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| Palakkad agrahaam, Keralasheilakumar.in |
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| Palakkad agraharam, Kerala. touringwithpk.com |
Agraharams, the traditional settlements of Brahmin families, hold a unique place in the cultural and historical landscape of southern India, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Palakkad:
- Number and Spread: There are 18 agraharams in and around Palakkad town.
- Origins: These settlements date back to the 15th century when Brahmin families from the Cauvery Delta region (mainly from the composite Tanjore district in Tamil Nadu) moved to Kerala.
- Settlement Reasons: The Cochin and other local rulers invited these Brahmins due to disputes with the native Namboodiri Brahmins, who refused to officiate certain royal ceremonies.
- Cultural Significance:
- Kalpathi: Often referred to as ‘Kasipathi,’ Kalpathi is compared to Kashi in North India. The River Bharatapuzha is considered a tributary of the sacred Ganga.
- Temples: Each agraharam typically has a Vishnu and Shiva temple at either end of the street, embodying the concept of ‘agaro harascha harischa’ (temple on either side).
- Festivals: The annual Kalpathi car festival is a major event, drawing over a lakh devotees.
- Intellectual Hub: Palakkad agraharams are known for their intellectual accomplishments, with a strong emphasis on education. Notably, primary schools in villages like Chokkanathapuram date back 120 years. Many students pursued higher education at the Government Victoria College.
- Carnatic Music: The agraharams have produced many outstanding Carnatic musicians, with the temples serving as inspirational settings for this devotional music.
Adaptation and Preservation:
- Modern Adaptations: Originally exclusive Brahmin settlements, many families moved out for better opportunities, with non-Brahmins like Nairs moving in and adapting to agraharam traditions.
- Heritage Sites: The Kerala government has declared agraharams as heritage sites, limiting major architectural changes to preserve their traditional character.
Agraharams in Tamil Nadu
Current State:
- Decline: Unlike in Kerala, agraharams in Tamil Nadu are on the decline. Many, especially near the temple town of Kumbakonam, are in dilapidated condition, with broken tiled homes and damaged structures.
- Reasons for Decline: Post-1970, the political landscape dominated by Dravidian ideology led to an aversion toward the Brahmin community by a small section of people. However, a significant portion of the Tamil population does not support the government's stance and unethical practices toward temple worship.
- The distinct ethos of agraharams, despite modern influences, continues to be preserved in Kerala, showcasing a harmnious blend of tradition and adaptation.
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| Agrahara house, Palakkad, kefala. palakkadwalks.blogspot.com |
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| Agrahram, Palakkad, kerala. mathrubhuminews.in |
https://www.navrangindia.in/2016/01/agraharam-brahmin-community-living.html
https://www.sheilakumar.in/2020/08/travel-palakkad-agraharams/
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