Sanskrit sources of Kerala history
by Suma Parappattoli | 2010 | 88,327 words
This study deals with the history of Kerala based on ancient Sanskrit sources, such as the Keralamahatmyam. The modern state known as Keralam or Kerala is situated on the Malabar Coast of India. The first chapter of this study discusses the historical details from the inscriptions. The second chapter deals with the historical points from the Mahatm...
This book contains Sanskrit text which you should never take for granted as transcription mistakes are always possible. Always confer with the final source and/or manuscript.
11. The Viprasandesa by Koccunni Tampuran
Koccunni Tampuran Kotunnallur (1858-1926 AD) a prolific writer who was often called the Kavisarvabhauma has composed the poem called Viprasandesa[1]. The Kavya is a small lyrical piece written in the mandākrāntā metre and consists of 126 stanzas. It contains two parts known as Purvabhaga and Uttarabhaga respectively.
The hero is a Brahmin 30 years old. The Astrologers informed him his possible death at the age of 32 and to save himself from that he should bath in Gangas and worship Siva there. There by the Brahmin went to Kasi and worshipped Siva daily taking bath in Gangas. He was alone there. Thus suffering from the seperation of his beloved he happened to meet a Brahmin and through him he sends a message to his beloved.
Places, rivers, Temples etc.
Almost all the significant places in between Banaras (Kasi) and Tvm are narrated in this poem. The significant places of Prayaga, Jabalpur, Bhosapur, Itasi, Raiccur, Katappa, Irode, Arkonum, and Vellore are all mentioned here. Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Tapati, Godavari, Krsna, and Kaveri are some of the most important Rivers that come under the description. While reaching Kerala he is employed to visit some well known temples. On the way and glorify the deities there. They are the following Vatakkunnatha at Trissur, the Bhadrakali at Kodunnallur, Purnatrayisa at Tripunithura, Lord Siva at Vaikkom, Balagopala at Ambalappuzha, the Dharmasastra at Sastamkotta and the Jagannadha at Varkala. This poem ends with the description of the city of Tvm and the Sripadmanabha Swami ksetra there.
Kings
While describing Trippunitura, it is stated that the king of Kochi resides in the palace there in glory and fame. His brother, who is very fond of Brahmins is also with him[2].
The ladies of the royal family walking sportively around the temple at Trippunitura are also described in the poem.
tatrāsīnaṃ praṇamatahariṃ sevitaṃ tāpasendraiḥ
viśvādhāraṃ kanakaruciraṃ merutulyaṃ mahāntam |
kṣoṇīnāthā stadanuparitasañcarantīrlasantī
ramyāstārā iva niśiśuci paśyabhossadvijendrāḥ | (Viprasandesa1-51)
The author of the poem Ramavarma Koccunni Tampuran of the Kotunnallur place, flourished from (1858-1892 AD). The king of Kocci is described in the poem as a living monarch. There is a king of Kochi who ruled between 1895-1914 AD. He was a great Sanskrit scholar and patron of learning. He was popularly known as Rajarshi. The king mentioned in the poem might be the Ramavarma, the ruler of Kochi. The brother of the Kochi king referred to there may be the Ramavarma who died at Madras. He lived during 1853-1932 AD. The poet has written another work praising him, entitled Ramavarmakavya.
Koccunni Tampuran of Kotunnallur and his uncle Koccunni Tampuran are specially mentioned in this poem[3]. All these reference are true from the historical point of view[4].
This work extols Manaveda the Samutiri of Kozhikode in three verses in the beginning of the poem[5]. Manaveda, mentioned here may be Manavikrama Ettan Tampuran of Kozhikode, who lived during the period (1845-1915 AD) because the date of the poet is also the same. Manavikrama was a renowned scholar and writer. He was also the main sponsor of the Kerala grantamala which published many works of Kerala writers[6].
While describing Vaikkom Viprasandesa referred to a king Vaisakha. The poet states that from Vaikkom onwards the messenger can see the efficacy of lthe rule of the lustous king Visakha. It is also described that precious things lost on the way will not even be touch by the passengers due to the fear of the king[7].
Ramavarma Vishakham Tirunal of Tiruvithamkur (1880-85 AD) Succeeded by Ayilyam Tirunal is the king referred to here. He had a great reputation for learning and administration.
The description of an elephant belonging to the Vaikkam temple in Travancore is a glorious one.
The Anacaras or peculiar customs of the Namboodiri’s of Kerala are a set of 64 social and religious observances. They are known as Keralacharas. The term Anacaras mentioned in V.S.[8] means the acharas not being observed in other places.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
[2]:
Viprasandesa I -52 -54
[3]:
Ibid 65
[4]:
Ibid 44 -64
[5]:
Ibid 2 -4
[6]:
Kerala Sahitya Caritram, Ullur III -Pp 472 -479
[7]:
Viprasandesa 1-55
[8]:
durgākāle'pi ca khalakalestaiścatuṣṣaṣṭisaṃkhyairanācārerbhavati bhagavacchaṅkarācāryaklṛptaiḥ |
corasyeva sthitapṛthutarairbhittasaṃghairagāraṃ satyapyugre timiranikare prāvṛṣeṇya kṣapāyām ||