Eerattingal Village in Kerala Famous for the Parayipetta Panthirukulam – the Idea of a Casteless Hindu Society
Parayipetta Panthirukulam is a legend in Kerala which
propagates the idea of a casteless Hindu society. As per the legend a Brahmin
called Vararuchi married Panchami, a Dalit woman, and had 12 children with her.
The children were brought up by families of different caste. Eerattingal Village
is today home to 20 families who are descendents of Pakkanar, one of the
children who was brought up by a backward Paraya family.
The Hindu reports
Eerattingal has a temple dedicated to Pakkanar situated right in the middle of the village. It attracts both believers and people curious about the legend. “During his days, Pakkanar invoked many deities of immense power like Chathan, Odiyan and Bhadrakali. All such forces are still being invoked in the temple. Daily, devotees across the State reach here to perform rituals like Muttarakkal,” says Sreekandan Pakkanar, the main priest of the temple.
Many people believe the temple helps them remove obstacles in life fast.
Modern intrusions will not tamper with the Pakkanar legacy that the village flaunts proudly. Pakkanar Thottam is a popular festival of the Panthirukulam , which is celebrated in alternate years in the month of Kumbham (February–March) in the village.
The Panthirukulam legends are spread in entire Thrithala region. The Brahmin household of Mezhathol Agnihotri, one among the Panthirukulam and hence the brother of Pakkanar, is near the village.