Indian Antiquary Vol 61

SR No.: 032553
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 428
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 83

APRIL, 1932)
A BALLAD OF KERALA
73
Urilirakkanum pôņatiyan
"T am going to beg." Ürilirannalo endu kittum
"What will you get by begging ?” Unnumbô! chennáló chôru kittum
“Meals, if I go at meal time, Têykkumbol chennalô enna kittum
“Oil, at bathing time, Chettumból chennalô kallu kittum "Toddy, at tapping time, Attåra chorrinnu ariyum kittum
“Rice for a meal Sandhya 18 vilakkinnu enna kittum “And oil for the sunset light."
Unichandror makes a present of a piece of cloth and prevails on him to give detailed information about securing a suitable chékavar. This he gives - Karutênár19 nâţum kirakke arram
"Bounded on the east by Karutênåd Putturam patam padiññnar axram
"And on the west by the Putturam fields Elavannûg nâtalloru nâtallane
“Is the place known as Eļavannûr. Avite irikkunnu mûvar chêkôn
“There live three chêkôts. Achanum chêkôn makanum chêkôn “Both the father and the son are chêkórs, Marumakanennoru chêkônundu
“And there is a nephew, also a chékôr. Erangam vetti jeyichatachchan
"Seven combats has the father won ; Achchanu vayassume kalamaņu
"He is in his old age. Makan Chôkavare kittiyengil
"If the son chekôr is secured Niñnalku angam jayikkumalla
“Your victory is assured." He gives full directions as to how to get to the place. Guided by these directions, the party proceeds and reaches the place by evening. They spend the night at a neighbouring house and are awakened the next morning by the sound of the puja bell from the chékavar's house. Vêgam erunirru vârunnorum
The Varunnor wakes up and quickly Kei vâyi mukhavum chitam varutti Washes face, hands and mouth, Verrila murukkum karikkunnundu Has pánsupari Eta раrабЙu рurappefunna
And starts, taking leave, Pațiyum patippura katannavarum
And crossing the gate and the gate house, Puttâram vittil patikkal chennu
Reaches the front of the Puttûram house, Mandaka murrattum chenniranni Enters the front courtyard and Mullattara churrum chavalam chari Observes the spears resting against the
jasmine beds. Pularuvân êrasa råvullappo!
Before daybreak, Püngöri châttanrrekûval kettu
Hearing the cook crow, Murramatikkunna Mânipennum
The girl Máni who sweeps the courtyard to Netti efunirru pennavaļum
Gets up, awakened by the cock's crow, Atakal nannayi kutaññututtu
And dressing herself with care, Kažkůntal nannayi kuteññu ketti
Arranges her looks
18 Sandhya vilakku is the circular bell-metal hanging lamp which it is still the practice to light at Auneet all over Korala in Hindu households. Twisted strands of cotton rags form the wicks, which are placed uniformly all around a circular groove which is fed with 2000anut oil.
10 Kadattanad in Kurum branád dhuk of N. Malabar.
30 This gives an insight into the habits of an ordinary Malayali household. The first thing done before sunrise, which should be finished before the rest of the household wake up, is to swoop the courtyarda ell around the house. This is done with care and thoroughness, after which thin solution of powdungin mature is sprinkled over the entire area.