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| Perunthattan family of Payyannur, Kannur |
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Like
the sweet pudding of Ambalappuzha temple and the mirror of Aranmula, the
‘Pavithra’ ring of Payyannur is a trademark article of Kerala whose
fame has spread across the mountains and seas.
If the ‘Pavithra’ ring used for rites is made of darbha grass,
the Payyannur ring is made of gold with the characteristic knot in place.
And there is a legend how the Perunthattan family of Payyannur
came to be vested with the responsibility of manufacturing these rings.
During
the reinstallation of deity at the Subrahmanya temple destroyed during the
campaign of Tipu Sultan, none from the priest’s family could reach the
temple at the required time.
But a Brahmin boy, who claimed he was coming from Tharanelloor,
reached the temple at the right time and completed the tantrik rites like
an experienced priest.
The young priest had got a golden ‘Pavithra’ ring made by the
Perunthattan of Chovvattu Valappu.
Thus the responsibility of making such rings came to be vested with
the Perunthattan family.
Though
there are strict do’s and don’t’s prescribed for persons wearing the
ring, the Payyannur ring has demand among celebrities and politicians
thanks to its supposed ability to represent the Trinity and to awaken the
kundalini energy.
The
severity of the penance-like austerities required of the manufacturers,
the rather poor monetary benefit from the venture etc have resulted in
only a few persons taking up the work in the Perunthattan family.
At present Dayanandan, Sivadasan and Jayachandran, all sons of
freedom fighter C.Kunjambu, carry on the family tradition.
“We
are able to give the ring only 2 or 3 years after it is ordered.
Because of the heavy backlog, we haven’t taken up any orders this
year,” says Dayanandan.“
Courtesy: Beena Mohan, Vanitha, November 15-30, 1994
Contributed by: Administrator
