Parayi petta panthirukulam
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Parayi petta panthirukulam, literally meaning the "twelve castes borne from Pariah woman", is an important legend which highlights the evolution of the social structure of ancient kerala.
The legend is centred around the village of Thrithala. According to this story, a brahmin named Vararuchi married a lower caste woman without knowing her true identity. After the marriage, they set out on a long journey. During the course of the journey, the woman became pregnant several times, and every time she delivered a baby, Vararuchi would ask her if the baby was born with a mouth. On hearing a positive reply, he would ask her to leave her newborn, with the explanation that the god which gave the mouth, would also provide the food. This went on until the twelfth baby was born .This time the wife got disgusted and lied to the same old question of her husband. On hearing this, Vararuchi asked for the baby.But the mouth of the baby had really disappeared.Then the Legends have that Vararuchi enshrined the baby on the nearest hill alive.
Vayillakkunillappan is still revered as a deity in Vayillakkunillappan temple in the Palghat district of kerala.
Each of other eleven babies were taken up by people of different castes and they grew up in that caste, making the legendary 'Panthirukulam'. They all became famous in their lives and many tales are attributed to them.
The names of the twelve people are Agnihotri, Pakanar, Perumthachan, Rajakan, Vallon, Vaduthala Nair, Uppukootan, Akavoor Chathan, Karakkal Amma, Pananaar, Vayillakunnilappan and Naranathu Braanthan.
