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{{Short description|Ancient noble Ezhava family}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}}
{{Refimprove|date=September 2011}}


'''Cheerappanchira''' is a [[Ezhava]] [[tharavad]] renowned for its [[Kalari]] in [[Muhamma]], [[Alappuzha District]]..<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070602103948/http://www.pathanamthittapolice.com/sabarimala.htm]</ref>  ". Recently,{{When|date=September 2011}} the family Kalari was reopened and around 40 students are being trained in the martial art of [[Kalarippayattu]].
'''Cheerappanchira''' is an ancient noble [[Ezhava]] family renowned for its [[Kalaripayattu|Kalari]] in [[Muhamma]], [[Alappuzha District]].  
Former minister of Kerala, [[Susheela Gopalan]], hails from the Cheerappanchira family.
According to legend, [[Lord Ayyappan]] came here to learn Kalaripayattu. [[A. K. Gopalan]] married [[Susheela Gopalan]] from the cheerappanchira tharawad. [[C. K. Chandrappan]] also hails from this tharawad.
<ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/stream/dli.bengal.10689.12786/10689.12786_djvu.txt | title=In the Cause of the People Reminiscences | date=1956 | publisher=Oriental Longman,C Alcutta }}</ref>


[[Maalikapurathamma]] is the daughter of Cheerappanchira [[panikkar]] who taught [[Kalaripayattu]] to Lord Ayyappa.Lord Ayyappa stayed in Cheerappanchira for a long time and during his training, he fell in love with the daughter of his guru Cheerappanchira panicker called Subhadra(Poongudi).
==Cheerappanchira family==
Some unknown tragedy happened to both of them and she is now worshipped as Malikapurathamma Cheerappanchira,which is situated about 100km from Sabarimala holds many rights in Sabarimala,such as to conduct fireworks at Sabarimala, to light Nilavilak and ceremonial lamps at the shrine of Malikapurathamma at Sabarimala, collect half the coconuts given by devotees at Malikapurathamma shrine at Sabarimala.There is also a Mukkalvetti Ayyappa temple at Cheerappanchira which hold 3/4 power of Lord Ayyappa and rest in Sabarimala.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/spirituality/specials/sabarimala-2019/features/cheerappanchira-moolasthanam-malikappuram-1.4337851|title=ചീരപ്പന്‍ ചിറ മൂലസ്ഥാനം: മാളികപ്പുറത്തമ്മ പിറന്ന നാട്, സ്വാമി അയ്യപ്പന്റെ കളരി ഗൃഹം}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2015/jan/24/In-Memory-of-a-Warrior-Deity-709189.html|title = In Memory of a Warrior Deity}}</ref>
The Cheerappanchira family, according to their family history, originates from [[Kadathanadu]] and were known for their proficiency in [[Kalaripayattu]].{{source?|date=December 2023}} The headman of the family holds the title 'Panicker' and known as in the name of 'Cheerappanchira Panicker'.{{source?|date=December 2023}}


==Legends==
==Lord Ayyappan==
According to legend, Lord Ayyappan came to [[Muhamma]], [[Alappuzha District]] to learn Kalaripayattu. He was introduced by a person named 'Vellutha' as his close relative because the Cheerappanchira Panickers were less willing to train someone from outside their country. They were focused on training soldiers from their own kingdom. Ayyappan started his martial arts training in Cheerappanchira Kalari hiding his true identity as the Prince of Pandalam.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2015/jan/24/in-memory-of-a-warrior-deity-709189.html|title = In Memory of a Warrior Deity| date=24 January 2015 }}</ref>


In those days, Cheerappanchira taught Kalari only to the people of Karappuram area (place around Muhamma) .
[[Maalikapurathamma]] was the daughter of Cheerappanchira Panikkar, who taught [[Kalaripayattu]] to Lord Ayyappa. Her real name was Lalithambika, also known as Poongodi. She used to train Ayyappan in Kalari when her father was not available. Eventually, Ayyappan and Pongodi both fell in love with each other, but they could not unite due to reasons that remain historically unclear, apart from legend and belief stories<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzLfTaqMCK8 | title=Maligapurathamma at Cheerappanchira &#124; Ayyappa Charitham - Part 5 | website=[[YouTube]] | date=13 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/spirituality/specials/sabarimala-2019/features/cheerappanchira-moolasthanam-malikappuram-1.4337851|title=ചീരപ്പന്‍ ചിറ മൂലസ്ഥാനം: മാളികപ്പുറത്തമ്മ പിറന്ന നാട്, സ്വാമി അയ്യപ്പന്റെ കളരി ഗൃഹം|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501081226/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/spirituality/specials/sabarimala-2019/features/cheerappanchira-moolasthanam-malikappuram-1.4337851|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2015/jan/24/in-memory-of-a-warrior-deity-709189.html|title = In Memory of a Warrior Deity| date=24 January 2015 }}</ref>
 
Ayyappan, before going to an imminent war with a bandit visited Cheerappanchira Kalari in order to gather enough soldiers from the Cheerappanchira Kalari, and to seek blessings from his Guru, Cheerappanchira Pancicker. At that time, Cheerappanchira Pancicker had gone to his 'moola-tharwad' (family origin) at [[Kadathanadu]] in [[Vadakara]]. Upon hearing this, Ayyappan left his body armor at Cheerappanchira as a message for him upon his return. This body armor of Lord Ayyappa is still preserved in Cheerappanchira.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/spirituality/specials/sabarimala-2019/features/cheerappanchira-moolasthanam-malikappuram-1.4337851|title=ചീരപ്പന്‍ ചിറ മൂലസ്ഥാനം: മാളികപ്പുറത്തമ്മ പിറന്ന നാട്, സ്വാമി അയ്യപ്പന്റെ കളരി ഗൃഹം|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501081226/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/spirituality/specials/sabarimala-2019/features/cheerappanchira-moolasthanam-malikappuram-1.4337851|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2015/jan/24/in-memory-of-a-warrior-deity-709189.html|title = In Memory of a Warrior Deity| date=24 January 2015 }}</ref>


==Sabarimala and Mukkal Vettom temples==
==Sabarimala and Mukkal Vettom temples==
[[File:After winning the case and gaining hereditary rights to conduct fireworks at Sabarimala, Ratnamma Panickathy from Cheerappanchira and her sons carried out their duties at Sabarimala.jpg|thumb|After winning the case and gaining hereditary rights to conduct fireworks at [[Sabarimala]], Ratnamma Panickathy from [[Cheerappanchira]] and her sons at [[Sabarimala]]. ]]
There is also a Mukkalvetti Ayyappa temple at Muhamma, devoted to Lord Ayyappa and rest in Sabarimala.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2015/jan/24/in-memory-of-a-warrior-deity-709189.html|title = In Memory of a Warrior Deity| date=24 January 2015 }}</ref>


Mukkal Vettom Ayyappa Temple was built by the Cheerappanchira in the tharavadu because the elders of the family were not able to go for pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
Mukkal Vettom Ayyappa Temple was built by the Cheerappanchira in the tharavadu because the elders of the family were not able to go for pilgrimage to Sabarimala.


The importance of the relation of these two ancient temples is evidenced by the ''Thirupattaya Charthu'' (the royal decree) of the [[Pandalam]] King, by which the right to conduct the fireworks offerings at Sabarimala was given to Cheerappanchira family. Till this date, people of old age and women who can't undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala come to this temple to offer their prayers on the belief that, by the darshan at Mukkal vettom,  Ayyappan will shower  the same blessings as the darsan at Sabarimala. In 2001, as instructed by the ''Ashtamangala Deva Prasnam'', (the astrological findings) held at Sabarimala, Sabarimala temple authorities conducted special poojas and offerings as penance at this temple.
The importance of the relation of these two ancient temples is evidenced by the ''Thirupattaya Charthu'' (the royal decree) of the [[Pandalam]] King, by which the right to conduct the fireworks offerings at Sabarimala was given to Cheerappanchira family. Till this date, people of old age and women who can't undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala come to this temple to offer their prayers on the belief that, by the darshan at Mukkal vettom,  Ayyappan will shower  the same blessings as the darsan at Sabarimala. In 2001, as instructed by the ''Ashtamangala Deva Prasnam'', (the astrological findings) held at Sabarimala, Sabarimala temple authorities conducted special poojas and offerings as penance at this temple.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/features/one-more-attraction-for-pilgrims-to-kerala-412978.html | title=One more attraction for pilgrims to Kerala }}</ref>
 
The 2012 release of Lord Ayyappa album of [[P. Unni Krishnan]] titled SABARIMALAI VA CHARANAM SOLLI VA has a special song called SABARINATHA CHARANAM SWAMI written by [[Manachanallur Giridharan]].


==Swamy Muttom or Mutt==
==Swamy Muttom or Mutt==
The Kudil (Hermitage) where Ayyappan lived during the period of his martial art training has been preserved in its original form by successive generations of the Cheerappanchira family. [[Sree Narayana Guru]], during his visit to this family, used this Kudil. Hence it has got the name Swamy Muttom.{{Clarify|I do not see the connection between SNG or Ayyappan and the name of Muttom|date=September 2011}}
The Kudil (Hermitage) where Ayyappan lived during the period of his martial art training has been preserved in its original form by successive generations of the Cheerappanchira family. [[Sree Narayana Guru]], during his visit to this family, used this Kudil. Hence it has got the name Swamy Muttom.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/features/one-more-attraction-for-pilgrims-to-kerala-412978.html | title=One more attraction for pilgrims to Kerala }}</ref>
 
==Sabari Mala Prasadam==
A strong liking for sweets is a common factor of all Hindu Gods and Ayyappan is no exception.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} ''Appam'' and ''Aravana'' ([[Payasam]] made of rice, ghee and jaggery) are the prasadams of the Lord.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}}


==See also==
==See also==
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930064119/http://www.charteredservice.net/madom/  Sri Ayyappa Temple, Cheerappanchira]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930064119/http://www.charteredservice.net/madom/  Sri Ayyappa Temple, Cheerappanchira]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070818034807/http://muhamma.com/mukkalvettom.htm Mukkal Vettam Sri Ayyappa Temple]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070818034807/http://muhamma.com/mukkalvettom.htm Mukkal Vettam Sri Ayyappa Temple]
* [http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/album/TD02105.html Song by Unnikrishnan on Mukkal Vattam]
* [https://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/album/TD02105.html Song by Unnikrishnan on Mukkal Vattam]


[[Category:Narayana Guru]]
[[Category:Narayana Guru]]
[[Category:Kerala society]]
[[Category:Society of Kerala]]
[[Category:Social groups of Kerala]]
[[Category:Social groups of Kerala]]

Latest revision as of 08:58, 1 January 2026


Cheerappanchira is an ancient noble Ezhava family renowned for its Kalari in Muhamma, Alappuzha District. According to legend, Lord Ayyappan came here to learn Kalaripayattu. A. K. Gopalan married Susheela Gopalan from the cheerappanchira tharawad. C. K. Chandrappan also hails from this tharawad. [1]

Cheerappanchira family[edit | edit source]

The Cheerappanchira family, according to their family history, originates from Kadathanadu and were known for their proficiency in Kalaripayattu.Template:Source? The headman of the family holds the title 'Panicker' and known as in the name of 'Cheerappanchira Panicker'.Template:Source?

Lord Ayyappan[edit | edit source]

According to legend, Lord Ayyappan came to Muhamma, Alappuzha District to learn Kalaripayattu. He was introduced by a person named 'Vellutha' as his close relative because the Cheerappanchira Panickers were less willing to train someone from outside their country. They were focused on training soldiers from their own kingdom. Ayyappan started his martial arts training in Cheerappanchira Kalari hiding his true identity as the Prince of Pandalam.[2]

Maalikapurathamma was the daughter of Cheerappanchira Panikkar, who taught Kalaripayattu to Lord Ayyappa. Her real name was Lalithambika, also known as Poongodi. She used to train Ayyappan in Kalari when her father was not available. Eventually, Ayyappan and Pongodi both fell in love with each other, but they could not unite due to reasons that remain historically unclear, apart from legend and belief stories[3][4][5]

Ayyappan, before going to an imminent war with a bandit visited Cheerappanchira Kalari in order to gather enough soldiers from the Cheerappanchira Kalari, and to seek blessings from his Guru, Cheerappanchira Pancicker. At that time, Cheerappanchira Pancicker had gone to his 'moola-tharwad' (family origin) at Kadathanadu in Vadakara. Upon hearing this, Ayyappan left his body armor at Cheerappanchira as a message for him upon his return. This body armor of Lord Ayyappa is still preserved in Cheerappanchira.[6][7]

Sabarimala and Mukkal Vettom temples[edit | edit source]

After winning the case and gaining hereditary rights to conduct fireworks at Sabarimala, Ratnamma Panickathy from Cheerappanchira and her sons at Sabarimala.

There is also a Mukkalvetti Ayyappa temple at Muhamma, devoted to Lord Ayyappa and rest in Sabarimala.[8]

Mukkal Vettom Ayyappa Temple was built by the Cheerappanchira in the tharavadu because the elders of the family were not able to go for pilgrimage to Sabarimala.

The importance of the relation of these two ancient temples is evidenced by the Thirupattaya Charthu (the royal decree) of the Pandalam King, by which the right to conduct the fireworks offerings at Sabarimala was given to Cheerappanchira family. Till this date, people of old age and women who can't undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala come to this temple to offer their prayers on the belief that, by the darshan at Mukkal vettom, Ayyappan will shower the same blessings as the darsan at Sabarimala. In 2001, as instructed by the Ashtamangala Deva Prasnam, (the astrological findings) held at Sabarimala, Sabarimala temple authorities conducted special poojas and offerings as penance at this temple.[9]

Swamy Muttom or Mutt[edit | edit source]

The Kudil (Hermitage) where Ayyappan lived during the period of his martial art training has been preserved in its original form by successive generations of the Cheerappanchira family. Sree Narayana Guru, during his visit to this family, used this Kudil. Hence it has got the name Swamy Muttom.[10]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "In the Cause of the People Reminiscences". Oriental Longman,C Alcutta. 1956.
  2. "In Memory of a Warrior Deity". 24 January 2015.
  3. "Maligapurathamma at Cheerappanchira | Ayyappa Charitham - Part 5". YouTube. 13 December 2013.
  4. "ചീരപ്പന്‍ ചിറ മൂലസ്ഥാനം: മാളികപ്പുറത്തമ്മ പിറന്ന നാട്, സ്വാമി അയ്യപ്പന്റെ കളരി ഗൃഹം". Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  5. "In Memory of a Warrior Deity". 24 January 2015.
  6. "ചീരപ്പന്‍ ചിറ മൂലസ്ഥാനം: മാളികപ്പുറത്തമ്മ പിറന്ന നാട്, സ്വാമി അയ്യപ്പന്റെ കളരി ഗൃഹം". Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  7. "In Memory of a Warrior Deity". 24 January 2015.
  8. "In Memory of a Warrior Deity". 24 January 2015.
  9. "One more attraction for pilgrims to Kerala".
  10. "One more attraction for pilgrims to Kerala".

External links[edit | edit source]