Heritage

‘Of everything I did, I would like to be remembered as the ‘kazhakakkaaran’ of Sree Guruvayurappan.” That is the only designation that Chowallur Krishnankutty wanted even as Malayalees honoured this multi-faceted personality as a writer, journalist, poet, lyricist, scenarist, actor and connoisseur of arts among others. All he wanted was the identification as a kazhakakkaaran, the server of the deity.

Chowallur Krishnankutty’s life was closely intertwined with temples, especially Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple and Chowallur Siva temple. His family has the official rights to perform ‘kazhakam’, the ceremonial service in a temple that includes a wide variety of responsibilities such as making garlands to adorn the deity, lighting lamps, making available puja items, preparing the ingredients for the prasadam, keeping the premises clean, closing up after the evening puja and so on. As the custodian of the temple, the Kazhakkaaran ensures that the rituals, ceremonies, and traditions are meticulously performed, upholding the spiritual sanctity of the temple.

Born into a lineage that has upheld this sacred duty for generations, Chowallur carried forward the profound responsibility with utmost reverence and devotion. Chowallur’s grandfather Sreekumaran Namboothiri of the ancient Mazhuvannoor Mana was one of the trustees of the Chowallur Siva Temple, and it brought to the family ancestral and hereditary rights to serve the temple. The hereditary right to serve Guruvayur temple was bestowed on Chowallur Warriam by Kozhikode Samoothiri (Zamorin of Calicut). During his school days, Chowallur was involved with the Kazhakam work in the Siva temple every day. He was introduced to literary works by his companion in the temple, Balan Marar, who was instrumental in sparking his interest in writing. Chowallur’s deep association with the service of the deity is visible in all his works and all aspects of his life.

During his school days, Chowallur was involved with the Kazhakam work in the Siva temple every day. He was introduced to literary works by his companion in the temple, Balan Marar, who was instrumental in sparking his interest in writing. Chowallur’s deep association with the service of the deity is visible in all his works and all aspects of his life.

With deep knowledge of the deity’s mythology and significance, Chowallur has always been a guide and source of wisdom for everyone around him, sharing the teachings and stories associated with Guruvayurappan and Lord Siva. His duties went beyond the physical realm of the temple; he was a bridge between the deity and the community, fostering a sense of unity and faith among the devotees.

His unwavering commitment and personal connection to the gods lent his poems, songs and stories a rare touch of the divinity which made him one of the most sensitive writers of the era. Carrying forward his duties, he not only maintained the spiritual legacy of his ancestors but also played a vital role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and religious traditions of Kerala.