Although the Islands of Kumbalam Village have a very
small area, religious representations are many. People belonging to the Scheduled
Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Dheewara, Ezhavas, Pilla, Muslims, Nairs, Konkinis,
Potti Brahmins and Brahmin, Nair and
Scheduled Caste converts live side by side. The Indian secularism permits them
to profess, practice and propagate their faith and live according to their customs,
tradition and beliefs. Nevertheless, it is significant to note that there is
unity in diversity in varied race, colour, culture, religion and spirituality.
Hinduism is supposed to be the oldest living religion
in Kumbalam but you may find traces of Buddhist influence in the description of
house names like a suffix, “Palli.” Pallikudam; use of Aurvedic herbal
medicines and medical care for animals too denotes Buddhist influence. Hinduism, with its age old philosophy and
culture, attracted various castes and sub-castes and engulfed them into their
fold. The Aryan settlers of Kumbalam do not seem to have attempted to eradicate
the religious conceptions of the Dravidians. They united the religions of the
two races by a process of assimilation. While infusing some of their grander
conceptions into the minds of the less cultured races of the south the Brahmins
admitted into their pantheon the gods of the latter like Shiva or Mahadevan and
his consort Parvati. Similarly Kali and Bhairavi were also accommodated. In the ethnic Sacred Serpent
Groves they mount and venerate their multitudinous spirits dwelling in stones
and animals, in trees and streams. These serpents having large hood as divinities
like - Naga Rajavu, Naga Yakshi, and
other serpants. Other deities
include the different forms of ‘Sasthavu’;
the different forms of ‘Badrakali’, the
different forms of Bhagavathy; ancestor
worship like - ‘Panchekeiswara Moorthikal’; the
different forms of ‘Yakshi’; the ancestor worship like - Brahmarakshassu,; Ganapathy and ‘Sasthavu’
(Ayyappan.)
The Islanders were unduly influenced and were coerced to
welcome and accept many other religions such as Islam, Christianity, and Protestantism
to these Islands. I knew that all of them have their different places of
worship. There are about 27 small and big Hindu Temples and a lot of serpent
groves; 7 Christian churches, grottos and chapels; a Pentecost prayer house;
and 8 Mosques in the Village Panchayath area.
It
is significant to note that the proclamation of entry into temples by the Kochi
Raja in 1945 permitted the lower castes to enter temples owned by the higher
castes. People take part actively in the festival and the other entertainment
programmes held in connection with this festival. The Islanders have the capacity
to tolerate and respect other religions and cultures. I am a firm believer in
God Almighty, the life force and I do respect all religions. Whatever be the
source of wisdom, goodness and righteousness, be it in the revered Gita of
Hindus, the divine Torah of Jews, the Holy Bible of Christians, the sacred Koran
of Muslims or the holy book Avesta of Parsis, it is always appreciated.
The
presence of Temples, Mosques, Churches, and Convents are all distinctly felt.
There exists mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s faith.
However, all the Islanders join in the different celebrations unmindful of
whatever caste or creed they practice. I noticed that most of the Islanders go
to perceive music, drama, dance, films and other events connected with the
festivals. The kind of co-operation among the Islanders on the eve of a
marriage, any other mishap including death is remarkable.
The
oldest temples are Kumbalam Siva temple; Kumbalam Kalathil Bhagavathy (Jaladurga) temple; Kumbalam Kochu
Bhagavathy Temple; Panangad Kamoth Bhagavathy temple; Panangad Ganapathy
temple; Udayathumvathil Sree Krishna Temple; Madavana Thenali Temple; Cheppanam
Kotheswara Siva Temple; and Cheppanam Pattuparambil Bhagavathy Temple.
The
important churches are St Mary’s Church (1859) and St. Joseph’s Church at
Kumbalam (1962); St. Antony’s Church (1837) and Bharatha Rani Church (1973) at
Panangad constructed by Fr. Antony Orakkadan and Our Lady’s Church (1923) at
Chathamma constructed by Fr, Joseph Painumkal. It is significant to note that the
former Arch-bishop of Arch-diocese Verapoly at Ernakulam, His Excellency Dr. Joseph
Kelanthara (1971-86), was a native of this village.
The
two main mosques are the mosques with soaring minarets situated on the
south-eastern area at Kumbalam and the mosque at Panangad.
Excerpts from
MEMOIRS
An autobiography
by
Joseph J. Thayamkeril
Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.
josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com
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