The Kovils of Kerala - An Old and Rare Book

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About the Author

K. K. Moorthy was born in a hamlet of Kolar District, Karnataka, bordering on Chittoor Dt., Andhra Pradesh ... had his Primary School education at Mulakalacheruvu, Chittoor Dt., studied in Madanapalli, Andhra Pradesh till graduation .. a product of Besant Theosophical School and College graduated from Madras University In 1952.

Entered Govt., Service in 1951 ... worked as clerk In Registration Department for a year and a half ... Joined as Graduate Asst. In Dt. Board High School in 1952 ..... worked for three years at Puttur and Piler .. underwent B.Ed. training at Govt. Training College In Kurnool in 1955-56 .. Joined as trained teacher at Kuppam ... obtained two Masterate Degrees n the sister disciplines of Literature - English and Histroy from Banaras Hindu University In 1961 and 1965 ... worked as Special Asst. for 4 years at Z.M.P. Higher Secondary School, Chittoor.

Left for Tamil Nadu College service In 1966 ... worked as Lecturer at G.T N. Arts College, Dindigul from 1966 till retirement In 1984 ... did Research on Byron as part time Research Scholar submitted thesis for Ph. D. Degree to Madurai - Kamaraj University, Madurai ... worked as Prof, and Head of the Department of English at Adhiparaskthi Engineering College, Melmaruvathur, Tamil Nadu ... worked in the Publication Department of no, Tirupati.

Has been contributing articles, Poems, essays, stones etc. to several periodicals both in English and Telugu under different pen names ... authored about 46 books In English and Telugu ....

Introduction

This is Kerala - the land of Parasurama, Here greets our eyes the spiritualism of a kind rare and ritualism of type unique, that exhilirate even the highly evolved souls and wring rich tributes. This long strip of enchanting colourful land lying between the high Western Ghats to its East and the broad expanse of Arabian Sea to the West has many fascinating tales that keep the listeners spell-bound for hours. Nay, years, it patient hearing is assured. Tucked away in the south west corner of the sacred Ind, this small yet mighty state abounds in rich natural resources in the form of ever-green palms, exotic arecanut trees, never-withered bushes, eye-filling twisted creepers and navigable lagoons - a visible manifestation of eternal spring smiling. Amidst that exulting scenery lie the most unostentatious abodes of divinities in numbers countless with glory matchless. By their queer architectural designs and placid sculptural embellishments, they are exuding sublimity through light and sound, emanating from hymns and chants, sung by the devout priests and dedicated asthikas, in praise of the presiding deities round the clock. As they are a class by themselves, they stand as true replica of our age-old spiritualism, despite the corroding influence of materialism brought out by Marxism. There lies its commendable glod and that accounts for the auspicious foundation laid by Bhargavarama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Srimannarayana - the Protector of Universes.

Emergence of this sacred land has a fascinating background - it owes its origin to the irrepressible virtuous indignation of that indomitable Sage Bhargavarama, who created it at the instance of victims of Ratnakara - the Arabian sea. The legend says - once the sea advanced all on a sudden and submerged the entire region called then by the name of Jnanaranya - a favourite retreat of sages and saint-seers. The afflicted approached Parasurama, absorbed then in performing a great yagna to expiate the sin of stamping out Kshatria race. Moved by their pathetic wails, he bade the Sea-god to retreat, lest he would release Agneyastra. The terrified Sea-god meekly agreed to recede to the extent of the land covered by his axe, when hurled into the sea. The potent axe when thrown covered the land mass from Goa-Gokarna to the Cape, now called Kerala. The sea abided anon and the Munikulam forthwith retrieved the last. So it is the gift of Parasurama and the erstwhile tapobhumi of the celebrated sages like Goutama, Atri etc. Little wonder that this priceless heritage is exhibiting the covetable characteristics of head, heart, hand and soul of those illustrious high-souled maharishis, whose soul force could sink even the Everest into the darkest bowels of the Oceaas.

Soon after the reclamation, that immortal Parasurama addressed himself to rebuild, revitalise and reform everything connected with religion - he caused great temples built, codified hymns, created traditions and framed rules and regulations for the maintenance of the houses of worship, besides installing worshipful icons in almost all temples. Moreover, He selected and appointed priests and administrative personnel to work for lokkalyana through prayer services and dance dramas. He travelled widely up and down of the entire state several times and lived at certain places for years, spiritualising the people. At his magnetic touch, the land became sanctified, atmosphere glorified, people spiritualised, and particularly rulers divinised to the extent of dedicating their kingdoms to the Lord of Lords and accepting the trusteeship as exemplified by the existence of Padmanabhadasas in this sacred land.

Though the abodes of gods are modest in dimensions and sublime in exterior, their interior is so, divinising that it electrifies the true bhaktas without exception. The austerity and piety breaking through the rituals observed and festivals conducted have become such a standard specimen that the highly developed godmen poured out their souls in ecstatic raptures when visited. Here is a gem of panergy coming from no. less a person than Gandhiji, the Father of Nation, testifying to their glory and uniqueness. It begins - “I visited temples before in North India, but had not done so in a devout spirit, and they had failed to stir me. But the majestic Kerala temples spoke to me. Every carving, every little image, every little oil-lamp had a meaning for me”. Undoubtedly all is due to the alchemy of Bhargavarama, Hats off to this holy land for inheriting, imbibing and implementing, and above all retaining those ennobling traditions, although the western political thought has been making the administrative machinery scrape its exterior a little bit now and then.

What then about the people - the sons of that sacred soil? Strangely enough, spectacular achievements themselves awaited their touch and application; for, their tenacity is exemplary, enterprising ardour, unexcelled, and intellectural brilliance superb. Above all, their versatality, agility and luminosity are second to none but to themselves. So is their mobility. Hence is their presence everywhere and anywhere in some career or other in the four corners of the world. Their integrity and sincerity adorned Bharatamata's diadem with colourful diamonds. Hence winning of glittering feahers from the highest statesmen such as Jawaharlal Nehru, whose tongue used to grow eloquent whenever he met them. He honoured them fittingly with high posts and responsible jobs. Here is his ejaculation, and note the tone of his appreciation of both the land and its people. “I have left a bit of heart here, because of beauty of the land and its beautiful people. I shall come again”. He went again and again and elevated them both. Into such land we are entering and with such people we are going to contact for mental elevation and physical exhiliration. Say, for spiritual communion first and last. Allow me a minute then to, thank those responsible for enabling me to unlock this golden chest for your benefit.

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