Perumpuzhayachan

പെരുമ്പുഴയച്ചന്

According to local tradition, Kankala Devan of Vattuvappalli Mathilakam and Varikka Devi were blessed with a son. They raised him with great… Learn the full story, rituals, and temples on Theyyakkalam.

Communities: Vannan

Deity type: Deity

Origin & Sacred Story

According to local tradition, Kankala Devan of Vattuvappalli Mathilakam and Varikka Devi were blessed with a son. They raised him with great care and taught him every art and branch of knowledge.

When the boy came of age, he approached his maternal uncle, Vaduvachatti, expressing his desire to travel with his companions to Thiriyoor Nagaram for trade. He requested cattle to carry the merchandise and specifically insisted on taking the prized bull named Manikuttan. Though reluctant to allow his young nephew to undertake such a dangerous journey, the uncle eventually yielded to his insistence and entrusted him with the cattle and the bull.

The group loaded their goods onto the cattle and journeyed across hills and mountain passes until they reached Thirunelli. There they unloaded their merchandise beneath a banyan tree and rested. However, they failed to pay the customary toll (Chungam) due for unloading the goods. Angered by this neglect, Perumal cursed them, turning the cattle into stone. The merchants were struck with illness and dispersed in different directions.

Separated from his companions and lost in the forest, the young trader eventually reached the banks of the Perumpuzha River, where he attained moksha and was transformed into the divine being known as Perumpuzhayachan.

The local Valluvar fishermen, who earned their livelihood on the river, accepted him as their guardian deity. They worshipped him by offering toddy (liquor) and roasted gram in a boat before setting out to fish. Since then, Perumpuzhayachan has been believed to reside on the banks of the Perumpuzha River, protecting those who depend upon its waters and blessing his devotees.

Tags: Perumpuzhayachan, പെരുമ്പുഴയച്ചന്‍, പെരുമ്പുഴയച്ചന്‍ തെയ്യം, Theyyam, Kerala Theyyam, North Malabar Theyyam ritual, Theyyam Kannur, Theyyam festival Kerala