Guptan
Encyclopedia
Guptan is a Hindu caste from the Palakkad
district of Kerala
, South India
. The majority of the Guptans are in Valluvanad, with major agglomerations around Vayillyamkunnu, Katambazhippuram, Sreekrishnapuram
, Chethallur
and Mannarkkad
. Many Sanskrit
scholars and popular astrologers originated from this community.
Male members are identified by their family (Tharavad) name and female members move in with their husband's family after marriage and keep the husband's family name. The title "Guptan" is common after middle age. Married female members were earlier addressed as "AkathaaL" (in short as "Thaal" - means the person lives inside the house)and with time, the suffix transformed to "Ammal" and later to Amma and Gupta.
area and approached Samoothiri (Zamorin) of Kozhikkode (Calicut)for land. They had the same test with Zamorin. But King Zamorin got annoyed of their sitting and asked his minister " Mangattachan" to check the pot. After finding the golden powder in the pot Zamorin appraised of their cleverness but to check their integrity, asked them to come again next day. To test them, Zamorin made the sitting place muddy but they again sat there after spreading a cloth, though it was muddy. After this, the king understood it was not that they did not want to respect the king but it was their habit . Impressed up on their intelligence and straight forwardness, Samoothiri gave permission to build 'nagarams' (at places they liked) and sent pathinaayirathil nair - The chieftain who can arrange that much warriors on demand by zamorin - along with them and asked them to meet the king after construction of their Kuladevatha temples. They built four 'nagarams' called Puthanangadi, Thiruvazhiyode, Mangod and Vayillyamkunnu (current names Chethallur
, Thiruvazhiyode / sreekrishnapuram, Mangod and Katampazhippuram respectively) for cultivation and trade. After construction of temples, they met samoothiri along with their acharya. Impressed by the acharya's sivapooja and devotion, Samoothiri gave more land and arranged adiyantharakkar for them (the temple constructed for those adiyanthirakkar - "kammalasserykkaavu" is still there near Thiruvazhiyode) but as per the local tradition, samoothiri restricted the wearing of poonool (the sacred thread) to upanayanam & marriage time only and later the tradition has been discontinued.
District of Kerala
)is still holding the title Nayanar and they are one of the "ooralan"s to the "Thiruvaraykkal" Bhagavathy Temple. Thiruvazhiyode nagaram was considered the "Melnagaram" among the four nagarams and the tradition of giving "Nagarappanam" to Thiruvazhiyode group during marriage (if any one of bride-groom is from Thiruvazhiyode)was followed in earlier days. This ritual was to mark respect for the "Aadi Nayanar".
The name Guptan was assigned to this group belonging to valluvanad region, by Zamorin(being vaisya and part of "Thraivarnnikam" ) through Punnasseri Nambi Neelakanta Sharma
(earlier addressed as Moothan(Moothavan meaning elder) and sometimes as Ezhssan(Ezhuthachan), Menon (Melavan - a position in village), Andaar (Andavan), etc.). The title was initially started using at Punnassery Namby Gurukulam (Saraswathodyodini), Pattambi where prominent Sanskrit scholor and astrologer CK Krishna Guptan was the beloved disciple of Sri Nambi . Later Guptans became part of the history of valluvanadan area. DESAYANAM published by samabhavini books - which narrates the history of Vayillyamkunnu desam of pre-independence era - gives more details about Guptans and their history.
In the family goddess (paradevatha) concept, each Guptan family is attached to one of the three Bhagavathi
Temples , viz. Panamkurussi( Chethallur
) , Vayillyamkunnu( Kadampazhippuram) and Thiruruvaraykkal ( Thiruvazhiyode ) situated in erstwhile valluvanad area of the Palakkad District
. Vayillyamkunnu Bhagavathy temple is considered as one of the three Thirumandhamkunnu Temples along with Angadippuram & Kongad,. A story related to Samoothiri( Zamorin ) about the power of Panamkurussy Bhagavathy on the way to Karimpuzha
is still popular in Chethallur
area. The other Nagara temple of "Mangode" is attached to related community "Tharakan". Moothan
s of Palakkad
town & Mannadiyars of Nenmara & Kollengode are other similar community groups related to them. Though there are slight differences in traditions and customs and the legend behind the origin of Guptans from these groups, marriages are taking place between them nowadays.
, Mannampetta, Pulappetta, Peringode, Kongad, Karimba, Karakurussi, Pallikkurup, ThachamparaMannarkkad
, Thachanattukara, Attasseri, Edathanattukara
, Chethallur
,etc.
Food habits of Guptans are a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Though many women still prefer to be vegetarian but men are mostly non- vegetarians(mainly fish & chicken). Other than the normal Hindu festivals like Onam
, Vishu
& Thiruvathira
, another special festival related to Onam, 'POTTA THIRUVONAM' (on the day of Thiruvonam star coming in the malayalam month of 'thulam') used to be celebrated in olden days mainly for showing the sister's affection to their brothers - similar to the concept of Rakhi
of North India. One major occasion of family get together of these groups are during the annual temple 'pooram'(പൂരം) festival of their respective paradevatha temples.
system is not in this community and rather a tradition of giving ONAPPUDAVA (ഓണപ്പുടവ) - giving clothes - by groom to the relatives (of both bride & groom) is still followed during marriage as part of taking blessings from elders.
Marriage is normally called "PAANIGRAHANAM" ( പാണീഗ്രഹണം )and it is a simple function nowadays (earlier marriage was eventful for four days and groom used to travel to bride's house on an elephant). Today's marriages are for one day and some major customs still followed are "AYIRU UNNAL(AYINIOONU)- having a feast (for groom and his aid, normally brother-in-law)before starting from the house, KUDA PIDIYKKAL - groom's aid will hold umbrella till they reach bride's house irrespective of the weather and "Nadhaswaram" - treated as sacred music will be accompanied , THALAPPOLI - receiving function at bride's residence(marriage hall)by girls with a tray of flowers and oil lamp, KAALU KAZHUKAL - Bride's younger brother will clean the groom's feet while receiving him to the mandapam, THALIKETTU (solemn Vow)- Tying the thali
chain in the bride's neck and exchange of rings there after , PAANIGRAHANAM (accepting the bride by taking holy vows)- Bride's uncle( or father)will perform the "kanya daanam" by keeping the hand of bride into the hand of groom and AGNI PRADHAKSHINAM - after holding the hands mutually by a knot of their small fingers, groom and bride together move around the "Vivaha-homa agni"-the sacred fire.
Kaikottikkali, an important art form by women folk used to be performed in bride's house(previous night of starting of the marriage) and groom's residence (on the final day of marriage after receiving bride & groom )in olden days. Elite class used to conduct Kathakali
too. 'Palum Pazhavum' ( feeding sweet milk and banana after marriage) and 'Kavukeral'( visiting their respective paradevatha temples after 7 days of marriage) are other customs related to marriage.
or in a near by river on 10th day or after an year.
Guptans were mingled well with other communities in the region and they are not organized well as a community ,earlier as well as today. Some initiative took place in the direction of caste cohesion during 1980s when 'Arya Vaisya Samajam' was launched and later it became 'Guptan Sevana Samajam' and it works for the welfare of the members by promoting academic excellence,etc. 'Aryayogam Matrimonial Services' is another initiative in the social front today.
Palakkad
Palakkad , formerly known as Palghat, is a municipality and a town in the state of Kerala in southern India, spread over an area of 26.60 km2.The city is situated about north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram. It is the administrative headquarters of Palakkad District...
district of Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
, South India
South India
South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
. The majority of the Guptans are in Valluvanad, with major agglomerations around Vayillyamkunnu, Katambazhippuram, Sreekrishnapuram
Sreekrishnapuram
Sreekrishnapuram is a small village near Cherpulassery in Palakkad District of Kerala State, South India. The village was once the seat of Nedunganad Rulers. Later on Eralpad Raja, the second Raja of Zamoorin defeated the Nedungadies and annexed it to their principality.- Language & Religion :The...
, Chethallur
Chethallur
Chethallur is an Indian village situated in Palakkad District of Kerala. The population of the village is around 5000. This village attained the media interest recently, because of the construction of the new muriyankanni bridge. This bridge may reduce the calicut- palakkad distance by around...
and Mannarkkad
Mannarkkad
Mannarkkad , formerly known as Mannarghat is a town in Palakkad district of Kerala State, South India. It is the headquarters of Mannarkkad Taluk, and is one of the largest revenue Taluks in Kerala. It is situated 40 km north-east of the district headquarters Palakkad, on the way to...
. Many Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
scholars and popular astrologers originated from this community.
Etymology
The name Guptan is derived from the Sanskrit word Gupta "protected, secret". It also denotes the position in society.Gothram
Guptans belong to Kailasa Gothram. Agriculture and business were their traditional ways of earning a living in times past. They follow Makkathaayam traditions and the after death pollution time (Pula )for family members is 10 days.Male members are identified by their family (Tharavad) name and female members move in with their husband's family after marriage and keep the husband's family name. The title "Guptan" is common after middle age. Married female members were earlier addressed as "AkathaaL" (in short as "Thaal" - means the person lives inside the house)and with time, the suffix transformed to "Ammal" and later to Amma and Gupta.
Legend
There are some details available about the origin of this community - in 'KOTTICHEZHUNNALLATH' (The first programme used to be conducted by Samoothiri(Zamorin) kings after swearing on ceremony of each Eralppad- second in command - to establish their control over the region.The last KOTTICHEZHUNNALLATH was believed to be held in 1909 ). It points to the era way back to 13th- 14th century which says about the asylum of a minister and his men from a local kingdom in the bank of river Kaveri of then Cholamandalam - to the king of Calicut (Kozhikkode) - The dispute arose from the decision of local king to marry the clever daughter of the minister who had found out a solution for a burning issue which was haunting the minister for days together. The legend - The issue was to make a necklace within 41 days, by a bowl of special pearls which was gifted by some traders to the king. Being curved holes inside, many had tried and failed. The intelligent daughter of the minister in her teenage could succeed in it with the help of some ants by using a ghee applied thread. Impressed up on the intelligence of the girl, the king wanted to marry her, but the local king being inferior in caste, the minister and his fellows were not happy. The angry king gave ultimatum for accepting the marriage or all vaisyas to leave the kingdom. Around 7,200 vaisya families left choladesam and were segregated in nine groups and travelled towards west including cheranaadu. As they had a bitter experience of living in a kingdom where they could not get the justice from their king, they decided to settle in a Desom(place) where the ruling king has got vision and justice. To know that, they used to present a pot filled with golden powder inside but a layer of sugar on top. They were habitual to sit in front of the king and after giving the pot, they request the king to give them land for living. Normally the kings used to reject their request by thinking it was foolish to give them land in lieu of sugar. Finally they have reached to WalluvanadWalluvanad
This article is about an erstwhile Nair feudal state in Kerala, India, for ancient Dravidian people of Valluvar, see Valluvar or Valluvanadu...
area and approached Samoothiri (Zamorin) of Kozhikkode (Calicut)for land. They had the same test with Zamorin. But King Zamorin got annoyed of their sitting and asked his minister " Mangattachan" to check the pot. After finding the golden powder in the pot Zamorin appraised of their cleverness but to check their integrity, asked them to come again next day. To test them, Zamorin made the sitting place muddy but they again sat there after spreading a cloth, though it was muddy. After this, the king understood it was not that they did not want to respect the king but it was their habit . Impressed up on their intelligence and straight forwardness, Samoothiri gave permission to build 'nagarams' (at places they liked) and sent pathinaayirathil nair - The chieftain who can arrange that much warriors on demand by zamorin - along with them and asked them to meet the king after construction of their Kuladevatha temples. They built four 'nagarams' called Puthanangadi, Thiruvazhiyode, Mangod and Vayillyamkunnu (current names Chethallur
Chethallur
Chethallur is an Indian village situated in Palakkad District of Kerala. The population of the village is around 5000. This village attained the media interest recently, because of the construction of the new muriyankanni bridge. This bridge may reduce the calicut- palakkad distance by around...
, Thiruvazhiyode / sreekrishnapuram, Mangod and Katampazhippuram respectively) for cultivation and trade. After construction of temples, they met samoothiri along with their acharya. Impressed by the acharya's sivapooja and devotion, Samoothiri gave more land and arranged adiyantharakkar for them (the temple constructed for those adiyanthirakkar - "kammalasserykkaavu" is still there near Thiruvazhiyode) but as per the local tradition, samoothiri restricted the wearing of poonool (the sacred thread) to upanayanam & marriage time only and later the tradition has been discontinued.
Historical Background
It is believed that the groups mainly consisting of Guptans along with members of Tharakan community reached valluvanad were of Eralpuram , Adithyapuram, Paschimapuram & Ramapuram nagarams under the leadership of the minister SANKARA NAYANAR ( belonging to Eralpuram nagaram)and they took their kuladevatha (Goddess) Bhagavathy and acharya Gyanasivacharya along with them.. The senior most member of the "Sankarath" family in Thiruvazhiyode (near Ottappalam in PalakkadPalakkad
Palakkad , formerly known as Palghat, is a municipality and a town in the state of Kerala in southern India, spread over an area of 26.60 km2.The city is situated about north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram. It is the administrative headquarters of Palakkad District...
District of Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
)is still holding the title Nayanar and they are one of the "ooralan"s to the "Thiruvaraykkal" Bhagavathy Temple. Thiruvazhiyode nagaram was considered the "Melnagaram" among the four nagarams and the tradition of giving "Nagarappanam" to Thiruvazhiyode group during marriage (if any one of bride-groom is from Thiruvazhiyode)was followed in earlier days. This ritual was to mark respect for the "Aadi Nayanar".
The name Guptan was assigned to this group belonging to valluvanad region, by Zamorin(being vaisya and part of "Thraivarnnikam" ) through Punnasseri Nambi Neelakanta Sharma
Punnasseri Nambi Neelakanta Sharma
Punnasseri Nambi Neelakanta Sharma was a renowned Sanskrit scholar and teacher of Kerala, India. He was born on June 17, 1858 in Pattambi in Palakkad district to a Moosad family, Narayanan Nambi and Achuthath Nangayya Antharjanam...
(earlier addressed as Moothan(Moothavan meaning elder) and sometimes as Ezhssan(Ezhuthachan), Menon (Melavan - a position in village), Andaar (Andavan), etc.). The title was initially started using at Punnassery Namby Gurukulam (Saraswathodyodini), Pattambi where prominent Sanskrit scholor and astrologer CK Krishna Guptan was the beloved disciple of Sri Nambi . Later Guptans became part of the history of valluvanadan area. DESAYANAM published by samabhavini books - which narrates the history of Vayillyamkunnu desam of pre-independence era - gives more details about Guptans and their history.
Religion and Hereditary
As Guptans are of Kailasa Gothram, it is considered that they belong to "Saivite" group. And Durga(Parasakthi)of "Ardhanareeswara" concept of Lord Siva was predominant and reflected in their traditions and customs. "Saktheya" upasana was very common in Guptan families in olden days. It was a tradition to conduct Saktheya pooja (Bhuvaneswari pooja)once in a year in each family earlier, for overall prosperity and still some families are following this tradition. Suryanarayanan Ezhuthachan and his nephew Devaguru - Thunchan's beloved disciples- were performing Saktheya pooja and their successors of Chozhiyath family of Mangalamkunnu (near Ottappalam ) perform Saktheya poojas even now.The usage of Thunchath, Chozhiyath, Chokkath by locals were popular in this area till second half of 20th century.In the family goddess (paradevatha) concept, each Guptan family is attached to one of the three Bhagavathi
Bhagavathi
Bhagavathi or Bhagavati is the general way people refer to the Hindu goddesses in Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra states of India. It can be used to refer any of the Hindu goddesses like Durga, Kannaki, Parvati, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kali...
Temples , viz. Panamkurussi( Chethallur
Chethallur
Chethallur is an Indian village situated in Palakkad District of Kerala. The population of the village is around 5000. This village attained the media interest recently, because of the construction of the new muriyankanni bridge. This bridge may reduce the calicut- palakkad distance by around...
) , Vayillyamkunnu( Kadampazhippuram) and Thiruruvaraykkal ( Thiruvazhiyode ) situated in erstwhile valluvanad area of the Palakkad District
Palakkad district
Palakkad District is one of the 14 districts of the Indian state of Kerala. The city of Palakkad is the district headquarters. Palakkad is bordered on the northwest by the Malappuram District, on the southwest by the Thrissur District and on the east by Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. The...
. Vayillyamkunnu Bhagavathy temple is considered as one of the three Thirumandhamkunnu Temples along with Angadippuram & Kongad,. A story related to Samoothiri( Zamorin ) about the power of Panamkurussy Bhagavathy on the way to Karimpuzha
Karimpuzha
Karimpuzha is a village in Ottapalam taluk, Palakkad district. The Karimpuzha River is one of the tributaries of the Bharathapuzha River. Bharathapuzha is the fourth longest riverin Kerala, south India. A famous Sree Rama Swamy Temple is situated on the banks of this River. Temple was owned by...
is still popular in Chethallur
Chethallur
Chethallur is an Indian village situated in Palakkad District of Kerala. The population of the village is around 5000. This village attained the media interest recently, because of the construction of the new muriyankanni bridge. This bridge may reduce the calicut- palakkad distance by around...
area. The other Nagara temple of "Mangode" is attached to related community "Tharakan". Moothan
Moothan
Moothans are a community in Palakkad district of Kerala state who primarily engage in trade. The majority of the community is spread in the Moothanthara region of Palakkad town. Moothans are known in Palakkad under caste names like Moothan and its sub-castes like Guptan and similar castes like...
s of Palakkad
Palakkad
Palakkad , formerly known as Palghat, is a municipality and a town in the state of Kerala in southern India, spread over an area of 26.60 km2.The city is situated about north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram. It is the administrative headquarters of Palakkad District...
town & Mannadiyars of Nenmara & Kollengode are other similar community groups related to them. Though there are slight differences in traditions and customs and the legend behind the origin of Guptans from these groups, marriages are taking place between them nowadays.
Demography
Guptan population is spread within Palakkad district only. The major pockets being Katampazhippuram, Mangalamkunnu, Thiruvazhiyode, Punchapadam, SreekrishnapuramSreekrishnapuram
Sreekrishnapuram is a small village near Cherpulassery in Palakkad District of Kerala State, South India. The village was once the seat of Nedunganad Rulers. Later on Eralpad Raja, the second Raja of Zamoorin defeated the Nedungadies and annexed it to their principality.- Language & Religion :The...
, Mannampetta, Pulappetta, Peringode, Kongad, Karimba, Karakurussi, Pallikkurup, ThachamparaMannarkkad
Mannarkkad
Mannarkkad , formerly known as Mannarghat is a town in Palakkad district of Kerala State, South India. It is the headquarters of Mannarkkad Taluk, and is one of the largest revenue Taluks in Kerala. It is situated 40 km north-east of the district headquarters Palakkad, on the way to...
, Thachanattukara, Attasseri, Edathanattukara
Edathanattukara
Edathanattukara is a village in Palakkad District, Kerala, India.-History:There are differences of opinion about the origin of the village's name. The Edathanattukara is derived from the word kara. The ancient people had witnessed that it got the name because it is situated in between northern...
, Chethallur
Chethallur
Chethallur is an Indian village situated in Palakkad District of Kerala. The population of the village is around 5000. This village attained the media interest recently, because of the construction of the new muriyankanni bridge. This bridge may reduce the calicut- palakkad distance by around...
,etc.
Life Style & Ocuppation
Guptans were traditionally farmers and agriculture was their main way of earning livelihoods in olden days. Families without even a small paddy field was very rare in those times . The cross section of the community was a blend, ranging from poor farmers to big feudal land lords. Most of their houses were called "Kalam" (കളം)which means the place for after - harvesting activities of paddy. After the land reforms, the attraction of agriculture was in the downward trend and some have shifted to plantation field and later focused on education, business and service sectors. Teaching was the most popular profession in earlier days among the community and many prominent Teachers with their proud disciples had positively contributed towards the improvement of their community as well as the society in general. Today's generations are more focused on professional education and many have excelled in the fields of Engineering, Medical Science, Robotics, Space Technology, Computer Software, etc. But there is almost a vacuum in the area of political and civil administration.Food habits of Guptans are a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Though many women still prefer to be vegetarian but men are mostly non- vegetarians(mainly fish & chicken). Other than the normal Hindu festivals like Onam
Onam
Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It falls during the month of Chingam and lasts for ten days...
, Vishu
Vishu
Vishu is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, usually on April 14 of the Gregorian calendar. This occasion signifies the Sun's transit into the Mesha Raasi , according to Indian astrological calculations, and represents the vernal equinox...
& Thiruvathira
Thiruvathira
Thiruvathira is a Hindu festival celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala on the full moon day of the month of Dhanu . The festival commemorates the death of Kamadeva, the Hindu god of love...
, another special festival related to Onam, 'POTTA THIRUVONAM' (on the day of Thiruvonam star coming in the malayalam month of 'thulam') used to be celebrated in olden days mainly for showing the sister's affection to their brothers - similar to the concept of Rakhi
Rakhi
Raksha Bandhan , , , or Rakhi , is a festival primarily observed in India, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. It is also called Rakhi Purnima in certain parts of India, like the south. The festival is observed by Hindus and Jains...
of North India. One major occasion of family get together of these groups are during the annual temple 'pooram'(പൂരം) festival of their respective paradevatha temples.
Marriage Customs & Traditions
Guptans' marriage related processes start from "Ashtamangalyam" (അഷ്ടമംഗല്യം) function- the engagement at bride's residence. After horoscope matching, on the day of "Ashtamangalyam", a "Thamboola Prasnam" - astrological prediction based on Beettle leaves and Deepam (oil lamp) - will be conducted as a ritual and results of the "Prasna" will be interpreted to all relatives assembled there.(This is to take remedial measures and precautions for hurdles foreseen in the future married life, if any.). Other customs connected to this function are tying of horoscopes of bride & groom together symbolically for the fixation of marriage and "Pon veykkal" ( presenting Gold ornament to bride)by Groom's relatives (normally sister of groom) followed by feast. DowryDowry
A dowry is the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings forth to the marriage. It contrasts with bride price, which is paid to the bride's parents, and dower, which is property settled on the bride herself by the groom at the time of marriage. The same culture may simultaneously practice both...
system is not in this community and rather a tradition of giving ONAPPUDAVA (ഓണപ്പുടവ) - giving clothes - by groom to the relatives (of both bride & groom) is still followed during marriage as part of taking blessings from elders.
Marriage is normally called "PAANIGRAHANAM" ( പാണീഗ്രഹണം )and it is a simple function nowadays (earlier marriage was eventful for four days and groom used to travel to bride's house on an elephant). Today's marriages are for one day and some major customs still followed are "AYIRU UNNAL(AYINIOONU)- having a feast (for groom and his aid, normally brother-in-law)before starting from the house, KUDA PIDIYKKAL - groom's aid will hold umbrella till they reach bride's house irrespective of the weather and "Nadhaswaram" - treated as sacred music will be accompanied , THALAPPOLI - receiving function at bride's residence(marriage hall)by girls with a tray of flowers and oil lamp, KAALU KAZHUKAL - Bride's younger brother will clean the groom's feet while receiving him to the mandapam, THALIKETTU (solemn Vow)- Tying the thali
Thali
Thali is a Western, Central, and North-Western Indian meal with contents varying from one region to another. More usual and famous thalis are Maharashtrian, Gujarati and Rajasthani. A thali is a selection of different dishes, usually served in small bowls on a round tray. The round tray is...
chain in the bride's neck and exchange of rings there after , PAANIGRAHANAM (accepting the bride by taking holy vows)- Bride's uncle( or father)will perform the "kanya daanam" by keeping the hand of bride into the hand of groom and AGNI PRADHAKSHINAM - after holding the hands mutually by a knot of their small fingers, groom and bride together move around the "Vivaha-homa agni"-the sacred fire.
Kaikottikkali, an important art form by women folk used to be performed in bride's house(previous night of starting of the marriage) and groom's residence (on the final day of marriage after receiving bride & groom )in olden days. Elite class used to conduct Kathakali
Kathakali
Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion...
too. 'Palum Pazhavum' ( feeding sweet milk and banana after marriage) and 'Kavukeral'( visiting their respective paradevatha temples after 7 days of marriage) are other customs related to marriage.
Birth Related Rituals
On birth of a child in the family, the main rituals are 'Irupathettu' - the first birth day (star) as per lunar calender (28th day after birth) and 'Choroon' (ചോറൂണ്)- first feeding of food (annaprasam)in 6th month along with child's naming ceremony. Shashtipoorthy (ഷഷ്ഠിപൂര്ത്തി)- 60th birthday & Sathabhishekam(ശതാഭിഷേകം)- seeing of 1000 full moon/84th birth day, are celebrated widely .Death Rituals
Guptans observe 10 days of defilement (pula- after death pollution time). After cremation (buriel in olden days), the eldest son will follow deeksha for these days (or for a mandalam - 41 days or an year). On 9th day is 'Athazha oottu' and on 10th day , 'Sanchayanam' - collection of bones of the demised person- followed by 'Baliitharppanam' by 'seshakriyakkar' . 'Nimanjanam' of the collected bones will be done at Thirunelli , ThirunavayaThirunavaya
Thirunavaya is a small village in Malappuram district of Kerala, south India. This village is famed as the theatre of the Mamankam festival held in the Thirunavaya Temple on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River....
or in a near by river on 10th day or after an year.
Cultural and Social Heritage
Vayillyamkunnu was one of the major cultural centers in south malabar during pre-independence era due to the excellence of many Sanskrit scholars in the area. It is believed that great Thunchan & Sree Punnassery Nambi had blessed this place because of the presence their beloved disciples. The community has produced a number of Sanskrit scholors in the past. " Balasubhodini" of vayillyamkunnu under CK Krishna Guptan (also known as Kutty Ezhuthachan )was the nodal center for Sanskrit education in that region ( later grown as Oriental college of Sanskrit under Madras university and closed down in 1947 due to shortage of students.Guptans were mingled well with other communities in the region and they are not organized well as a community ,earlier as well as today. Some initiative took place in the direction of caste cohesion during 1980s when 'Arya Vaisya Samajam' was launched and later it became 'Guptan Sevana Samajam' and it works for the welfare of the members by promoting academic excellence,etc. 'Aryayogam Matrimonial Services' is another initiative in the social front today.
Prominent Guptans
- [SURYA NARAYANAN EZHUTHACHAN] - Thunchan's beloved disciple and author of Chintharathnam Kilippaattu
- [DEVAGURU - THEVU EZHUTHACHAN] - Thunchan's beloved disciple, SURYA NARAYANAN's nephew and author of Vijnjanarathnam kilippaattu
- [KUTTY EZHUTHACHAN] - CK Krishna Guptan - Astrology and Sanskrit Scholar
- [MRIDANANDA SWAMIKAL] - AP Kutta Guptan - Spiritual & Sanskrit scholar,Ex President -Sree Ramakrishna Madom, Thrissur.
- [CK APPU KUTTY GUPTAN] - Sanskrit scholar & Editor of "Jayakeralam" ( ജയകേരളം)] published from Madras.
- [MK APPUKUNHA GUPTAN]- Gandhian, khadi movement activist and donor.
- [PA SANKARAN]- Ex MLA (1965) - Leader of CPI / Bolshevik Party
- [CNS GUPTAN] - Social activist, poet
- PROF. V NARAYANAN KUTTY - Ex State President - AKPCTA
- RAVI GUPTAN - Cine Director - Ormmakale Vidatharoo fame.
- RK GUPTAN - Former Director and Deputy Finance Advicer to Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
- PULIYATH KRISHNAN KUTTY GUPTAN - Famous Astrologer,Ganitha visarad,"Bharatha Panchangam" fame, Nostradaumus Award winner.
- Dr AMBALATH BALA GUPTAN - Entrepreneur and mentor of Santhinikethan, Bangalore.
- EP BHASKARA GUPTAN - Academician, historian and author of DESAYANAM - historical travalogue on Vayillyamkunnu desam.
- Dr C SUBRAMANNIAN - Former General Manager, HAL Bangalore and winner of Bharatheeya Siromani Puraskaar
- Dr SUNIL NARAYAN - Neuroscientist - Professor at JIPMER - Pondicherry
- Dr PRAHLAD VADAKKEPAT - Robotic scientist - FIRA founder secretary - Associate Professor - NUS, Singapore
- P ARAVINDAKSHAN - Dy Project director - ISRO, Blr, ISRO award winner 2007.