumbhamthullal (pot dance) is a folk ritual dance of devotees carrying pots on the head.
Kuthiyottam
Kuthiyottam is a ritual art exclusive to the Devi temples of South Kerala. A team of artists perform this song and dance ritual. The songs include those in praise of Durga and other deities, padapattu (war songs) and kalaripattu (martial art songs). Instrumental accompaniments are mainly percussions, ganjira, bells and chaplankatta. Faces are painted and red curtains are used as partitions on the stage.
Thattumelkoothu
Thattumelkoothu is a devotional folk art. The dance is performed on a special platform which is carried around the temple by devotees even as the performance goes on.
Poothamkali
Poothamkali is a folk art performed in the Bhagavathy temples of Malappuram. Pootham is a character who accompanied Durga in her combat with Darika Asura. The performers, usually three in number, undergo a week of austerity before presentation. Colourful and intricately designed masks carved out of the pala and murukku trees are the highlights of the attire. The fifteen minute performance starts slowly and works up to frenzy towards the end. The thudi provides rhythm to the dance which is usually rendered at night.
Sarpa pattu
Sarpa pattu or Sarpam thullal or snake dance is a ritual art performed in shrines and temples devoted to Nagaraja, the king of serpents. It is performed by women who belong to the Pulluvar caste, in a specially decorated pandal, before the sarpakalam (snake designs on the floor). The women dance in a frenzy to the rhythm of the sarpa pattu, until they fall down exhausted. The sarpa pattu is performed to the accompaniment of pulluvakudom, a stringed instrument.
Thidampu nrittam
Thidampu nrittam which is over 700 years old is a ritualistic art form of North Kerala. The dancer moves to the rhythmic beats of the chenda carrying the thidampu (the symbolic image of the deity) on his head. Seven artists accompany him on percussion instruments while two others hold aloft the ritualistic lamps. The artist wears much jewellery and a decorated turban known as Ushnipeetam.
Mayilnrittam
Mayilnrittam or Mayilattam is a ritual art performed by artists in peacock costume. It is performed in Subramanya temples in South Kerala.
Padayani
Padayani (literally, a column of army) is a colourful ritual art which is symbolic of the victory march of goddess Kali after defeating the demon Darika. The elaborate costume of this art form bears slight resemblance to Theyyam.
Thiyattu
Thiyattu is a devotional offering to goddess Bhadrakali and Sree Ayyappa. This ritual art is performed in a specially decorated pandal, before the kalam (five colour design on the floor), nilavilakku (the traditional lamp) and peetam (stool). The performance usually starts at dusk. The artists sing and dance to the rhythmic music of the chenda, elathalam and chengila. The costumes bear resemblances to that of Ottamthullal and Kathakali. The distinctive features are huge jingling anklets and face make-up with tiny dots.
Chavittunatakam
Chavittunatakam is an art form which evolved due to Portuguese influence. It developed under the auspices of the church in Kerala with the object of presenting Biblical themes. The actors stamp with their feet on wooden platforms to the tune of songs and drums. Music is important in Chavittunatakam. Stories include that of Christian saints, Charlemagne and Napoleon.
Pulikali
Pulikali also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight in Kerala during festive seasons. Performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the loud beats of percussion instruments like the udukku and thakil.
Thiruvathirakali
Thiruvathirakali is a dance form which is a pointer to the old customs followed in Nair tharawads (joint families) where the women of the house dance elegantly around the ceremonial lamp or floral decoration on festive occasions to the accompaniment of the thiruvathira pattu (song). Kummi is another form of Thiruvathirakali.
Margamkali
Margamkali is an art form popular among the Syrian Christians of Kerala, where twelve persons sing and dance around a nilavilakku (lamp) with eleven burning wicks. The lamp is believed to represent Christ, and the performers, His twelve disciples.
Cherumarkali
Cherumarkali is a harvest dance in which the dancers, both men and women move in a swift rhythm, linked in a back lock or holding arms. The costumes are in striking red and white.
Kolkali
Kolkali is a group dance form of the farming community in Kerala. Twelve to twenty four dancers move rhythmically in a circle around the ceremonial lamp, tapping the two feet long wooden sticks held in their hands.
Vadithallu
Vadithallu is almost similar to Kolkali and is a folk dance in which artists tap the short sticks held in both hands.
Oppana
Oppana is a Muslim bridal group dance where the bride dressed in all her finery sits in the centre while the others move around her singing and clapping their hands rhythmically.
Martial Art Forms of Kerala
Kalaripayattu
This comprehensive system of martial arts, regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world, evolved in North Kerala. The State has produced many a hero whose exploits find expression in folk songs and legends. One of them, Thacholi Meppayil Kunhi Othenan has been immortalized in vadakkan pattukal (northern ballads) as one of its greatest exponents.
Velakali
Velakali is a ritual art where fifty or more performers in the traditional attire of soldiers, bearing colourful shields and swords, dance with war like steps in perfect orchestration to the thakil, suddha maddalam, elathalam and kuzhal. It is called thirumumbil vela when performed before the deity and kulathilvela when performed near the temple pond. A few fighting techniques of Kalaripayattu are also included in the performance.
Parisakali
Parisakali was developed by the Mappilas of North Kerala as a folk art. It is a game played in the form of a mock fight by boys holding short sticks in one hand and a red straw-board shield in the other.
Music of Kerala
Sopana sangeetham
This is sung in front of sopana (steps in front of the sanctum sanctorum). Sopana sangeetbam has a distinct style. Bhakti movement in Kerala influenced sopana sangeetham and most of the lyrics (asthapathi) are based on Jayadeva's (thirteenth century poet) immortal work, 'Geeta Govinda'. The song varies according to the time of performance and the deity. Musicians always stand on the left side of the sopana and singing stops once the shrine opens. Instruments used are edakka and chengila.
Panchavadyam
Suddha-maddalam, komb, edakka, elathalam, timila are the five instruments used besides sankh (conch) for Panchavadyam. The Panchavadyam can have different types depending on the number of instruments. The minimum requirement is three thimilas, one suddha-maddalam, two elathalams, two kombs and one edakka, besides the sankh. The positioning of an artist in apanchavadyam mela (concert) is also important. Timila and suddha-maddalam artists face each other. Elathalam artists stand behind the timila artists and komb artists stand behind suddha-maddalam artists. Edakka drummers face each other and the sankh blower stands in front, next to them. Panchavadyam starts with the blowing of sankhs. The famous Thrissur Pooram gives an opportunity to witness playing of a full complement of Panchavadyam.
Panchavadyam
Pancharimelam
This is mainly confined to temples. Chenda, komb, kuzhal and elathalam are the main instruments used. For a complete performance, the minimum requirements are 33 veekuchendas, 33 elathalams and 11 each of komb, kuzhal and muttuchenda.
Pandimelam
This differs from Pancharimelam slightly, though the instruments used are the same. While the beating of chenda in Pancharimelam is done with two sticks, only one is used for drumming in Pandimelam. Another difference lies in the blowing of kuzhal, which in Pandimelam is done in Bhairav Raaga.Pandimelam can be seen in its full splendor during Pooram at the Sri Vadakkumnathan Temple compound in Thrissur.
Thayambakam
This can be seen during festival days, especially when the temple deity is taken out in procession. Only chendas and elathalams are used. The artist uses his palm and stick for drumming.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
YOGA in Kerala
Derived from the Sanskrit word, "YOGA" means "Union". It is a combination of Physical and Mental Exercise designed to hone ones concentration, improve health and attain eternity.
Today's lifestyles are built up with stress and conflicts. There is disharmony in the body (physical), mind (mental), and Spirit (Spiritual) the basic 3 aspects of human body. All illness is the result of such disintegration of these three.
Yoga has been practiced in India since the days Indus civilsation. It is around 5000 years old. Yoga is a philosophy in itself. And will do wonders to the practitioners health. Other forms of exercise like aerobics, gymnastics concentrates only on the physical part of the human body. But Yoga integrates mental and physical form. One attains selfless form with years of practice. It is achieved by 08 fold yogic practice.
1. Disciplined Behavior (Yama)
2. Self Purification (Niyama)
3. Bodily Posture - lotus position (Padmasana)
4. Breath control (pranayama)
5. Sensual control (Pratyahara)
6. Concentration (Dharana)
7. Meditation (Dhyana)
8. Absolute state of tranquility and eternity (Samadhi)
Yoga exercises are done gently in relaxed state with right mental attitude induced by correct breathing rhythm. By practicing Yoga, one has a complete control over his body - physical and mental. It increases the efficiency of the heart & slows the respiratory rate, lowers blood pressure, mental relaxation, reduces stress, strain, allays anxiety and many more. It also serves to improve coordination, posture, flexibility, concentration, digestion etc. It is a supplementary therapy for anemia, insomnia, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, asthma, migraine and Aids; it helps to combat addiction like Consumption of liquor, smoking and drugs.
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Asanas (Postures of Yoga)
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Cited below are some of the simple Asanas (postures of Yoga). For beginners, Yoga has to be practiced under the supervision of a Yoga Guru (Teacher).
Sit/Easy Position - Sukhasana
This Asana helps in control over breathing and has the feel of the body; helps strengthen lower back and relaxes the hip and groin parts of the body.
Sit cross-legged with hands on knees. Focus on your breath. Keep your spine straight and push the sit bones down into the floor. Gently lower the knees. If the knees rise above your hips, sit on a cushion or block. This will help support your back and hips. Take 5-10 slow, deep breaths. On the next inhale; raise your arms over your head. Exhale and bring your arms down slowly. Repeat 5-7 times.
Mountain - Tadasana
Improves posture, balance and self-awareness. A deceptive pose in that it appears so simple that some students may ask - "why bother?" But just as there's more to breathing than meets the eye, there is more to standing, too.
Stand with feet together, hands at your sides, eyes looking forward. Raise your toes, fan them open, then place them back down on the floor. Feel your heel, outside of your foot, toes and ball of your foot all in contact with the floor. Tilt your public bone slightly forward. Raise your chest up and out, but within reason - this isn't the army and you're not standing at attention. Raise your head up and lengthen the neck by lifting the base of your skull toward the ceiling. Stretch the pinky on each hand downward, then balance that movement by stretching your index fingers. Push into the floor with your feet and raise your legs, first the calves and then the thighs. Breathe. Hold the posture, but try not to tense up. Breathe. As you inhale, imagine the breath coming up through the floor, rising through your legs and torso and up into your head. Reverse the process on exhale and watch your breath as it passes down from your head, through your chest and stomach, legs and feet.
Today's lifestyles are built up with stress and conflicts. There is disharmony in the body (physical), mind (mental), and Spirit (Spiritual) the basic 3 aspects of human body. All illness is the result of such disintegration of these three.
Yoga has been practiced in India since the days Indus civilsation. It is around 5000 years old. Yoga is a philosophy in itself. And will do wonders to the practitioners health. Other forms of exercise like aerobics, gymnastics concentrates only on the physical part of the human body. But Yoga integrates mental and physical form. One attains selfless form with years of practice. It is achieved by 08 fold yogic practice.
1. Disciplined Behavior (Yama)
2. Self Purification (Niyama)
3. Bodily Posture - lotus position (Padmasana)
4. Breath control (pranayama)
5. Sensual control (Pratyahara)
6. Concentration (Dharana)
7. Meditation (Dhyana)
8. Absolute state of tranquility and eternity (Samadhi)
Yoga exercises are done gently in relaxed state with right mental attitude induced by correct breathing rhythm. By practicing Yoga, one has a complete control over his body - physical and mental. It increases the efficiency of the heart & slows the respiratory rate, lowers blood pressure, mental relaxation, reduces stress, strain, allays anxiety and many more. It also serves to improve coordination, posture, flexibility, concentration, digestion etc. It is a supplementary therapy for anemia, insomnia, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, asthma, migraine and Aids; it helps to combat addiction like Consumption of liquor, smoking and drugs.
.
Asanas (Postures of Yoga)
Back to Top
Cited below are some of the simple Asanas (postures of Yoga). For beginners, Yoga has to be practiced under the supervision of a Yoga Guru (Teacher).
Sit/Easy Position - Sukhasana
This Asana helps in control over breathing and has the feel of the body; helps strengthen lower back and relaxes the hip and groin parts of the body.
Sit cross-legged with hands on knees. Focus on your breath. Keep your spine straight and push the sit bones down into the floor. Gently lower the knees. If the knees rise above your hips, sit on a cushion or block. This will help support your back and hips. Take 5-10 slow, deep breaths. On the next inhale; raise your arms over your head. Exhale and bring your arms down slowly. Repeat 5-7 times.
Mountain - Tadasana
Improves posture, balance and self-awareness. A deceptive pose in that it appears so simple that some students may ask - "why bother?" But just as there's more to breathing than meets the eye, there is more to standing, too.
Stand with feet together, hands at your sides, eyes looking forward. Raise your toes, fan them open, then place them back down on the floor. Feel your heel, outside of your foot, toes and ball of your foot all in contact with the floor. Tilt your public bone slightly forward. Raise your chest up and out, but within reason - this isn't the army and you're not standing at attention. Raise your head up and lengthen the neck by lifting the base of your skull toward the ceiling. Stretch the pinky on each hand downward, then balance that movement by stretching your index fingers. Push into the floor with your feet and raise your legs, first the calves and then the thighs. Breathe. Hold the posture, but try not to tense up. Breathe. As you inhale, imagine the breath coming up through the floor, rising through your legs and torso and up into your head. Reverse the process on exhale and watch your breath as it passes down from your head, through your chest and stomach, legs and feet.
Ayurvedam
Ayurvedam is not only the science of preventive health and healing, but also the philosophy of living. It is not merely a system of treating by symptoms; rather curing by removing the cause of malady from the rich legacies left us by Rishis, the holy bards of ancient India. They culled their information from the cosmos, the western medicine sprang from microscopic examination of the Microcosm, Ayurvedam arose from the microscopic examination of the Macrocosm, the sublime embracing silence that contains all knowledge and the sacred memory of all time.
As a treatment method, it is based on the theory of "tridosham" by which we can assess the condition of the body, and can select the drug and method of treatment. In developing the process, Ayurvedam is classified into eight branches - Ashtaangams, namely kaayachikitsa (general medicine), baalachikitsa (paediatrics), grahachikitsa (psychiatry), oordhwangachikitsa (ENT), salyachikitsa (surgery), damshtrachikitsa (toxicology), jarachikitsa (geriatrics) and vrishachikitsa (aphrodisiac treatment).
Ayurvedam has a well-developed materia medica, describing more than 1,500 plants. Apart from other states, Kerala - the green house of India - has developed Ayurvedic system into a mainstream health care system.
Ayurvedam is the Indian vision of health. Its aim is to increase longevity without diseases and to live with the natural health.
Ayurvedam is a science as well as philosophy. As a science it is accepted as a system of medicine and has been practiced in Indian subcontinent since 6000 B.C. Even after this eight millennium the relevance of this medical science still persist not only in India but other countries of the world. WHO has accepted Ayurvedam as a complimentary and alternative system of medicine. Among the alternative systems Ayurvedam is pioneer being the world’s first medical system. In India, government has taken adequate steps to promote this system. As a medical system, education, hospital services, nursing care, dispensaries, clinics, pharmaceuticals etc. are coming under Ayurvedam in India. In other countries, it was accepted as complimentary or alternative system of medicine rather than pure system of medicine.
As a philosophy it can inco-operate with any school of thought, which aim health and longevity. So it includes the fields of Food, Exercises, Sex, Beauty etc. Also it can associate with education, publication, Academic & Research, Business, Tourism etc.
As a treatment method, it is based on the theory of "tridosham" by which we can assess the condition of the body, and can select the drug and method of treatment. In developing the process, Ayurvedam is classified into eight branches - Ashtaangams, namely kaayachikitsa (general medicine), baalachikitsa (paediatrics), grahachikitsa (psychiatry), oordhwangachikitsa (ENT), salyachikitsa (surgery), damshtrachikitsa (toxicology), jarachikitsa (geriatrics) and vrishachikitsa (aphrodisiac treatment).
Ayurvedam has a well-developed materia medica, describing more than 1,500 plants. Apart from other states, Kerala - the green house of India - has developed Ayurvedic system into a mainstream health care system.
Ayurvedam is the Indian vision of health. Its aim is to increase longevity without diseases and to live with the natural health.
Ayurvedam is a science as well as philosophy. As a science it is accepted as a system of medicine and has been practiced in Indian subcontinent since 6000 B.C. Even after this eight millennium the relevance of this medical science still persist not only in India but other countries of the world. WHO has accepted Ayurvedam as a complimentary and alternative system of medicine. Among the alternative systems Ayurvedam is pioneer being the world’s first medical system. In India, government has taken adequate steps to promote this system. As a medical system, education, hospital services, nursing care, dispensaries, clinics, pharmaceuticals etc. are coming under Ayurvedam in India. In other countries, it was accepted as complimentary or alternative system of medicine rather than pure system of medicine.
As a philosophy it can inco-operate with any school of thought, which aim health and longevity. So it includes the fields of Food, Exercises, Sex, Beauty etc. Also it can associate with education, publication, Academic & Research, Business, Tourism etc.
Temples of Kerala
Temples of Kerala
The Southern State of Kerala has much to offer in terms of its hoary temple tradition. Kerala temple architecture is unique, and it is in harmony with the natural resources and the climatic conditions of the region. Elephants are an integral part of several of the festivities. A colorful calendar of festivals and strict worship protocols are associated with the hundreds of temples that line the landscape of Kerala.
Kerala Temple Architecture: What is it that sets the temples of Kerala apart from those elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent? Study Keralite temple architecture.
Kerala Temple History: Experience the old world charm of Kerala temples. Study the origin and evolution of the Keralite temple architecture.
Temples of Kerala associated with the Tamil Alwars - Eleven temples of Kerala are associated with the Tamil Alwar saints of the 1st millennium CE. The Pancha Pandavas and Kerala: Five temples of Kerala are believed to have been built by the Pandava Princes. Aranmula, known for its water carnival is the best known of these. Tiruvanchikkalam and the Tamil Nayanmars: Tiruvanchikkalam has been revered by Sundaramoorthy Nayanar and Cheraman Perumaal of the 1st millennium CE.
The Padmanabhaswamy temple at Tiruvanandapuram is a serene center of worship and a veritable art gallery as well. Sabarimala - where millions converge: Shasta is enshrined in Sabarimala - pilgrimage to which shrine requires austerities.
At Mannaarsaala near Haripad near Trivandrum, a snake grove is held in regard as a place of worship. Tiruvinjikode near Thrissur has four images of Vishnu in a single shrine with the associated legend that they were installed by the Pandava princes. Chotranikkara - Bhagawati Temple: Bhagawati is one of the most worshipped deities in Kerala. Visit this well known Bhagawati temple at Chottanikara.
Guruvayur : The Sree Krishna temple here attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Naraayaneeyam the acclaimed sanskrit classic extols this shrine. The Krishna temple at Trichambaram in Northern Kerala enshrines Krishna, has a rich tradition of festivals. The Ambalappuzha Krishna temple is one of the well known temples dedicated to Krishna in the state of Kerala.
The Krishna temple at Tripunitura near Ernakulam is associated through legend with the Pandava hero Arjuna. The Subramanya temple at Haripad enshrines an imposing image of Skanda. The Udayanapuram Subramanyar temple is closely associated with the Vaikom Mahadevar temple nearby.
The Vadakkunnathar temple at Thrissur enshrines Shiva, Sankaranarayana and Rama and is one of the largest temple complexes in Kerala. The Ettumaanoor Mahadevar temple is one of the triad of Shiva temples associated with the legends related to the demon Khara and is adorned with exquisite murals. The Vaikom Mahadevar temple is a vast temple rich in legend, architecture and festivals.
Shiva is worshipped as the divine physician at the Vaidyanatha temple in Taliparamba. The Rajarajeswara temple at Taliparamba has legends associated with the Ramayana. The Kottayam Tirunakkara Mahadeva temple has Vaikom to its north and Ettumaanur to its south.
The name Ernakulam is said to be derived from a legend related a Shivalingam worshipped by Arjuna. The Kozhikkode Tali temple is an ancient one rich in legend. The Tiruvangad Rama temple is one of the well visited Rama temples in Kerala and is rich in legend and traditions.
The Triprayar Rama temple in the vicinity of Thrissur is an architecturally beautiful temple. The Vilvamala hill temple in Northern Kerala bears shrines dedicated to Rama and Lakshmana. The Sangameswara Koodalmanikyam temple at Irinjalakkuda in Kerala is a one of a kind temple dedicated to Bharata the brother of Rama.
Along with the Navamukunda temple at Tirunavai are located temples dedicated to Shiva and Bhrahma across the Bharatapuzha river. Tiruvalla near Kottayam houses an ancient temple dedicated to Vishnu - Valabbha and is rich in heritage and tradition. The Vamanamurthy temple at Trikakkara near Irinjalakkuda is associated with the Onam festival tradition of Kerala.
The Kumaranallur temple near Kottayam is home to a Bhagawati temple tied through legend with Madurai, Tamilnadu. The Chengannur Mahadeva - Bhagawati temple is a large temple complex rich in legend and tradition. The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur enshrines Bhagawati - considered to be a manifestation of Kannagi of the Tamil epic Silappadikaaram.
The Lakshmana Perumal temple at Moozhikkalam is dedicated to Lakshmana, brother of Rama and has been venerated by the Tamil hymns of the Alwar saints.
The Kerala Temple Index: Browse through this pointer to over one hundred temples of Kerala.
The Southern State of Kerala has much to offer in terms of its hoary temple tradition. Kerala temple architecture is unique, and it is in harmony with the natural resources and the climatic conditions of the region. Elephants are an integral part of several of the festivities. A colorful calendar of festivals and strict worship protocols are associated with the hundreds of temples that line the landscape of Kerala.
Kerala Temple Architecture: What is it that sets the temples of Kerala apart from those elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent? Study Keralite temple architecture.
Kerala Temple History: Experience the old world charm of Kerala temples. Study the origin and evolution of the Keralite temple architecture.
Temples of Kerala associated with the Tamil Alwars - Eleven temples of Kerala are associated with the Tamil Alwar saints of the 1st millennium CE. The Pancha Pandavas and Kerala: Five temples of Kerala are believed to have been built by the Pandava Princes. Aranmula, known for its water carnival is the best known of these. Tiruvanchikkalam and the Tamil Nayanmars: Tiruvanchikkalam has been revered by Sundaramoorthy Nayanar and Cheraman Perumaal of the 1st millennium CE.
The Padmanabhaswamy temple at Tiruvanandapuram is a serene center of worship and a veritable art gallery as well. Sabarimala - where millions converge: Shasta is enshrined in Sabarimala - pilgrimage to which shrine requires austerities.
At Mannaarsaala near Haripad near Trivandrum, a snake grove is held in regard as a place of worship. Tiruvinjikode near Thrissur has four images of Vishnu in a single shrine with the associated legend that they were installed by the Pandava princes. Chotranikkara - Bhagawati Temple: Bhagawati is one of the most worshipped deities in Kerala. Visit this well known Bhagawati temple at Chottanikara.
Guruvayur : The Sree Krishna temple here attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Naraayaneeyam the acclaimed sanskrit classic extols this shrine. The Krishna temple at Trichambaram in Northern Kerala enshrines Krishna, has a rich tradition of festivals. The Ambalappuzha Krishna temple is one of the well known temples dedicated to Krishna in the state of Kerala.
The Krishna temple at Tripunitura near Ernakulam is associated through legend with the Pandava hero Arjuna. The Subramanya temple at Haripad enshrines an imposing image of Skanda. The Udayanapuram Subramanyar temple is closely associated with the Vaikom Mahadevar temple nearby.
The Vadakkunnathar temple at Thrissur enshrines Shiva, Sankaranarayana and Rama and is one of the largest temple complexes in Kerala. The Ettumaanoor Mahadevar temple is one of the triad of Shiva temples associated with the legends related to the demon Khara and is adorned with exquisite murals. The Vaikom Mahadevar temple is a vast temple rich in legend, architecture and festivals.
Shiva is worshipped as the divine physician at the Vaidyanatha temple in Taliparamba. The Rajarajeswara temple at Taliparamba has legends associated with the Ramayana. The Kottayam Tirunakkara Mahadeva temple has Vaikom to its north and Ettumaanur to its south.
The name Ernakulam is said to be derived from a legend related a Shivalingam worshipped by Arjuna. The Kozhikkode Tali temple is an ancient one rich in legend. The Tiruvangad Rama temple is one of the well visited Rama temples in Kerala and is rich in legend and traditions.
The Triprayar Rama temple in the vicinity of Thrissur is an architecturally beautiful temple. The Vilvamala hill temple in Northern Kerala bears shrines dedicated to Rama and Lakshmana. The Sangameswara Koodalmanikyam temple at Irinjalakkuda in Kerala is a one of a kind temple dedicated to Bharata the brother of Rama.
Along with the Navamukunda temple at Tirunavai are located temples dedicated to Shiva and Bhrahma across the Bharatapuzha river. Tiruvalla near Kottayam houses an ancient temple dedicated to Vishnu - Valabbha and is rich in heritage and tradition. The Vamanamurthy temple at Trikakkara near Irinjalakkuda is associated with the Onam festival tradition of Kerala.
The Kumaranallur temple near Kottayam is home to a Bhagawati temple tied through legend with Madurai, Tamilnadu. The Chengannur Mahadeva - Bhagawati temple is a large temple complex rich in legend and tradition. The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur enshrines Bhagawati - considered to be a manifestation of Kannagi of the Tamil epic Silappadikaaram.
The Lakshmana Perumal temple at Moozhikkalam is dedicated to Lakshmana, brother of Rama and has been venerated by the Tamil hymns of the Alwar saints.
The Kerala Temple Index: Browse through this pointer to over one hundred temples of Kerala.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Valluvanad - Central Kerala
Walluvanad was an erstwhile princely state in present state of Kerala in south India extending from the Nila River (Bharathapuzha River) in the south to the Panthaloor Mala in the North. On the west, it was bounded by the Sea at Ponnani and on the east by Attapadi Hills. In malayalam Valluvan Means Pulayans. Nad mean land. So the land of Valluvan (Pulayan) is Valluvanad. History can be interpreted thus.
Capital
The capital of the erstwhile Waluvanad was at the present day town of Angadipuram, which is now famous for its Thirumandhamkunnu Temple. During the British period, the capital was moved to Perinthalmanna, a few km from Angadipuram.
[edit] The State
Walluvanad Rajavamsam is considered to be of very ancient lineage. 'Unnu Neeli Sandesam' and 'Unni Yadi Charithram' contain a mention of Vallabha Kshiti (Home of Vallabha), which, by all indications, is likely to be Walluvanad. There is a belief that Walluvanad Kings are descendants of a Pallava prince "Sreevallabha". He moved the entire family from Srevilliputhur in north Tamilnadu to the area around the Nila River about the year AD 300. The eldest person in the family is called Sree Vallabhan or Valluvakonathiri. In most records, the hierarchy was called Arangot Swaroopam.
The four branches of this family, namely Aripra, Ayiranazhi, Kadannamanna and Mankada are now in Mankada panchayat, Perinthalmanna taluk, Malappuram district.
Among the male members the eldest sthani[1] is titled Valluvakonathiri and the rest four were "Vellalpadu", "Thachalpadu", "Idatharapadu" and "Kulathur Thampuran" respectively. Another sthani is nominated by Valluvakonathiri and is called "Patinharakkara Thampuran". He has rights over some landed property and privileges. The eldest Thampuratti[2] of the family is called "Kulathur Thampuratty" and the next eldest is called "Kadannamootha Thampuratty". These eldest five male members and eldest two female members are eligible for malikhan[3] Apart from this, the eldest female members of each Kovilakom have their own rights and privileges.
Capital
The capital of the erstwhile Waluvanad was at the present day town of Angadipuram, which is now famous for its Thirumandhamkunnu Temple. During the British period, the capital was moved to Perinthalmanna, a few km from Angadipuram.
[edit] The State
Walluvanad Rajavamsam is considered to be of very ancient lineage. 'Unnu Neeli Sandesam' and 'Unni Yadi Charithram' contain a mention of Vallabha Kshiti (Home of Vallabha), which, by all indications, is likely to be Walluvanad. There is a belief that Walluvanad Kings are descendants of a Pallava prince "Sreevallabha". He moved the entire family from Srevilliputhur in north Tamilnadu to the area around the Nila River about the year AD 300. The eldest person in the family is called Sree Vallabhan or Valluvakonathiri. In most records, the hierarchy was called Arangot Swaroopam.
The four branches of this family, namely Aripra, Ayiranazhi, Kadannamanna and Mankada are now in Mankada panchayat, Perinthalmanna taluk, Malappuram district.
Among the male members the eldest sthani[1] is titled Valluvakonathiri and the rest four were "Vellalpadu", "Thachalpadu", "Idatharapadu" and "Kulathur Thampuran" respectively. Another sthani is nominated by Valluvakonathiri and is called "Patinharakkara Thampuran". He has rights over some landed property and privileges. The eldest Thampuratti[2] of the family is called "Kulathur Thampuratty" and the next eldest is called "Kadannamootha Thampuratty". These eldest five male members and eldest two female members are eligible for malikhan[3] Apart from this, the eldest female members of each Kovilakom have their own rights and privileges.
God's own country
kerala
Kerala (Keralam) is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; to its west and south lie the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively. Kerala is one of four states that compose the linguistic-cultural region known as South India.
First settled in the 10th century BCE by speakers of Proto-South Dravidian, Kerala was influenced by the Mauryan Empire. Later, the Cheran kingdom and feudal Namboothiri Brahminical city-states became major powers in the region. Early contact with overseas lands culminated in struggles between colonial and native powers. Finally, the States Reorganisation Act of November 1, 1956 elevated Kerala to statehood. Social reforms enacted in the late 19th century by Cochin and Travancore were expanded upon by post-Independence governments, making Kerala among the Third World's longest-lived, healthiest, most gender-equitable, and most literate regions.
The etymology of Kerala is disputed. The prevailing theory states that it is an imperfect portmanteau that fuses kera ('coconut palm tree') and alam ('land' or 'location'). Natives of Kerala ? Keralites ? thus refer to their land as Keralam. Other theories have the name originating from the phrase chera alam (Land of the Chera). Kerala's tourist industries among others also use the phrase God's own country.
Kerala (Keralam) is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; to its west and south lie the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively. Kerala is one of four states that compose the linguistic-cultural region known as South India.
First settled in the 10th century BCE by speakers of Proto-South Dravidian, Kerala was influenced by the Mauryan Empire. Later, the Cheran kingdom and feudal Namboothiri Brahminical city-states became major powers in the region. Early contact with overseas lands culminated in struggles between colonial and native powers. Finally, the States Reorganisation Act of November 1, 1956 elevated Kerala to statehood. Social reforms enacted in the late 19th century by Cochin and Travancore were expanded upon by post-Independence governments, making Kerala among the Third World's longest-lived, healthiest, most gender-equitable, and most literate regions.
The etymology of Kerala is disputed. The prevailing theory states that it is an imperfect portmanteau that fuses kera ('coconut palm tree') and alam ('land' or 'location'). Natives of Kerala ? Keralites ? thus refer to their land as Keralam. Other theories have the name originating from the phrase chera alam (Land of the Chera). Kerala's tourist industries among others also use the phrase God's own country.
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