THUNDATHIL family of Vazhoor
THUNDATHIL family of Vazhoor,
Kottayam ,Kerala

Vellalas from Kumbhakonam in Tamilnadu, migrated to Central Travancore, about 300 years back. One Vaidyalingam Arumugham Pillai was the Accountant (Kanakka Pillai) of one of the Tulu Brahmins of Kottakkakam near Thazhathangadi, Kottayam near the old Thali Temple. . Around ME 1000 (AD 1825) he married Lakshmi Amma, daughter of Harinatha Pillai of "Kunnemakkal" house situated near present SVRVNSS High School, Theerthapadapuram, Vazhoor. The couple shifted to "Thundathil" near 17th mile of K. K.Road in Vazhoor. Their later generations are the Vellalas, now live in Kanam,Vazhoor, Anickadu Kudayathoor, Vadasserikara, Kudayathoor, Erumely etc-
( Ref: Document # 1086 / ME 1092 & that of ME 1099 Makaram 3rd of Office of Sirasthadar, Kanjirappally).
The couple had two sons-
Vaidyalingam and Sankara Narayanan alias Nalla Pillai.
Vaidyalingam had two sons-Arumugham and Krishna Pillai.
Nalla Pillai had one son-Arumugham.
N.Arumugham Pillai had one son- Nalla Pillai.
A.Nalla Pillai had 4 children-
Arumugham, Bhagavathy, Nalla Pillai & Sivarama Pillai.

A. Sivarama Pillai was the founder of " THUNDATHIL" family of Vazhoor. He was the "Pillai Annan" (Village Officer ) of Vazhoor . He brought "Kanam" from "Kudaluvally Namboothiri", about 100 years back , for 70 "Velly Panams" (Siver coins). Sivarama Pillai shifted his residence to Mookkilikattu in Kanam, from Thundathil near KK. Road 17th mile.

Kanam is north of KK Road 14th-16th miles and this kara is in Kangazha muri of Vazhoor Village in Changanacherry Taluk of Kottayam District. Kanam is centrally located and this make it easy to reach from Kochi (ideal) or Trivandrum From Kochi one can go by train to Kottayam and from there to Kanam (25 kms )on the Kottayam-Kumily(KK) Road. If one is coming from Trivandrum go by train or car to Changanacheery and from there by car or bus (24 kms).
(75 year Payikadu house in Kanam is a heritage Kerala house in Kanam(which attracts tourists from different parts of world) where one can stay if booked previously)

KANAM derived its name from the Arabic word "kanpattam" which means "on lease". This area was under the reign of Poonjar Thampuran and later it became the property of Edappally Swaroopam. Once Kanam was a Budhist centre, Plot names like Cherukappally, Payyampally Parappally and Parappalythazhe are evidence for this. The area was inhabited by a group of Pulayas . Their later generations are seen in Eattikal area
Parapally Kaimal had melkoyma over Kanam .The other Nair family was "Purayidathil". There was a Devi temple and a pond- "Amritham chira"in Perumprathazhe .
When Christians migrated from Mundakkayam, they had no belief in idols and they destroyed the temple. The Namboothiri family left the area. The idol in the temple was transferred to Elamkavil near Kangazha temple.



Nallan, son of Sivarama Pillai, got "Pattayam" for the lands in Kanam in ME 1085. The "Nallanikuzhy kavu"(Sacred grove) of Pulayas came under the ownership of Thundathil .The present Ayyappa temple is built in the site of this kavu .Nalla Pillai and Arumugham Pillai cultivated Kanam with the help of Pulayas, Ettalies and Paravas. Paddy, coconut, pepper, tapioca and plantains were the main crops. "Kanam Vithu thenga"(coconut seedlings) was very popular in old Travancore areas.

THUNDATHIL-MOOKKILIKATTU

The Pillai annan (Village officer), Thundathil Sivarama Pillai, of 5th generation had one elder brother Bhagavathy Pillai. He had a son Kunji Pillai for whom there was no child. The other brother Nallan Pillai, who lived in Mookkilkattu, had 3 children in his wife Ankalamma. They were Pappan alias Arumugham, Nallan and Chidambaram. The first two lived in Mookkilikattu and the third lived in Manjakappally near 17th mile of KK.Road. Arumugham had one daughter Kunchiamma in wife Ankalamma. Kunchiamma had two daughters. Nalla Pillai-Lakshmi Amma had three children -Pappu alias Arumugham, Parvathy (Paru) and Kotchukutty . Both the girls were married to Thodupuzha. Arumugham of 6th generation had 3 children in his wife Pappy Ammal from Anthinadu near Palai. They were Sankara Narayana (Karutha Kuttan) Pillai, Parameswaran (Patchu) Pillai and Krishna (Kittu) Pillai.

Mookkilikattu Nalla Pillai Arumugham inherited 60 acres of land. He was called Pappu annan. He died at the age of 82 in 1964. In KV 1123 as the Kudumbhanathan of Thundathil Kudumbham he conducted "Kudumbha Prasnam". His only son Sankara Narayanan (Kuttappan ) died at the age of 17. He had 7 daughters. Thankamma, the elder was married to Adv Pangapattu Sankara Pillai of Kanjirappally. Their daughter Dr. Meenakshy Amma ( Peadiatrician- Peroorkada) is the first doctor from the family.

Arumugham Pillai started the Shanmughavilasom L.P. School at Kotchu
kanjirappara, Kanam ("Kotchukanirappara Pallikkodam") about 75 years back.
He gave 8 "Velly ruupas" as salary to teachers. He gave admissions to all castes-pulayas, paravans, ettalies etc. Due to financial problems he gave the school to Govt. about 50 years back. Sankara Pillai from Nedumkunnam, Parameswaran Pillai from Pampady, DevakiAmma from Alapuzha, KH. Chellamma from Cherukappallil (mother of Dr.CS.Gopinatha Pillai ) KC.Krishna Pillai, KC.Sankara Pillai (he later became Village officer of Kanjar and Vazhoor) and M.N.sankara Pillai of Vazhoor were the teachers .

M.N-Davaki Amma couples settled in Kanam in Manimangalam
near the school. Er.S.Vasudevan Pillai, father of Dr.Shibu Pillai DM is
the son of this teacher couple. Their daughter Kamalamma was married to
T.K. Krihnan Kutty (Kanam Kuttykrishnan) Nair .Their son is the Architect,
K.Radha krishnan. Eattickal Markose was HM of this school for a long time.
Arumugham Pillai constructed a pond in KV 1105 Menaam. He took initiative for the construction of Kanam- Kappukadu Road to Kodungoor. He started one Naithusala (weaving center) near the school.

CHOLLATHU SANKU PILLAI

Sanku Pillai was the eldest son of Village officer Sivarama Pillai of Thundathil.
He married first from Anthinadu near Palai and had a daughter Paru, who was married to Vennampurathu of Anickadu. She died in 1950.She had one son .He had 5 sons and 3 daughters .The eldest son VA. Ayyappan Pillai was the Mathematics Teacher of NSSHS, Anickadu. He was the first graduate from the family (1952). He had 3 children in second marriage. Eldest daughter Suma MSc. BEd is married to C.S.Sreekumar,
founder secretary of SAT, Kanam. They have twin children, a boy and a girl ,first in the history of the family .Boy, Arun Sankar is Homeo student and girl Aswathy Sankar is Computer student.
Later Sanku Pillai married Thailamma from Chelackal of Thodupuzha.
Sanku Pillai had 7 children in Thailamma .The first born Kotchu Pappu
(Sivarama Pillai) died in childhood. The only daughter Kunji Amma( Thankamma)
was married to Vennampurathu- Thycakavil of Anickadu. Their eldest son Kuttappan (Ayyappan ) Pillai married Leela youngest daughter of Mookkilikattu Arumugham Piilai. Second son Sivan Pillai lives in Anickadu.

At present there are a number of "Sankars" in Kanam.
The name derived from this grand father Chollathu Sanku Pillai

KALAPPURAYIDATHIL CHIDHAMBARAM (KUTTAN ) PILLAI

Chidambaram (Kuttan) was the second son of Sanku Pillai and was born around KV1067 and died in AD 1984. He married Kalyani Amma from Vadasserikkara. They had 2 daughters and 8 sons. While the partition was conducted two brothers (Ayyappan & Sivaraman) were minors. Chidambaram took the custodianship of Ayyappan and Arumugham took that of Sivaraman.

1.Late K C. Sankara Pillai. (Village officer Appu) -Kamalammal
a. Late Kunjumon alias Chidmbaram Pillai-Radhamani Amma
1.Sandhya
b.Late Gopi alias Ramakrishna Pillai-Laithambika1
1.Anishkumar
2.K.C.Krishna Pillai ( Kunju Parameswaran)-Chellamma
a. Anandavally- Arjunan Pillai
b.Ammini kutty -Gopinatha Pillai
c.Dr. Krishna Kumari-Sukumara Pillai
d.Sobhana Kumari
e.Sujathakumari-Dr.Sasidharan Pillai
f.Mohanan Pillai-Ambily
g.Krishna kumar-

3.KC.Sivarama Pillai(Ponnu)-Pankajakshy Amma (8)
Sarasamma
a. Surendran Pillai-Saradamoni
b.Santhoshkumar-Saradamoni
c.Thankamoni-Thankappan Pillai
d.Sudhamoni-Subramonia Pillai
e.Sobha-Omanakuttan.

4.Adv KC.Sivan Pillai- Ammini Amma (4+4)
a. Ushakumari-Sukumara Pillai, Mathanplackal,Cheruvally
b.Geetha-Venugopal, Matherimannil,Ranni
c.Adv Sajikumar
d.Anil kumar-Jyothy

5.K.C.Rajappan Pillai
6.K.C.Vasudevan Pillai

7.K.C.Sundaran Pillai

8.K.C.Karunakaran Pillai (Mony)

MLAKKUZHIYIL ARUMUGHAM PILLAI(7+2)

In partition deed only he signed in English. He was born in KV 1069 and married Thankamma from Padinjattakkara of Anickadu.

A.Late Appu alias MA.Sankara Pillai-Kamalamma
1.Sasi Lal- Ratnamma
2.MS.Raveendran Pillai-Geetha
3.Prakash-
4.Suresh-Sobhanakumari

B.Dr.M.A.Arumugham Pillai-Subhashini
1.Adv Suresh Pillai
2.Dr.Anil Pillai -Dr.Lizy
3.Sushama-Dr.Rajendran

C.M.A.Sivarama Pillai-Raji
1.Biju-C.-
2.

D. M.A .Ayyappan Pillai(Moni)-Santha
1.Vijayakumar2.Sunilkumar 3.Sindhu 4.Smitha

E.M.A.Ramakrishna Pillai-Ratnamma
1.Rajeevkumar
2.Ratheesh

F.Thankakutty- Ayyappan Pillai

G.Lakshmikutty- SivaramaPillai.(2+5)

H. Ammal-(Late) Anandkumar

KOMPARA NALLA PILLAI ALIAS SANKARA NARAYANA PILLAI

He married from Mulluparmbil of Anickadu. He got the Chollathu purayidam of Vazhoor as per the partition deed. Now it is with his second son Ramanatha Pillai.

The Nallanikuzhy kavu was given to Nallan Pillai but later it was exchanged with Ayyappan Pillai and later Ayyappan Pillai gave it to Adv KC. Sivan Pillai and he donated it to SAT, Kanam. The Ayyappa temple of Kanam is situated at the site of the kavu. Nallan Piilai died due to Cancer of genitalia in 1965.

A.Sankara Pillai-K.P.Chellamma
1.Sivan Pillai
2.Geetha

B.Ramanatha( Kuttappan ) Pillai-Chinnamma
1.Sasidharan Pillai
2.Muralidharan Pillai
3.

C.Sivarama Pillai (Thankappan)-Santhamma
1.Bindhu-Selvaraj

D.Chidambaram (Thambi) Pillai-

F.Ayyappan Pillai

G.Ponnamma-Arumugham(Kuttan ) Pillai

KOTCHUKANJIRAPPARA AYYAPPAN PILLAI

Chollathu Sanku Pillai Ayyappan Pillai was born on Makayiram nal, on 3rd Vrizchikam 1086 (20.11.1910) and was only 13 years when Sanku Pillai died and hence in the partition deed of KV.1099 Chidambaram Pillai was recorded as
custodian.
He first married Thankamma ,elder daughter of Kallor Raman Pillai (Sr) of Elampally. She died in September 1955.They had one son, Dr.Kanam Sankara Pillai and 3 daughters-Parukutty, Rajamma and Sarojam .He lived in Kotchukanjirappara near the SVLPSchool.

The school got the name from his house. Later he shifted to Thonduvelil of Vellara kunnu. He completed 90 in November 2000 and is the Patron of SAT Kanam.

A.Parukutty Amma retired as HM of Netaji HS, Pramadom,Pathanamthitta and her son has Doctorate in Marine Biology.
Ayyappan Pillai has the maximum longevity in the family,the only person who could celebrate his Navathy.
His son (K.A.Sankara Pillai ) and three grand children (Drs.Ajesh ,Anju & Resmi Krishnan ) are doctors and two are married to doctors (Dr.SreejithChappamattom,Ponkunnam and Dr.Lakshmi Rekha,Trivandrum).One grand son (Dr.Sunil Kumar) is is a PhD in Marine Biology ,another one Engineer (Lakshmi Krishnan married to an Engineer) and another one (Babitha married to an Advocate) Advocate.

His second wife Parukutty Amma is from Thenganal, Vazhoor.She had no child. She died in September 2002.
92 year old Ayyappan Pillai (Dec 2002) is the only living son of Chollathu Sanku Pillai and is the Patron of SAT, Kanam

He has 2 grand sons-Dr. Ajesh Sankar MD & Dr.Sunilkumar MSc PhD
and 6 grand daughters.

He has 7 great grand sons and one great grand daughter(Nayanika)

A. Parukutty-Raveendran , Rtd Head Mistress, Netaji HS Pramadom.Pathanamthitta

1.Dr.Sunilkumar Msc. Ph.D-Dr.Lakshmi Rekha MBBS Dip.NB

2.Sunitha-Ayyappan,Trivandrum

B. Dr. Sankara Pillai (Moni)-Santha Punnamparambil, Ponkunnam


1.Dr.Ajesh Sankar-Lakshmi Nambiar

Son-Abhijith Nambiar

2.Anju Devi Sreejith- Dr.Sreejith ,Chappamattom, Ponkunnam

Daughter-Nayanika Sreejith

C. Rajamma- Raghavan Pillai,Parathodu Mundakkayam

1.Bindhu-Saju Ranni

2.Adv.Babitha-Adv.Dillep,Vazhoor

D.Sarojam -Krishna Pillai, Udumbannoor

1.Er.Lakshmi Krishnan
2.Dr.Resmi Krishnan

CHERUKAPPALIL SIVARAMA PILLAI

He was youngest son born in Kolla Varsham 1089 Karkidakam. Arumukham Pillai was the custodian as per the partition deed of 1099.Hehad Primary school education from Vazhoor. He married Chellamma daughter of Kunnemakkal Harinatha Pillai-Lakshmi Amma couples. It was the 3rd marriage alliance with the same families. Chellammal had passed Malayalam Sahithya Visarad and was teacher in Shanmugha vilasom LPS. She got training from Karukachal. Later she got Govt job and worked in Vaikom and Karunagappally schools.

She died at the age of 25 after giving birth to Gopinatha Pillai and Sankara Pillai. Later Sivarama Pillai remarried Kamalakshi Amma from Perunadu Cheriya koickal. They had 10 children. Due to the Land Reforms act, Sivarama Pillai lost most of land he deserved as per the Partition. But he acquired wealth and land through trade and became wealthy.

He gave good education to all his children. The eldest is the first and only Doctorate holder of the family.

A. Dr. C.S.Gopinatha Pillai-Leela. Pramadom ,Pathanmthitta

1.Uma Sankar-Sandhya
2.Sylaja-Sureh Babu

B.C.S.Sankara Pillai(Ravi)-Chandrika, Ambalapuzha

1.Shibu Sankar-Darsana
2.Sabu Sankar
C. Late Thankappan Pillai

D.C.S. Rajappan Pillai-Priya
1.Rahul Sankar 2.Rohith Sankar

E.C.S. Sreekumar (Kunjumon)-Suma Devi
Director Board member KVMS
1.Arun Sankar 2.Aswathy Sankar

F.C.S. Krishna Kumar (Monukuttan)-Maya
1.Jaya Sankar (Kannan) 2.Pooja Sankar (Ponny)

G.Sarsamma-Gopalakrishna Pillai
1.Srirekha(Mini)-Sabu(Sajeev) 2.Sreekala-Raju 3.Sunil kumar-Sindhu

H.Radhamoni- Late Sasi
1.Sandhya 2.Resmi

NAIR COMMUNITY IN KANAM (1950-2000)

Parapallyl, Kunneparambil, Purayidathil ,Aassariparambil,
Krishnavilasom and Vattommackal , Kotchukalappurayidom are
the Nair families in Kanam

PULIMOOTTIL KESAVA PILLAI

A member of Manpazha family of Vazhoo, Kesava Pillai married from
Pulimoottil and settled in Kanam. He had good relation with all
the members of Thundathil .He had 3 sons Chellappan Nair, Sukumaran
Nair and Siva Sankaran Nair and one daughter Chellamma.
Now Chellamma lives in Pulimoottil,


VATTOM MAKKAL NARAYANAN NAIR

His son Thankappan Nair took active role in spreading Communist
ideology in Kanamalong with Adv.Kanam Sivan Pillai,KK.Prabhakaran
Nair and Raghavan (Aniyan )Nair.He is actively involved in Parallel education.

KUNNEPARAMBIL

Narayanan Nair , Nanu Nair and Parameswaran Nair were the members.
Paramu Nair was Thirummu vaidyan (indigenous physiotherapist )
Narayanan Nair was a merchant. Now his son Tankappan Nair is
living in Kunneparambil.

PURAYIDATHIL

Was the ancient Janmikudumbham of Kanam. Raghavan Nair is the
present Karanavar.His youngerson Rajan died on 17.7.2000 at the
age of 42.His sister was married to Narayanan Nair of Anickadu.
He was the "nilthezhuthu Aasan"of Kanam.He taught majority of people
in Kanam to write and read Malayalam.Unfortunately he had no child.

KRISHNA VILASOM (KAPPAYIL)

Nick named as "Kappayil Rajavu", Krishna Pillai took lands of
ArumughamPillai and Siarama Pillai on lease and cultivated.
Portions were returned. Krishna Pillai belonged to Kunneparambil.
He had a daughter in first wife .She lived in Vadakke Mlakkuzhy.
Krishna Pillai remarried from Nedumkunnam.

They had 5 sons and 3daughters Janaki Amma with husband Parameswaran Nair lived in
Cherukappallil. One daughter was married in Ponkunnam and another at Mundakkayam. Chinnamma was married to a Army man but he died I nearly age .She lives in Thonduvelil .She has one son Lal and is employed in Premier Tyres, Alway. Younger daughter Rajamma was married to Munshi Krishnan Nair of Anickadu NSSHS. Elder son Nanu Nair remained single Second Kuttappan Nair married from Kangazha and settled there .KK. Prabhakaran Nair, third son of Krishna Pillai is living in Krishna vilasom Kanam.

His younger brother K.K. Raghavan Nair (Aniyan ) with his wife Chellamma, (daughter Purayidathil Raghavan Nair), both were Teachers, are leading retired life in
Kanhangad.

Posted by drkanam1 at 6:27 PM EDT

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Ayyankali (1863-1914)
The Great Harijan Leader of Kerala
Ayyankali was born on 14th Chingam, ME 1039 at Perunkattuvila in Venganoor in Trivandrum District. One among the seven children of a Pulaya family, he was illiterate. He married Chellamma of Manjamkuzhy Kottukal . Neyyattinkara. They had six sons and one daughter. At that time Harijans were not allowed to walk through public roads. Ayyankali organized healthy Harijans and fought against the un touchability. By 1900 Harijans got freedom to walk through public roads and by 1914 ,Harijan children were allowed to join schools. Harijan women got freedom to cover their chest, by the effort of Ayyankali. He formed "Sadujana Paripalana Sangom" in 1905.

Besides his Guru Thycaud Ayya Swamikal, Ayyankaili got support from Mahatma Ghandi, Mannathu Padmanabhan , Changanacherry Parameswaran Pillai, Sri Narayana Guru T.K. Madhavan etc for his activities. In 1937 Mahatma Ghandi visited Vanganoor. He described Ayyankali as "Pulaya Raja".

He was the third disciple of Ayya Swamikal. During the feasts of, thaipooyam Ayya served meals (traditional Travancore sadyas on plantain leaf) to Ayyankali along with Brahmins, members of upper castes and himself. Thus Ayya started "panthibhojans". On 13 th July 1909 Ayyankali met Ayya at Pazhavangad: "Kali, saukyam thana? Unnudaya photo Rajakkal vaikkapokiran.... Srimoolam sabhayilum unakku pokalam.." said Ayya.

Ayyankali , pioneered many social movements against castism. He set apart his life to achieve dignity of dalits, the right to use public roads, the freedom of dalit women to cover their torso, their education. Harijans were not permitted in public schools, so he started a school lin Venganoor especially for the dalits. He was nominated to the Sri Moolam Legislative Assembly of Travancore in 1910. The membership continued for 25 years.

Ayyankali died on 4th Midhunam 1116. He was cremated in front of the School he started. With leadership of T.T. Kesava Sasthry, his followers made the Ayyankali Chitrakoodam at that site. Chithira Thirunal inaugurated this. In November 1980, then Prime Minister Smty Indira Ghandi unveiled the statue of Ayyankali at Kawdiyar square,Trivandrum

Reference:
1.THP. Chentharassery "Ayyankali"(Biography)
2.Mahadeva Desai-"Epic of Travancore"
3."Ayyankali"Viswa Vitjanakosam 1st Vol 1970 NBS Kottayam pages 531-32
4.Kattakkada Divakarn "Vizhinjam enna Rajadhani" Malayalam Varika 28 th June 2002
5.Brahmasrre Thycaud Ayya Swamikal-1997 (Ayya Mission, Thycaud)
LINK: http://expage.com/ayya http://santha3.tripod.com

Vellalas


VELLALAS
Cultivators of Tamil nadu , Accuntants & Village Officers of Kerala

cjep_sa@yahoo.com
kalees@hotmail.com
tawady@yahoo.com
Dr.MA.Pillai BAM .MBBS .MS,Adoor
Dr.CS.G.Pillai,MSc.PhD,Pramadom
Dr.Kanam Sankara Pillai, Pandalam
Adv.Sunil Pillai BSc BL Trivandrum
PK.Sankara Pillai, Anickadu
Chidambaram Pillai, Chethalai

According to "Keralolpathy "(Genesis of Keralam) Keralam was created by Parasu Rama one of the incarnations of Lord MahaVishnu.He threw his Parasu (axe ) to the sea from Gokarnam and the sea withdraw to the point of fall (Kanyakumari).After that he gifted the land to Brahmins. When he returned after some years, it was found that there was total anarchy due to the inefficient administrations of the then rulers. So he brought efficient and experienced Rulers from Tamilnadu (Paradesom).They were called "Perumakkanmar". Keralam was under Perumal rule for many years and the last one was Cheraman Perumal who converted to Islam and migrated to Mecca.During the Perumal rule they brought "Vellalas"- the cultivatorsand accountants of Tamilnadu-to Keralam.

They settled permanently here and many of them became Traders and Accontants. They were posted as Accountants in Government posts and hence were called "KanakkaPilla".In all "Mandapathinkal Vathilkkal"(Thaluk Head Quarters) there were Vellala houses .As Village officers ("Pillaannan" ) they were highly efficient .In the famous Malayalam novel Kaya r, Thakazhay Siva Sankara Pillai admires their efficiency in measurement of land.Vellalas are "Vaisyas" and majority were Saivas ( follwers of Lord Siva).The foster son of King Rajasekhara of Panthalam, AyyanAyyappan was "Vellalakulajathan" (see: ancient Elaversevam Pattu).

Most of the Ammankovils in Kerala were created by Vellas(for example:Ghandhari Amman Kovil near Kerala Secretariate).All the 9 Mankombu devi temples( Poonjar ,Kanjar,Kuttanadu ,Kollam etc) were built by Vellalas. Temples like Erumely Kochampalm ,Kanjirappaly Ganapathiyar kovil and Madura Meenakshy temple of Kanjirappally, Aanakulangara temples of Calicut and Palai,Thidanadu temple, Chotty temple, Chenganoor Devi temple, Chettikulangara Devi temple Puliyanoor temple etc were built by Vellalas. They had major role in the renovation work of Sabarimala temple. The "Nayattuvili" at Sabarimala is still conducted by Vellalas from Perunadu Kottaram. The third temple where the "Thiruvabharana Charthu" is performed is at Perunadu Sastha temple. The priest who performes "karappoottu" at Achankovil Sastha temple is a vellala .

The sword of Ayyappan is still in Puthenveedu in Erumely. Viraminda Nayanar of Chenganoor,Thycaud Ayya swami Thiruvadikal the great Guru of Sri Narayana Guru and first Social reformer of Kerala , Chief Secretary Thanu Pillai ,Novelist C.Madhavan Pillai( Alapuzha ) , Kavimani D.Desa Nayakom Pillai , Sangeetha VidwanT.Lakshmanan Pillai ,author of Manonmaneeyam Prof.Sundaram Pillai ,Finance minister PS.NataRaja Pillai Scolar and author ofEnglish-Malayalam Dictionary T.Ramalingom Pillai, Vaikom Padmanbha Pillai ADC of VeluThampy Dhalava Valiya Melezhuthu Pillai Kuttamperoor Melekkattu BalaRaman Pillai Samprthy Pillai , his father YogeeswaranRaman Pillai Vadakkamkoor Padathalavan Nanthiyattu Mootha Pillai, Eravikutty Pillai who died Kaniyamkulam war ,Historian VK.Parameswaran Pillai , Humorist P.Subbayya Pillai Prof.Erumely Parameswaran Pillai IMA National President Dr.VC.Velayudhan Pillai,(who got the first Best Doctor award of Kerala State) DME Dr.P.Siva Sankara Pillai , Neurosurgeon Dr.Marthanda Pillaii, Physio Therapist Dr.Rama Swami Pillai are noted vellalas.Dravidians who did cultivation, using water were called "Vellalas"(Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361)Plough was their symbol.

In Thelunku nadu they were called "Velar". In Karnataka they had a kingdom. Those vellalas who migrated from banks of Ganga was called "Gangavamsa vellalar".Their kingdom was "Ggangawathi".Those vellalas who lived in Kongunadu was called "Gounders". Ulkala (Orissa) was ruled by vellala kings in 11 century AD.Mudaliars and Reddiars of Thontaimantalam (Chengalpet & North Arcot Dists),Pillai of Chola (Kumbakonam ,Thanchavoor,Thrissinappally) Pillai of Pandya (Madura, Ramanathapuram, Thirunelveli) and Gounder of Kongunadu (Coimbatore & Selam) were Vellalas .Thry are either "sivas" or "vaishnavas". Some wear sacred thread . In "Pathittupathu" Vellalas were called "Uzhavar". Vellala King Mavel Aai founder of "Aai vamsam" created theVenadu . In Tharisappally sasan of 9th century AD, there is mention about Vellala -"velkulasundaran".(TAS II 70-80) In former Travancore and Kochi Vellalas were entrusted with account keeping.They were called "kanakkapillai" accountntant). Muthalpidi and parvathyakars of olden days were all vellalas. Accountants were respectfully called "Pillaiannan". In all village head quarters and in all the mandapthum vathilkal (Taluk office) there were vellalas and their families. During the reign of Balarama Varma who came after Dharma Raja , the melezhuthupillai(Chief secretary ) was vellala The Dalavas of Marthandavarmm,Arumugham and Thanu Pillai were vellalas Viranminda Nayanar of Chenganoor who donated lands for the Mahadevar templethere, was a vellala.

Temples in Kerala built by Vellalas

Aanakulangara Devi temple, Palai built in AD1725
Achankovil Sastha Temple-Karappuswami priest is a Vellala
Angalamman Kovil, Erattupetta
Annamalai Temple,Karikkodu,Thodupuzha
Chenganoor temple managed by Viraminda Nayanar Chotty by Chottudayar
Ghandari Amman kovil near Secratariate Trivandrum
Kanjirappally Madura Meenakshy Kovil, North & South Ganapathyar Kovils(AD 1150& 1450)
Kakkatukoickal Temple,R Perunadu,Pathanamthitta
Erumely Kotchamplam-built by Perisseri Pillai of Putheveedu
Kondoor by KondudayanMankompu Devi temples in Moonnilavu Palai,Arakkulam,Thrikkariyur,Parappuzha Edamaruku,Kooroppada,Thalavadi etc
Meenachil Valyakunnel Devi Temple,Puliyannur ,PalaiThidanadu by Thiruvudayar
ThattarakathuVellappatu Devi Temple,Palai
Thycaud Sivan Kovil-site of Samadhi of Swamikal

Vellalars are agricultural people and in Tamilnadu they are classified into Vellalars and Karalars. Vellalars are one who control the "Vellam" i.e floods in the river and grow crops and Karalars are one who control "Kar" i.e Clouds in the form of Tanks and Lakes and grow crops. Later when Southern parts of Tamilnadu came into the control of Telegu Nayak Chieftains, both Vellars and Karalars(Karkathars) came to work under the chieftains. They maintained Accounts in palayakaras offices, and hence they assumed the title kanakku "pillays "and then Pillays. Vellalas in Tamilnadu are concerned, they have broadly three layers. The first layer consists of Saiva Vellalars (Saiva Mudaliars and Pillais). They are vegetarian, literate and sophisticated like Brahmins except priestly duties but also were major landowners, feudal lords and powerful like Rajputs or Thakurs of Northern India except individual violent nature of Rajputs and were village administrators like Kayasthas of Central and Eastern India. There are a number of sub-castes/clans among them like Thondaimandala vellalar, Karkatha vellalar, Tirunelveli saiva vellalar, etc., and most of them intermarry these days.The second layer consists of a number of unique castes, which do not intermarry at all. The castes like Kongu Vellalar, (Western Tamilnadu) Pandia Vellalar,(Madurai) Chozhia Vellalar,(Trichy & Thanjavur) Tuluva Vellalar (North Tamilnadu), Arcot Mudaliar,(North Tamilnadu) Nanjil Vellalar (Kanya Kumari) are concentrated in specific parts of Tamilnadu and are similar to Reddies, Kammas,Vokkaligas and Lingayats. Equating them to Jats may not be appropriate since these vellala castes have a long-standing history of agriculture and leadership whereas Jats have grown to the current position recently and are considered not very cultured in Northern India.But care has to be taken with reference to Lingayats. Lingayat is a large conglomeration that has the top creamy layer similar to Vellalars (Patels, Patils, etc.,) but also has other caste groupings like Barber, Washerman, etc., within it.The third layer consists of certain castes who have started using the title of vellalar like Isai vellalar (Temple musicians and dancers), Devendrakula Vellalars (Pallars, agricultural labourers), etc.,

SANKRITIZATION

Although the tamil word Vellala means the cultivator, there is ample evidence to indicate that the original Chera , Chola and Pandia Kingswere Vellalas. Today vellalas in Tamil nadu is a miniscule minority in southern districts.They are less than 7% of population. In Kerala and Sree Lanka vellalas are thriving.50% of Sri Lankan origin Tamilians are vellalas. Almost all political, business and academic leadership of Tamil community of Sri Lanka has been provided by vellalas. Many castes merged into vellala.'Kalarum maravarum agamuditarum mella mella koodi vellalar aayinere"- so goes the saying. Which means Kalar,Maravar and Agamudaiyar, the three power castes from South Tamilnadu assumed Vellala ID with the accumilation of wealth. This happens in Elankai too. Many including Malayalee Nairs have took Vellala ID with them .This is called "sankritization".Regarding Ayyappan , in Elankai, Ayyanar Swami and among Singalees Ayyanakaye are popular deities.

ORIGIN OF PILLAI.

Since, time immemorial , clans existed among Dravidians; but they cannot be equated to castes of later periods. The "Tholkappiam" tells about four groups . The conversion of clans to caste system - right hand caste and left hand caste - occurred during Chola ( Kulothunga-AD 1110 ) period. The caste system got a firm footing after the arrival of Ariyans. Initially there were only two classes: Those who owned land or go to war and those who depend on manual labour for living ( artisans, weavers, farm labourers etc) formed first group. Brahmins were on the top in society and second came Velalars(cultivators ) , chettiyars (business men) ,warriors (Thevar , Kallar , Vanniar ).Others were below these. Due to the process called "sankritization"(every caste takes up the habits and customs of its immediate superior to reach the superior status..) many of Kallars , Maravars and Vanniars became Vellalars . Some section of vellalas gave up meat eating and became vegetarians- they were called "Saiva Vellalas ".This process started in Pallalav period.The Saiva Vellalas carry titles like PILLAI and Mudaliar , depending in the area of domicile. The saiva vellalas of Pandia and Chola K ingdoms carry the title "PILLAI" and those from Pallalva Kingdom used to carry the title MUDALIARAanakulangara Bhagavathy temple in Arunapuram Aanakulangara Bhagavathy temple in Arunapuram, Palai, is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. Vellalas from different parts of Tamilnadu migrated to Malanadu of Kerala. They were called Thenkasy vellalar (Anjoottikkar-500 families) , Kumbakona vellalar etc.

From Thenkasi they migrated to different parts of Thodupuzha .They built the Mankombu Bhagavathy temple. Vellalas from Kumbakonam got settled at Erattupetta and Poonjar. They built the Ankalamman Kovil .In Puliyannoor, Ezhacherry ,Arunapuram Panthathala, Mevada, Meenachil and Poovarani (all in Meenachil Taluk)Vellalas from Kaveripoompattanam settled. They built the temples at Puliyannoor ,Thidanadu ,Aanakulangara (Arunapuram) ,Thattarakathu ,Kondoor ,Chotty , Kanjirappally and Meenachil Valiyakunnel ."Kondudayar" built the Kondoor temple, Chottudayar" the Chotty temple "Thiruvudayar" built Thidanadu temple and "Kazhivudayar" built the Kanjirappally Ganapathiyar Kovil. The Vellappattu temple of Palai was also built by Vellalas. The site where Vellalas used to sing became Vellappattu. According a Thamra Sasan Vaisyas came from Kaveripoompattanam built Puliyannoor temple in AD 1242.Vellalas constructed the Palai market. From the Vellala family name of Palath the place name Palai was derived. Late M.P.George Thomas Kottukappally was once the accountant of Palath family.(see his biography)MANKOMPU BHAGAVATHY TEMPLES OF KERALA"Mr.Vamanan Nambothuri, astrologer, the Week of Manorama- is doing research on Mankompu Bhagavathy temple. He has evidence to prove that all the nine Mankompu temples ( Poonjar, Kanjar, Kuttanadu ,Kollam etc.) in Kerala have their origin from Thenkasi and were brought to Kerala by Saiva Vellalas""VELLALA PILLAI" OF KANJIRAPPALLYA beautiful temple Ganapathy Koil built in granite, stands as a testimony to the early Tamil influence in religion and culture.There is also indications that Tamil rulers of Kanjirappally levied tax on live stock or Pothimadu to supplement income to another temple Bhagavathi Shri Madura Meenakshi.The next batch of Hindu settlers came two centuries later.They too were traders by profession. Hailing from Kumbhakonam they were called" Vellala Pillas".Thoug they were merchantsthey gradually took to farming. The vellalas attended the Ganapathiyar Koil for worship but later they built anothertemple on the northern side of the temple property, called northern Ganapathiyar Koil in Pallava style of architecture.During the reign of Thekkum koor Raja these Vellala Pillas became highly influential and another temple by the side of River Chittar in the name Madura Meenakshi was built.

"Vellalar kula jathan" AYYAN AYYAPPAN of SABARIMALA

About ten generations back there lived a Vellala youth by name Kandan Ayyan alia Kandan Ayyappan in Erumely , Kottayam district of Kerala in India.We do not know anything about Ayyan's parents except that his father was one Kandan and uncle was one Perissery Pillai. He became the army chief of Pandalam Royal family . Ayyan was instrumental in the defeat of Udayanan ,who attacked Sabarimala and tried to demolish the ancient Sastha temple in the thick forest of present Pathanamthitta district. The Royal family of Pandalam (King Pandian ) was migrated from Tamilnadu about 800 years back .Ayyan's family belonged to "Vellalar kulam", followed them.Rajasekharan ,the Pandian King, reconstructed the destroyed Sastha temple at Sabarimala with the help of Ayyan , Vavar , a Muslim youth from Kanjirappally and Kadutha, a Nair youth from Muzhukkeer ,Chengannoor, Alapuzha district . During the clash Ayyappan was killed. Perissery Pillai ,the uncle ofAyyan constrcted the old small Sastha temple (kotchanpalam) at Erumely opposite the Vavar Mosque constructed by Muslims in memory of Vavar.Temple made in memory of Kadutha is seen in Sabarimala .After the death of Ayyappan people thought that he as the avathar of Lord Sastha and began to worship him .Later Sastha and Ayyappan became synonyms. Some say that Ayyan was the son of a member of royal family but Nalankal Krishna Pillai in his book Mahashekthrangulkku Munpil says that Brahmins had never the name Ayyan or Ayyappan. In the age old Eelaversevam pattu ( songs of Elavar sevam, see ref.no. 3) it is clearly stated that Kandan Ayyan belonged to Vellalar kulamNear the Sree Ayyappa talkies in Erumely,Kottayam dist there is a Vellala house called Puthanveedu, In the same compound there is one 300 year old ,thatched,diapilated mud house, the house of Perissery Pillai.There we can, even today see the old sword used by Ayyappan. Even now Ayyappan/Ayyan Pillai isvery common among Vellalas of Kottayam Alapuzha, Pathanamthitta, Idikki and Ernakulam districts. A number of Ayyappan kovils are built by Vellala community,migrated from Tamilnadu following the Pandian King. Lakhs and lakhs of Tamilians come to Sabarimala every year to worship Tamil origin Vellalar kula jathanAyyan Ayyappan of Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta dist of Kerala.Two Netizen groups have been formed to spread these facts Kindly join them by sending e-mails to:vellalaindia-subscribe@egroups.comsabarimala-ayyappan-subscribe@egroups.com

REFERENCES:

1. Mahashektrangalkku Munpil, NBS 1st Edn. 1969 Nalankal Krishna Pillai
2. Pettathullalum Kshethra Puravrithangalum 1977 Dr.Kanam Sankara Pillai
3. Sreebhothaonatha Srvaswam 16th Edn.1998 Kurumulloor Narayana Pillai
4. Dravida Samskaram Sahyadry sanukkalil 1stEdn.1987 V.R.Parameswaan Pillai
5.Social History of the Tamilians. DK 1st Edn 1996 P.Subramanian
AYYAVU SWAMIKAL
The Great Vellala Yogi Sivarajayogi Ayya Swami Thiruvadikal was the Guru of Sree Narayana Guru , Chattampi Swamikal and Ayyankal. He was the First and the Greatest social reformer of Kerala. He was a Yogi cum Family man Ayyaswamikal started "Panthbhojanam" in KeralaHe argued that any Yogi can install idols in temples, that inspired Sreenarayan Guru to install idols"Oru jathy, oru matham ,oru Daivom" is his teaching .Sreenarayan Guru popularized the sloganThe Thycaud Ayyaswami Trust & Temples are made in memory of this Great Guru of GuruHis original name was Subbarayan. He lived during the period of 1814-1909 His parents were Sri.Muthukumaran(Nakalapuram-TN) and Smty.Rugmini Ammal (Kollam)He was Manager of Thycaud ResidencyHis deciples were
Chempazhanthy Nanu (Sree NarayanaGuru)
Kollur Kunjan Pillai (Chattampi Swamikal )
Swayam Prakasa Yogini Amma Kollathamma,
AyyanKali
A.R.Raja Raja Varma,
Chithramezhuthu Ravi Varma,
Appavu Vakil
Thottahil Raman Kaniyar
Manakkattu Bhavani
Fernandez,
PettaThakkala Peer Mohammad
Velutheri Kesavan Vaidhyar
Makkadi Labba etc.etc ( more than 50 )
His works were
Brahmothara Khandom ?
Ulloor amarntha Guhan?
Ramayanam Bala khandom ,?
Ente Kasi yathra
Pazhani vybhavom,
Hanuman pamalai
Ramayanam pattu
Ujjayani mahakali pancharatnam
Thiruvaroor murukan
Kumarakovil murukan
The Doctrine he propagated
"Intha ulakathile orae oru jathy than,
Orae oru matham than,orae oru kadavul than"
(" Oru jathy ,Oru matham, Oru Daivom" Malayalam translation by Sree Narayan Guru.)-

References:

1.Sivarajayogi Thycaud Ayyaswami Thuruvadikal-A.C.Raja
2.Brhamasree Thycaud Ayyaswamikal-Ayyamission,Thiruvananthapuram
3.Sree Narayana Guru Sathavarshika Smaraka Grantham(1954)
4.Upahara Mala(1950)-Salkavi P.K.Kesavan
5.Sree Narayan Gurudevan(1971)-P.Parameswaran
6.Guru(1996)-K.surendran
7.Thiruvithamkoorile Mahanmar(1121)-Sooranadu Kunjan Pillai
8.Albutha SidhanSree narayana Parama guru(1974)-VidhvanK.E.Neelakondan
9.Vivekodayam (1084 Karkidakom)-Kesari BalaKrishna Pillai
10.upahara Malika( 20.4.1950)-Kesari Bala Krishna Pillai
11.Ayyankali-T.P.H.Chentharassery
12.Chattampi swamikalum Navothanavum-K.G.neelakandan Nair
13.Sree Narayan Paramahamsan-Pandit K.K.Panicker
14.Narayana guru(1978)-Prof.M.K.Sanu
15.http://expage.com/page/guruofsreenarayanaguru
16.http://expage.com/page/ayya
17.http://expage.com/page/ayyavu
18 http://expage.com/page/thycaud
19 http://expage.com/page/sivarajayoga
20.Dravid Samskaram Sahyadrisanukkalil-VR.Parameswaran Pillai
21.www.kanjirappally.com
22.www.palai.com
23.Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361
24.Rajesh G Pillai-Pampavalley Civilization Research Centre, Aranmula
25.Petta thullalum kshethrapuravrithangalum PK.Sankara Pillai& Dr.Kanam Sankara Pillai
26. http://expage.com/kannaki
27. http://expage.com/ganapathiyarkovil
28. http://expage.com/anakulangara


Dr.KanamCM.Hospital,Pandalam
91-473-4252115dr.
kanam@rediffmail.com

VELLALASCultivators of Tamil nadu , Accuntants & Village Officers of Kerala
cjep_sa@yahoo.com
kalees@hotmail.com
tawady@yahoo.com
Dr.MA.Pillai BAM .MBBS .MS,Adoor
Dr.CS.G.Pillai,MSc.PhD,Pramadom
Dr.Kanam Sankara Pillai, Pandalam
Adv.Sunil Pillai BSc BL Trivandrum
PK.Sankara Pillai, Anickadu
Chidambaram Pillai, Chethalai

According to "Keralolpathy "(Genesis of Keralam) Keralam was created by Parasu Rama one of the incarnations of Lord MahaVishnu.He threw his Parasu (axe ) to the sea from Gokarnam and the sea withdraw to the point of fall (Kanyakumari).After that he gifted the land to Brahmins. When he returned after some years, it was found that there was total anarchy due to the inefficient administrations of the then rulers. So he brought efficient and experienced Rulers from Tamilnadu (Paradesom).They were called "Perumakkanmar". Keralam was under Perumal rule for many years and the last one was Cheraman Perumal who converted to Islam and migrated to Mecca.During the Perumal rule they brought "Vellalas"- the cultivatorsand accountants of Tamilnadu-to Keralam.

They settled permanently here and many of them became Traders and Accontants. They were posted as Accountants in Government posts and hence were called "KanakkaPilla".In all "Mandapathinkal Vathilkkal"(Thaluk Head Quarters) there were Vellala houses .As Village officers ("Pillaannan" ) they were highly efficient .In the famous Malayalam novel Kaya r, Thakazhay Siva Sankara Pillai admires their efficiency in measurement of land.Vellalas are "Vaisyas" and majority were Saivas ( follwers of Lord Siva).The foster son of King Rajasekhara of Panthalam, AyyanAyyappan was "Vellalakulajathan" (see: ancient Elaversevam Pattu).

Most of the Ammankovils in Kerala were created by Vellas(for example:Ghandhari Amman Kovil near Kerala Secretariate).All the 9 Mankombu devi temples( Poonjar ,Kanjar,Kuttanadu ,Kollam etc) were built by Vellalas. Temples like Erumely Kochampalm ,Kanjirappaly Ganapathiyar kovil and Madura Meenakshy temple of Kanjirappally, Aanakulangara temples of Calicut and Palai,Thidanadu temple, Chotty temple, Chenganoor Devi temple, Chettikulangara Devi temple Puliyanoor temple etc were built by Vellalas. They had major role in the renovation work of Sabarimala temple. The "Nayattuvili" at Sabarimala is still conducted by Vellalas from Perunadu Kottaram. The third temple where the "Thiruvabharana Charthu" is performed is at Perunadu Sastha temple. The priest who performes "karappoottu" at Achankovil Sastha temple is a vellala .

The sword of Ayyappan is still in Puthenveedu in Erumely. Viraminda Nayanar of Chenganoor,Thycaud Ayya swami Thiruvadikal the great Guru of Sri Narayana Guru and first Social reformer of Kerala , Chief Secretary Thanu Pillai ,Novelist C.Madhavan Pillai( Alapuzha ) , Kavimani D.Desa Nayakom Pillai , Sangeetha VidwanT.Lakshmanan Pillai ,author of Manonmaneeyam Prof.Sundaram Pillai ,Finance minister PS.NataRaja Pillai Scolar and author ofEnglish-Malayalam Dictionary T.Ramalingom Pillai, Vaikom Padmanbha Pillai ADC of VeluThampy Dhalava Valiya Melezhuthu Pillai Kuttamperoor Melekkattu BalaRaman Pillai Samprthy Pillai , his father YogeeswaranRaman Pillai Vadakkamkoor Padathalavan Nanthiyattu Mootha Pillai, Eravikutty Pillai who died Kaniyamkulam war ,Historian VK.Parameswaran Pillai , Humorist P.Subbayya Pillai Prof.Erumely Parameswaran Pillai IMA National President Dr.VC.Velayudhan Pillai,(who got the first Best Doctor award of Kerala State) DME Dr.P.Siva Sankara Pillai , Neurosurgeon Dr.Marthanda Pillaii, Physio Therapist Dr.Rama Swami Pillai are noted vellalas.Dravidians who did cultivation, using water were called "Vellalas"(Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361)Plough was their symbol.

In Thelunku nadu they were called "Velar". In Karnataka they had a kingdom. Those vellalas who migrated from banks of Ganga was called "Gangavamsa vellalar".Their kingdom was "Ggangawathi".Those vellalas who lived in Kongunadu was called "Gounders". Ulkala (Orissa) was ruled by vellala kings in 11 century AD.Mudaliars and Reddiars of Thontaimantalam (Chengalpet & North Arcot Dists),Pillai of Chola (Kumbakonam ,Thanchavoor,Thrissinappally) Pillai of Pandya (Madura, Ramanathapuram, Thirunelveli) and Gounder of Kongunadu (Coimbatore & Selam) were Vellalas .Thry are either "sivas" or "vaishnavas". Some wear sacred thread . In "Pathittupathu" Vellalas were called "Uzhavar". Vellala King Mavel Aai founder of "Aai vamsam" created theVenadu . In Tharisappally sasan of 9th century AD, there is mention about Vellala -"velkulasundaran".(TAS II 70-80) In former Travancore and Kochi Vellalas were entrusted with account keeping.They were called "kanakkapillai" accountntant). Muthalpidi and parvathyakars of olden days were all vellalas. Accountants were respectfully called "Pillaiannan". In all village head quarters and in all the mandapthum vathilkal (Taluk office) there were vellalas and their families. During the reign of Balarama Varma who came after Dharma Raja , the melezhuthupillai(Chief secretary ) was vellala The Dalavas of Marthandavarmm,Arumugham and Thanu Pillai were vellalas Viranminda Nayanar of Chenganoor who donated lands for the Mahadevar templethere, was a vellala.

Temples in Kerala built by Vellalas

Aanakulangara Devi temple, Palai built in AD1725Achankovil Sastha Temple-Karappuswami priest is a VellalaAngalamman Kovil, ErattupettaAnnamalai Temple,Karikkodu,ThodupuzhaChenganoor temple managed by Viraminda Nayanar Chotty by ChottudayarGhandari Amman kovil near Secratariate TrivandrumKanjirappally Madura Meenakshy Kovil, North & South Ganapathyar Kovils(AD 1150& 1450)Kakkatukoickal Temple,R-Perunadu,PathanamthittaErumely Kotchamplam-built by Perisseri Pillai of PutheveeduKondoor by KondudayanMankompu Devi temples in Moonnilavu Palai,Arakkulam,Thrikkariyur,Parappuzha Edamaruku,Kooroppada,Thalavadi etcMeenachil Valyakunnel Devi TemplePuliyannur ,PalaiThidanadu by ThiruvudayarThattarakathuVellappatu Devi Temple,PalaiThycaud Sivan Kovil-site of Samadhi of Swamikal

Vellalars are agricultural people and in Tamilnadu they are classified into Vellalars and Karalars. Vellalars are one who control the "Vellam" i.e floods in the river and grow crops and Karalars are one who control "Kar" i.e Clouds in the form of Tanks and Lakes and grow crops. Later when Southern parts of Tamilnadu came into the control of Telegu Nayak Chieftains, both Vellars and Karalars(Karkathars) came to work under the chieftains. They maintained Accounts in palayakaras offices, and hence they assumed the title kanakku "pillays "and then Pillays. Vellalas in Tamilnadu are concerned, they have broadly three layers. The first layer consists of Saiva Vellalars (Saiva Mudaliars and Pillais). They are vegetarian, literate and sophisticated like Brahmins except priestly duties but also were major landowners, feudal lords and powerful like Rajputs or Thakurs of Northern India except individual violent nature of Rajputs and were village administrators like Kayasthas of Central and Eastern India. There are a number of sub-castes/clans among them like Thondaimandala vellalar, Karkatha vellalar, Tirunelveli saiva vellalar, etc., and most of them intermarry these days.The second layer consists of a number of unique castes, which do not intermarry at all. The castes like Kongu Vellalar, (Western Tamilnadu) Pandia Vellalar,(Madurai) Chozhia Vellalar,(Trichy & Thanjavur) Tuluva Vellalar (North Tamilnadu), Arcot Mudaliar,(North Tamilnadu) Nanjil Vellalar (Kanya Kumari) are concentrated in specific parts of Tamilnadu and are similar to Reddies, Kammas,Vokkaligas and Lingayats. Equating them to Jats may not be appropriate since these vellala castes have a long-standing history of agriculture and leadership whereas Jats have grown to the current position recently and are considered not very cultured in Northern India.But care has to be taken with reference to Lingayats. Lingayat is a large conglomeration that has the top creamy layer similar to Vellalars (Patels, Patils, etc.,) but also has other caste groupings like Barber, Washerman, etc., within it.The third layer consists of certain castes who have started using the title of vellalar like Isai vellalar (Temple musicians and dancers), Devendrakula Vellalars (Pallars, agricultural labourers), etc.,

SANKRITIZATION

Although the tamil word Vellala means the cultivator, there is ample evidence to indicate that the original Chera , Chola and Pandia Kingswere Vellalas. Today vellalas in Tamil nadu is a miniscule minority in southern districts.They are less than 7% of population. In Kerala and Sree Lanka vellalas are thriving.50% of Sri Lankan origin Tamilians are vellalas. Almost all political, business and academic leadership of Tamil community of Sri Lanka has been provided by vellalas. Many castes merged into vellala.'Kalarum maravarum agamuditarum mella mella koodi vellalar aayinere"- so goes the saying. Which means Kalar,Maravar and Agamudaiyar, the three power castes from South Tamilnadu assumed Vellala ID with the accumilation of wealth. This happens in Elankai too. Many including Malayalee Nairs have took Vellala ID with them .This is called "sankritization".Regarding Ayyappan , in Elankai, Ayyanar Swami and among Singalees Ayyanakaye are popular deities.
ORIGIN OF PILLAI.

Since, time immemorial , clans existed among Dravidians; but they cannot be equated to castes of later periods. The "Tholkappiam" tells about four groups . The conversion of clans to caste system - right hand caste and left hand caste - occurred during Chola ( Kulothunga-AD 1110 ) period. The caste system got a firm footing after the arrival of Ariyans. Initially there were only two classes: Those who owned land or go to war and those who depend on manual labour for living ( artisans, weavers, farm labourers etc) formed first group. Brahmins were on the top in society and second came Velalars(cultivators ) , chettiyars (business men) ,warriors (Thevar , Kallar , Vanniar ).Others were below these. Due to the process called "sankritization"(every caste takes up the habits and customs of its immediate superior to reach the superior status..) many of Kallars , Maravars and Vanniars became Vellalars . Some section of vellalas gave up meat eating and became vegetarians- they were called "Saiva Vellalas ".This process started in Pallalav period.The Saiva Vellalas carry titles like PILLAI and Mudaliar , depending in the area of domicile. The saiva vellalas of Pandia and Chola K ingdoms carry the title "PILLAI" and those from Pallalva Kingdom used to carry the title MUDALIARAanakulangara Bhagavathy temple in Arunapuram Aanakulangara Bhagavathy temple in Arunapuram, Palai, is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. Vellalas from different parts of Tamilnadu migrated to Malanadu of Kerala. They were called Thenkasy vellalar (Anjoottikkar-500 families) , Kumbakona vellalar etc.

From Thenkasi they migrated to different parts of Thodupuzha .They built the Mankombu Bhagavathy temple. Vellalas from Kumbakonam got settled at Erattupetta and Poonjar. They built the Ankalamman Kovil .In Puliyannoor, Ezhacherry ,Arunapuram Panthathala, Mevada, Meenachil and Poovarani (all in Meenachil Taluk)Vellalas from Kaveripoompattanam settled. They built the temples at Puliyannoor ,Thidanadu ,Aanakulangara (Arunapuram) ,Thattarakathu ,Kondoor ,Chotty , Kanjirappally and Meenachil Valiyakunnel ."Kondudayar" built the Kondoor temple, Chottudayar" the Chotty temple "Thiruvudayar" built Thidanadu temple and "Kazhivudayar" built the Kanjirappally Ganapathiyar Kovil. The Vellappattu temple of Palai was also built by Vellalas. The site where Vellalas used to sing became Vellappattu. According a Thamra Sasan Vaisyas came from Kaveripoompattanam built Puliyannoor temple in AD 1242.Vellalas constructed the Palai market. From the Vellala family name of Palath the place name Palai was derived. Late M.P.George Thomas Kottukappally was once the accountant of Palath family.(see his biography)MANKOMPU BHAGAVATHY TEMPLES OF KERALA"Mr.Vamanan Nambothuri, astrologer, the Week of Manorama- is doing research on Mankompu Bhagavathy temple. He has evidence to prove that all the nine Mankompu temples ( Poonjar, Kanjar, Kuttanadu ,Kollam etc.) in Kerala have their origin from Thenkasi and were brought to Kerala by Saiva Vellalas""VELLALA PILLAI" OF KANJIRAPPALLYA beautiful temple Ganapathy Koil built in granite, stands as a testimony to the early Tamil influence in religion and culture.There is also indications that Tamil rulers of Kanjirappally levied tax on live stock or Pothimadu to supplement income to another temple Bhagavathi Shri Madura Meenakshi.The next batch of Hindu settlers came two centuries later.They too were traders by profession. Hailing from Kumbhakonam they were called" Vellala Pillas".Thoug they were merchantsthey gradually took to farming. The vellalas attended the Ganapathiyar Koil for worship but later they built anothertemple on the northern side of the temple property, called northern Ganapathiyar Koil in Pallava style of architecture.During the reign of Thekkum koor Raja these Vellala Pillas became highly influential and another temple by the side of River Chittar in the name Madura Meenakshi was built.

"Vellalar kula jathan" AYYAN AYYAPPAN of SABARIMALA

About ten generations back there lived a Vellala youth by name Kandan Ayyan alia Kandan Ayyappan in Erumely , Kottayam district of Kerala in India.We do not know anything about Ayyan's parents except that his father was one Kandan and uncle was one Perissery Pillai. He became the army chief of Pandalam Royal family . Ayyan was instrumental in the defeat of Udayanan ,who attacked Sabarimala and tried to demolish the ancient Sastha temple in the thick forest of present Pathanamthitta district. The Royal family of Pandalam (King Pandian ) was migrated from Tamilnadu about 800 years back .Ayyan's family belonged to "Vellalar kulam", followed them.Rajasekharan ,the Pandian King, reconstructed the destroyed Sastha temple at Sabarimala with the help of Ayyan , Vavar , a Muslim youth from Kanjirappally and Kadutha, a Nair youth from Muzhukkeer ,Chengannoor, Alapuzha district . During the clash Ayyappan was killed. Perissery Pillai ,the uncle ofAyyan constrcted the old small Sastha temple (kotchanpalam) at Erumely opposite the Vavar Mosque constructed by Muslims in memory of Vavar.Temple made in memory of Kadutha is seen in Sabarimala .After the death of Ayyappan people thought that he as the avathar of Lord Sastha and began to worship him .Later Sastha and Ayyappan became synonyms. Some say that Ayyan was the son of a member of royal family but Nalankal Krishna Pillai in his book Mahashekthrangulkku Munpil says that Brahmins had never the name Ayyan or Ayyappan. In the age old Eelaversevam pattu ( songs of Elavar sevam, see ref.no. 3) it is clearly stated that Kandan Ayyan belonged to Vellalar kulamNear the Sree Ayyappa talkies in Erumely,Kottayam dist there is a Vellala house called Puthanveedu, In the same compound there is one 300 year old ,thatched,diapilated mud house, the house of Perissery Pillai.There we can, even today see the old sword used by Ayyappan. Even now Ayyappan/Ayyan Pillai isvery common among Vellalas of Kottayam Alapuzha, Pathanamthitta, Idikki and Ernakulam districts. A number of Ayyappan kovils are built by Vellala community,migrated from Tamilnadu following the Pandian King. Lakhs and lakhs of Tamilians come to Sabarimala every year to worship Tamil origin Vellalar kula jathanAyyan Ayyappan of Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta dist of Kerala.Two Netizen groups have been formed to spread these facts Kindly join them by sending e-mails to:vellalaindia-subscribe@egroups.comsabarimala-ayyappan-subscribe@egroups.com
REFERENCES:
1. Mahashektrangalkku Munpil, NBS 1st Edn. 1969 Nalankal Krishna Pillai
2. Pettathullalum Kshethra Puravrithangalum 1977 Dr.Kanam Sankara Pillai
3. Sreebhothaonatha Srvaswam 16th Edn.1998 Kurumulloor Narayana Pillai
4. Dravida Samskaram Sahyadry sanukkalil 1stEdn.1987 V.R.Parameswaan Pillai
5.Social History of the Tamilians. DK 1st Edn 1996 P.Subramanian
AYYAVU SWAMIKAL
The Great Vellala Yogi Sivarajayogi Ayya Swami Thiruvadikal was the Guru of Sree Narayana Guru , Chattampi Swamikal and Ayyankal. He was the First and the Greatest social reformer of Kerala. He was a Yogi cum Family man Ayyaswamikal started "Panthbhojanam" in KeralaHe argued that any Yogi can install idols in temples, that inspired Sreenarayan Guru to install idols"Oru jathy, oru matham ,oru Daivom" is his teaching .Sreenarayan Guru popularized the sloganThe Thycaud Ayyaswami Trust & Temples are made in memory of this Great Guru of GuruHis original name was Subbarayan. He lived during the period of 1814-1909 His parents were Sri.Muthukumaran(Nakalapuram-TN) and Smty.Rugmini Ammal (Kollam)He was Manager of Thycaud ResidencyHis deciples were
Chempazhanthy Nanu (Sree NarayanaGuru)
Kollur Kunjan Pillai (Chattampi Swamikal )
Swayam Prakasa Yogini Amma Kollathamma,
AyyanKali
A.R.Raja Raja Varma,
Chithramezhuthu Ravi Varma,
Appavu Vakil
Thottahil Raman Kaniyar
Manakkattu Bhavani
Fernandez,
PettaThakkala Peer Mohammad
Velutheri Kesavan Vaidhyar
Makkadi Labba etc.etc ( more than 50 )
His works were
Brahmothara Khandom ?
Ulloor amarntha Guhan?
Ramayanam Bala khandom ,?
Ente Kasi yathra
Pazhani vybhavom,
Hanuman pamalai
Ramayanam pattu
Ujjayani mahakali pancharatnam
Thiruvaroor murukan
Kumarakovil murukan
The Doctrine he propagated
"Intha ulakathile orae oru jathy than,
Orae oru matham than,orae oru kadavul than"
(" Oru jathy ,Oru matham, Oru Daivom" Malayalam translation by Sree Narayan Guru.)-

References:

1.Sivarajayogi Thycaud Ayyaswami Thuruvadikal-A.C.Raja
2.Brhamasree Thycaud Ayyaswamikal-Ayyamission,Thiruvananthapuram
3.Sree Narayana Guru Sathavarshika Smaraka Grantham(1954)
4.Upahara Mala(1950)-Salkavi P.K.Kesavan
5.Sree Narayan Gurudevan(1971)-P.Parameswaran
6.Guru(1996)-K.surendran
7.Thiruvithamkoorile Mahanmar(1121)-Sooranadu Kunjan Pillai
8.Albutha SidhanSree narayana Parama guru(1974)-VidhvanK.E.Neelakondan
9.Vivekodayam (1084 Karkidakom)-Kesari BalaKrishna Pillai
10.upahara Malika( 20.4.1950)-Kesari Bala Krishna Pillai
11.Ayyankali-T.P.H.Chentharassery
12.Chattampi swamikalum Navothanavum-K.G.neelakandan Nair
13.Sree Narayan Paramahamsan-Pandit K.K.Panicker
14.Narayana guru(1978)-Prof.M.K.Sanu
15.http://expage.com/page/guruofsreenarayanaguru
16.http://expage.com/page/ayya
17.http://expage.com/page/ayyavu
18 http://expage.com/page/thycaud
19 http://expage.com/page/sivarajayoga
20.Dravid Samskaram Sahyadrisanukkalil-VR.Parameswaran Pillai
21.www.kanjirappally.com
22.www.palai.com
23.Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361
24.Rajesh G Pillai-Pampavalley Civilization Research Centre, Aranmula
25.Petta thullalum kshethrapuravrithangalum PK.Sankara Pillai& Dr.Kanam Sankara Pillai
26. http://expage.com/kannaki
27. http://expage.com/ganapathiyarkovil
28. http://expage.com/anakulangara


Dr.KanamCM.Hospital,Pandalam
91-473-4252115dr.
kanam@rediffmail.com

Thycaud Ayya Swamikal



Siva Raja Yoga
Charya, Kriya, Yoga and Jnana are the four systems in Siva Raja Yoga. Various methods for the purification of the body and internal organs, nerve centers, prana and mind are involved in Charya. Through various Kriyas, Prayanamas, Mudras and Bandhas, the powers-Kundilini Sakthi-of various nerve center (Athara chakras), which otherwise remain dormant are activated and they become vibrant and radiates .For example "Anal pooja kriya" means activating the fire or agni within and with out which is the embodiment of Brahmaas mentioned in our Vedas and Upanishads. The deep meditation techniques to realize the full potential of the central nervous system including the brain and to unite the positive Nadha (Siva )and negative Jyothis (Shakthi) powers in every paramanu (atom)within and without are considered as the main aspects of Siva Raja Yoga .Jnana is the ultimate aim of Yoga.
Siva Raja Yoga also makes use of Bhakthi (devotion) and Mantra, Thantra and Yantra principles. The yogic knowledge if clearly understood and practiced would remove all conflicts and religious contradictions among people and religious fundamentalism.

Thycaud Ayya Swamikal
The Great Guru,Thycaud Ayya Swamikal, propagated the principles of Advaitha among his disciples and fought against untouchability. This was before Mahatma Gandhi Ayya had disciples from all upper and lower castes and religions. As early as 1830' Ayya used to feed people all castes and religions at his house (panthibhojanam) during festive occasions like Thaippoyam. When people from upper caste questioned and ridiculed him, calling "pandipparayan" he used to say-"intha ulakithile ore oru matham, ore oru jathy and ore oru kadavul than"(one caste, one religion and one god). His disciple Sri Narayana Guru translated this doctrine to Malayalam-"Oru jathy,oru matham,oru daivam manushanu"

The Saint Thycaud Ayya Swamikal (1814-1909) was the Acharya of "Siva Raja Yoga",
an ancient technique practiced by Tamil Saiva Yogis like Agasthyar, Bhogar and
their paramparas. Ayya Gurudev was instrumental in shaping the personalities of
many spiritual ,cultural and social luminaries of erstwhile Travancore in
late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries .Although born in Nakalapurm in Chengalpet District of Tamilnadu, Swamikal spent major part of his life in Travancore as the Manager of Thycaud Residency and some years in Malabar .Ayya demonstrated in his own life how realization of the Supreme and immortal self (Atma) is possible even by ordinary people by practicing Siva Yoga. The greatness of the technique is that the realization is possible even while leading household family life and carrying out one's worldly duties.

Sivan Koil,Thycaud Trivandrum ( Ayya Swami temple)
A Shiva linga was installed over the Mahasmadhi site of Ayya Swamikal in Thycaud in 1943.The temple was improved under the patronage of Sri Chithira Thirunal Maharaja .This is popularly called Thycaud Sivan Kovil. Sri Ayya Gurukulam was formed in 1955 with object of spreading the message of Ayya Guru and to impart Shiva Raja Yoga techniques to aspirants .Sri Ayya Gurudevashramam has also been started. The Mahasamadhisthanam has now become a holy place for higher yogic practices for Sadhakas from all over the world. Gurupooja is celebrated on Makom asterism in the month of Karkidakom (August / September) every year.


Ayya Swamikal strictly warned his disciples against using their sidhis for popularity or material gain .He never liked praising him and had refused permission when his chief disciple Sri Chattampi Swamikal wanted to write about Ayya for a publication. He advised Chattampi Swamikal to praise Lord Subramania instead. This is the main reason why Ayya is not known to the outside world and his Mahasamadhi near Thycaud cremation ground remains unknown except to a few devotees. Swamikal wrote several books on Bhakthi, Jnana and Yoga

Works by Thycaud Ayya
Brahmotharakandom
Pazhanidaivam
Ramayanam Pattu
Utjaini Mahakali Pancharatnam
Thiruvarur Murukan
Kumarankovil kuravan
Ulloramarntha guhan
Ramayanam Sundarkandom
Hanuman Paamalai
Ente Kasiyathra (Travelogue)




Biography
Ayya Swamikal was born in 1814 on Aswathy asterism in Nakalapuram.His original name was Subharayan. His grandfather Sri Hrishikesan and his father Sri Muthukumaran were great yogis and were migrated to Tamilnadu from
Pampumkadu in Malabar during Tipu Sultan's aggression. Lord Subramanya was
their family deity. At the age of 12, Subharayan received spiritual initiation from
two Tamil Saints, Sachidananda Maharaj and Sri Chitti Paradeshi who used to
visit Subharayans family frequently. When he was 16,the Saints took him with
them to Burma ,Singapore, Penang and Africa .During this period Subharaya acquired and practiced yogic techniques of high order. Returning home after 3years Swamikal continued yogic practices, often entering the state of
"Nirvikalpa Samadhi". Gradually he acquired the Ashtasidhies or divine
powers including that of astral travel but his Gurus strictly warned him not to
use them to gain material advantage.
At the age of 27 , in accordance with his Guru's wishes Swamikal visited
Kodungalloor Devi temple in Kerala and from their he toured Travancore.
The Mother Goddess appeared in her "Poorna swaroopam" before Ayya at
Thycaud in Trivandrum, where he destined to spend the remaining part of his life.
Swathy Thirunal, the then Maharaja of Travancore, heard about the spiritual
eminence of Ayya ,invited him to his palace and became his disciple.
Swamikal visited Sri Vaikunda Padar of Nagarcoil (Swami thoppu) and
visited the famous Maruthwamalai.
When his father left to Kashi Subharayan had to look after the family.
To obey his Guru , Ayya married Kamalammal from Kollam and the couple had three sons and two daughters. However Ayya continued his spiritual practices while living the married life.
Ayya was a great scholar in Tamil and gained good proficiency in English. He used to deliver spiritual discourses at the "Ashtapathana Sabha" in Chennai. Ayya was supplying goods to military camp in Chennai, where he came in contact with the Mess Secretary Mr. Mc Gregor .Mc Gregor learned Tamil and Yoga from Ayya. During the reign of Maharaja Ayillum Thirunal, Mr .Mc Gregor became the Resident of Travancore.
He appointed Ayya as the Manager of his Residency in Thycaud. From 1873 up to a week before his Mahasmadhi on 20th July 1909( Karkadakam, makom nal) Ayya continued in the post. People respectfully called him "Superintend Ayya".
Swamikal kept strict discipline in work and was extremely punctual. At his residence he spent most of his time in meditation and in initiating and instructing his disciples in spiritual practices. Ayya used to deliver lectures on Bhakthi, Yoga and Vedanta in Jnanaprakasha Sabha at Petta, during which leading literary, social and spiritual personalities in and around Trivandrum used to meet Gurudev. Swamikal with the help of Sundaram Pillai, the first MA holder of Travancore (father of former finance minister P.S.Nataraja Pillai) founded the famous" Saiva Prakasha Sabha" of Trivandrum.

Disciples
Ayya Swamikal had fifty odd disciples, most of them attained the highest stage of Samadhi, some of them leading married family life. Among the prominent personalities were

Chithrmezhuthu Revi Varma Koithampuran
KeralaVarma Koithampuran(Thiruvalla)
Sury Narayana Iyyer(Peshkar)
Muthukumara Swami Pillai(Peshkar)
Periya Perumal Pillai (Peshkar)
Meenakshinatha Pillai(Chalai)
Meenakshi Iyyer(Chalai)
Arumukham Vadyar(Chalai)
Manikavachakam Vadyar(Chalai)
Appavu Vadyar(Chalai)
Kumara Swamy Vadyar(Chalai)
Ayyappan Pillai Vadyar
Appavu Vakil
Chidambaram Pillai (Thycaud)
Kollur Kunjan Pillai(Chattampi Swamikal)- Samadi at Panmana
Nanu Assan-Chempazhanthy (Sri Narayana Guru)-Samadhi at Shivagiri
Dr.Krishna Pillai(Palace Doctor)
Vailur Rayasam Madhavan Pillai
Bhagavatheeswarayyer(Kottarammadom)
A.R.Rajaraja Varma
Ayyankali-Dalith leader-Statue in Vellayambalam
Makkadi Labba (Thiruvithamcodu Mosque)-Samadhi at Thiruvithamcodu
Padmanabha Pillai(Compounder-Mankadu)
Kesavayyar(Padijaretheruvu)
Anaval Sankara Naraya Iyyer
Sundaram Iyyenkar (Account Officer)
Parthasarady Naidu (Head Draughtsman)
Sbba Raju (Survey Office)
Nanthankodu Kotchu Krishna Pillai(Draughtsman)-Samadhi at Nanthancodu
Subramanya Iyyer(Karamana)
Hiarihara Iyyer(Karamana)
Narayan Potty (Vamanpuram)-Samadhi at Kazhakoottam
Narayana Potty(Kazhakoottam)
Thottathil Raman Kaniyar
Jyotsan Kalpada Kanyar
Mankattu Bhavani(Ezhava)
Swayamprakasa Yogini Amma-Samadhi at Kulathoor
Thiruvathira Thirunal AmmaThampuran (Mavelikara)
Kollathamma
Fidilist Padmanbhan Kaniyar (Thycaud)-Samadhi at Thycaud
Vanchiyur Balanandan
Parassala Madhavan Nair
Velaydhan Pillai (Thycaud)
Sankaralingom Pillai (Thycaud)
Petta Fernandez -(Samadhi at Petta
Thakkala Peermuhammad-Samadhi at Thakkala
Nalla Perumal Vaidyan
Kelvikanakku Perumal Pillai(Thazhkudi)
Pesum Perumal (Thazhakudi)
Kollur Kunjan Pillai (Chattampi Swamikal) approached Ayya at the age of 18 but he was accepted as a disciple only after severe tests for more than 7 years. Chempazhanthi Nanu (Sri Narayana Guru) was brought to Swamikal by Kunjan in 1880.Both were given manthropadesha of Balasubramanya and both stayed with him in his Ashram like residence in Thycaud and underwent sadhanas in higher yogic techniques for months together.
Sri Ayya Mission was started in 1989 to co ordinate the activities of Sri Ayya Gurukulam, Sri Ayya Gurukulam and to take up charitable and social activities. The main object is to help poor people irrespective of caste and religion .The mission daily give food to poor people. The mission gives medical help to old people. Mission has many self-employment schemes. The Mission is going to set up a full fledged Dining hall with kitchen.The Mission proposes to construct a free Kalyanan mandapom at Thycaud .
The expansion works are estimated to cost Rs 39 crores ,for this the Mission requests donation from devotees. Donations are exempted from Income Tax
Address
Sri Ayya Mission, Sre Ayya Nagar ,
Thycaud P.O Trivandrum 695014
Kerala. India
Tele 0471-2326648
References.
"Thycattu Ayya Swamithiruvadikal"-1st Edn 1960
"Brahmasree Thycaud Ayya Swamikal"- Ayya Mission Tvm 2nd Edn.1977
Salkavi P.K.Kesavan "Upaharamala" 1950
P.Parameswaran, "Sri Narayan Guruswamikal" 1971
K.Surendran, "Guru" 6th Edn 1966 page 132-37
Sooranattu Kunjan Pillai, "Thiruvithamkoorile Mahanmar" 3rd Edn 1121
M.K.Sanu "Narayana Guru" 1978
K.E. Neelakandan, "Adbhuthsidhan Sri Narayana Parama Guru" 1974
Kesari Balakrishan Pillai, "Upaharamala"1950
Mahakavi Kumaran Asan, "Thycattu Ayyavu" Vivekodayam ME.1084
"Sri Ayya Mission" -Brochure (2002) from Ayya Mission- Thycaud, Trivandrum-14

Links
http://expage.com/thycaud
http://expage.com/ayya
http://members.rediff.com/drkanspillai/ayya.htm