Bridging yesterday and today

Narakathara family was granted special privileges by Marthanda Varma for helping the King in his battle against his enemies

November 07, 2014 05:09 pm | Updated November 08, 2014 01:48 pm IST - Thiruvananthapuram

The thekkath and the thatched  ettukettu of Narakathara Veedu at Edayar in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: Sharat Sunder Rajeev

The thekkath and the thatched ettukettu of Narakathara Veedu at Edayar in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: Sharat Sunder Rajeev

Edayar, a small island near the Thiruvallam Parasurama temple in Thiruvananthapuram, still boasts a picturesque rural setting. It was once dotted with such lush green patches that sustained an agrarian lifestyle. A bridge that links the island to the mainland is the only noticeable ‘modern intrusion’ in Edayar. As one penetrates into the cool shade offered by the coconut grove, an ancient padippura becomes visible. The padippura leads to the residential complex of the Narakathara Veedu, a prominent Ezhava house in the region.

The residential complex comprises a sizable ettukettu (traditional architecture of Kerala consisting of eight halls with two central courtyards), a thekkath, and a Devi temple. A small pond, minor shrines, and the Naga idols can be seen in the grove to the east of the complex.

“The house in its heyday had a double-storied malika too,” says Balachandran, who resides there with his wife, Geetha. The house and the associated structures are nearly two centuries old; in the gable of the shrine is carved the year 994 M.E., which corresponds to 1819 A.D. “Our family gained prominence during the time of the revered patriarch, Narakathara Narayanan, who is said to have assisted Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma in his war against the Ettuvettil Pillamar,” adds Balachandran.

According to popular family tradition, Narayanan, a skilled warrior, and master of occult, had sheltered young Varma under his roof. In gratitude, Marthanda Varma, when he became the King, granted special privileges to the Narakathara family. “Marthanda Varma conferred upon us the right to construct two temporary sheds for the Arattu ceremony, and also, the honour to offer the cloth for the ceremonial flag and the rope at Parasurama temple. Every year, we take to the temple, the cloth, using which the flag is made for the festival,” says Balachandran. Also during the festival at Parasurama temple, Narakathara family conducts special pujas in the family ‘thekkath’. Years later, the house was blessed by Narayana Guru’s visit. Then there was no bridge and the Guru had to get into a boat to reach the island.

In olden days, the family followed the practice of Marumakkathayam (system of matrilineal inheritance) and in every generation, the elder male of the family donned the role of the karanavar (head of the family). The family owned extensive farmlands, and it was the duty of the karanavar to look after the family property, temple, and the day-to-day household dealings. The present karanavar is B. Ramachandran.

The life and times of Narakathara Narayanan, the early patriarch of the family is shrouded in mystery. In oral accounts, Narayanan, attributed with mysterious powers, becomes an elusive character. It is said that Narayanan had secretly kept inside his body a powerful charm which made him invincible. However, when he was trapped by his foes at Muttalakuzhi near Punchakari, he realised that there was no escape and threw away the charm. Taking advantage of this, Narayanan’s enemies fell upon him and killed him. In Muttalakuzhi, the spot where he is believed to have fallen is marked by a small temple. The charm is supposed to have fallen in front of the Narakathara Veedu and later the family members constructed a shrine to pay homage to their ancestor.

(This write-up is based on an interview with Balachandran and his wife, Geetha.)

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