Indian Antiquary Vol 61

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 235

NOVEMBER, 1932)
A BALLAD OF KERALA
209
or fighting platform, erected there, and scrutinising it, detects the flaw in the patched up woodwork. Arômar sends for the carpenter, Viswakarman of Kolattirinad, who did the work. The latter comes in great fright prepared for the worst, and regretting his indiscretion in listening to Ariññôtêr's evil designs. Arômar, however, keeps quiet, and asks him to perform the ceremonies necessary for the consecration of the tattu, or platform. He accordingly asks for the following articles for Ganapatipújafo :
Nálukâlulloru pitham vēnam Pitham mukaļil talika vēņam Talika nirayolam velleriyum Velliri mita yoru nalikêram Vellavil sarkara kottattênna Jalagandha pushpavum dhûpam
dîpam Chentennilannîr kadalipparam Verrilatakkayum venamallo Kânikkituvân såsipanam
A four-legged stool should be placed *And over it a brass plate Filled with cucumbers, And over the cucumbers a coco-nut, Beaten rice, sugar and kottattiva" Flowers, incense and the ceremonial lamp.
Red tender coco-nuts and kudali (plantains), And betel nuts And rasipaņam"for dakshina.63
The půjd being over, Arômar makes the customary presents to the carpenter. The place is soon thronged with people come to see the fight. As a preliminary, Arômar gives an exhibition of his marvellous skill to entertain the audience, and the great men assembled shower rich gifts on him in approbation. The real fight soon begins. Ariñnoter ascends the platform with the help of a ladder, whereas Arômar makes a leap, alighting gracefully on the platform. They have not been fighting long before Ariññôter tries his foul strokes, which Årômar parries successfully. In the thick of the fight, Årômar finds to his horror that his weapon has broken in two. He at once realizes that the blacksmith has deceived him, though he is unable to divine his motive. He signs to his cousin Chandu to change the churika, when Chandu knayishly says that he has not brought a spare one. He asks the latter to lend him his, which Chandu refuses, remarking that he is as much a chekor as himself, and that he cannot lend his weapon. Chandu's treachery flashes on him in & moment. He then addresses Arinnôter to suspend the fight until he gets a weapon.
koste
Ayudham ñanonnu vânnikkotte Ayudham illâte kollunnatu Anunnalkkottume cherchchayilla Kalarikkårkkottume cherchchayilla
Let me get a weapon. Killing undefended Scarcely befits mer., Least of all us who belong to reputed kalaris.
Ariññôter replies not, but savagely rushes forward and strikes Arômar who deftly retreats, with the result that the blow, which would otherwise have been fatal, is averted, the weapon just gliding over his body, leaving a slight cut. Enraged at this insolence, and warning Arinnôter to defend himself, Arômar grasps his broken dagger, and fights with greater vigour. Arinnôţer is unable to withstand him. Arômar, flourishing his broken weapon, strikes at Ariññôter with unerring aim, cutting off his head clean. Arômar, exhausted, asks Chandu to close the shutters and not to let anybody in. He leans on Chandu, resting his head and closing his eyes with fatigue. Hastening not to let the opportunity slip, Chandu takes hold of the sharp end of the brass lamp, heats it red hot and thrusts it into
60 It is the practice to begin any auspicious work with an offering to the god Ganapati, which is still scrupulously observed.
61 Dried coco-aut. 59 Seu 1.d., vol. LXI, p. 11, nule 13. 63 Customary presents to Brahmaps.