Pallikettu
The bundle of offerings to Lord Ayyappa carried by pilgrims of Sabarimala is known as Pallikettu. It is also known as Irumudikettu.
Palukudy / Noolukettu
Palukudy or noolukettu is a function organised on the 28th day after birth of a child. Palukudy, noolukettu and choroonu are important for the newborn babies. Though the second and third (Noolukettu and Choroonu) functions are being followed today, the first (Palukudy) is not common. On 28th day of birth the child will be bathed and placed on the lap of Grandfather/Karanavar. Five small bells and a small pipe made of Panchaloha (five metals – gold, silver, copper, iron and lead) will be attached
in a chord (gold string is also used) and tied around the waist of the
child. This function is known as Noolukettu. It is believed that on the 28th day the child is taken to the possession of the Tharavad from the father. After Noolukettu the Karanavar or mother will give milk to the child three times using a spoon or spoon like material made of jack tree leaf. Then the Karanavar spell the name of the child silently for three times. The name will not be disclosed till the end of Choroonu function.
Panigrahanam
Panigrahanam is an important function of a marriage. The bride and
bridegroom will join their right hands and walk around the temple or
marriage mandapam (place where marriage takes place).
Pantheerady
The main pooja (worship) performed in temples between the Ushapooja (morning pooja) and Uchapooja (noon pooja).
Para
An offering also known by names Parayeduppu, Paranirappu, Parayezhunnallikkal. Nirapara and Nilavilakku are used for many functions. Paddy will be filled in Para (a
cylindrical measuring vessel which can measure about 10 Kg.) and Idangazhy (another measuring jar of about 1 Kg.). There is another type of para found in Malabar area. For conducting this, one bunch of coconut flower, 4 men to beat drums, Ilathalam, Chengala (musical instruments) and 2 for Kuzhal (another musical instrument) and one Velichappad (oracle) are required. Two women will carry paddy. The team
will proceed from temple to each and every home to accept
offerings.
Parappedi and Pulappedi
Parappedi and Pulappedi were malevolent customs prevailing in ancient Kerala. In South Kerala it is known as Parappedi and in north Kerala as Pulappedi.
In certain days when low caste people belonging to Pulaya or Paraya
community happens to see the women of higher caste or throw stones at
them, that lady will be ostracised.
Pathamudayam (Tenth holy day)
The 10th day of the month Thulam (October-November) and Medam (April-May) are known as Pathamudayam. Pathamudayam of Tulam is known as Thulapath and that of Medam is known as Medapath. Both are important for agricultural operations. The importance of Vishu festival will last till the Pathamudayam.
Pathinaru (Sixteenth day)
Pathinaru is one of the funeral rituals. It is conducted on the sixteenth day after death.
Pathirapoochoodal
Pathirapoochoodal is an important function connected with Thiruvathira. At Thiruvathira midnight, after taking bath, Kerala women used to wear dashapushpam (flower). Consequent on the decline of matrilineal system, Thiruvathira festival as well as the function of Pathirapoochoodal is also vanishing.
Pennukanal
The practice of bridegroom seeing the bride before marriage is fixed is known as Pennukanal.
The bridegroom, his relatives including his uncle father, mother and
friends will come to the bride’s residence and see her.
Porutham (matching)
To compare the likeness of the horoscopes of bride and bridegroom before marriage is called porutham nokkuka. Though there are 23 such likings (porutham) factors, only 10 are considered as important. They are (1) Mahandra Porutham, (2) Yoni Porutham, (3) Dina Poruham, (4) Rashi Porutham, (5) Rasyadhi Porutham, (6) Vashya Porutham, (7) Gana Porutham, (8) Sthree Deergha Porutham, (9) Rajju and (10) Vedam. Besides the above, Ayavyaya Porutham, Mana Porutham, Nasika Porutham, Ayuporutham are also there. In addition to this, Papa Samyam is also looked into.
Pirannal (birthday)
The
birthday celebration conducted once in a year when the birth star
(day) comes. The first birthday will be on the 28th day after
birth. Following this, every year birthday is celebrated.
It is known as Andupirannal.
Pithrupooja
Pithrupooja
is the ancestral worship. It is also known as Sradham or Pindom
or Pithrubali. Pithrupooja at Thirunelli, Thiruvallom and
Rameswaram are famous. Special Pithrupooja is conducted at
Thirunavaya, Varkala and Aluva on the day of Karkidakavavu and the
vavu (no moon day) in Kumbhom (February-March) coming after
Sivarathri.
Pradikshinam
Pradiskshinam is the practice of going around the temple in a circle. The mode of Pradishinam to each god and goddess is different.
Pradosham
Pradosham is a vrutha (penance) for appeasement of Lord Siva. It is believed that on
Pradosha day Lord Siva dances as Nataraja. In the morning after
taking bath, one has to go to Siva Temple for worship. In the day time upavasa is to be performed. In the dusk again they have to take bath and go to temple. In night after reading holy books the vrutha (penance) will come to an end. The Sani Pradosham (when Saturday and Pradosham come on the same day) is considered as most important. On that day offering prayer to Lord Siva with petal of Koovalam flower will bring contentment to the devotee.
Prasadam
Prasadam is
the sandalwood paste, bhasmam (sacred ash) and kumkum (Vermillion)
given in temples. To wear it in forehead and chest is considered
as a blessing.
Pudamuri (wedding)
Receiving ‘pudava’ which is a part of modern marriage Pudamuri is the marriage of nairs. It is also known by names Pudavakoda, Pudamurikallyanam and sambandham. In olden days, Kettukalyanam was celebrated in a grand scale. However, the real marriage, pudamuri was celebrated in a less expensive manner. A woman becomes a wife
of a man when he gives a cloth (pudava) to her in front of a Nilavilakku (holy bell metal lamp with wicks) and in the presence of few witnesses.
Pula and Pulakuli
Pula (pollution) is compulsory to all. This is observed during birth
as well as death. A few days coming after death of a close relative
are considered as Pula. If one touches a person who has pula,
he should immediately take a bath. During olden days all Hindus
observe Pula for 10 days. Now different castes have different types of pula like Pathupula (10 days), Panthrandupula (12 days), Pathinarupula (16 days). The Nairs of North Malabar had a 12 days Pula. In south Malabar they observed it for 15 days. The bath taken to remove pula is known as Pulakuli rite. The priest who authorised to do the funeral rites spray holy water on the heads of people who are having pula and they should take bath and wash their cloths.
Pulappedi-Parappedi-Mannappedi (Fear of touch by lower caste)
Pulappedi-Parappedi was a malevolent custom feared by all women of the upper castes
especially Nairs. This custom created a fearful atmosphere in
the Nair families of 19th century. Dreaded incidents were
witnessed in the northern parts of Kerala and in Onattukara-Kuttanad
areas during the months of February-March. The Naduvazhis (local rulers) permitted people belonging to the lower caste to enter the Kavus (worshipping centres / temples) and offer prayers during the festival
days once in a year. They were permitted to take bath in the
ponds intended for upper castes. They had the right to touch the
women whom they meet on their way. The ladies who were thus
touched by the lower castes have to go with them. They can never
return to their own houses according to the rule of the
community. This immoral practice was known as Pulappedi-Parappedi
Pulikudy
Pulikudy or Pumsavanam is a pre-delivery ritual observed in the seventh month of pregnancy,
which is considered as an important function during pre-delivery
period. Among the Namboodiries, the husband gives a mixture of
gram and curd to the pregnant wife for consumption. Among others, rice
is cooked in the juice of tamarind leaves and given to the pregnant
woman.
Pumsavanom
Pumsavanom is one of the Shodashacharangal of Namboothiris. Pumsavanom is performed on an auspicious day during the third month of
pregnancy. Vedic chanting is recited to develop female fertility, to
advise about the role of mother, and to avoid difficulties of pregnancy.
The husband also gives a mixture of gram and curd to the pregnant
wife.
Puthenthiruvathira
The first Thiruvathira coming after marriage is known as Puthenthiruvathira or Poothiruvathira. This is celebrated in the bride’s residence.
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