Payyanur

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Payyannur
Payyannur
State - District(s)	Kerala - Kannur
Coordinates	12.1° N 75.2° E
Area - Elevation	- 16 m
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Population (2001) - Density	68,711 -

Pavithra Mothiram

Payyannur is a city and a municipality in Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is about 45 km from Kannur town. Sprawling in the valley of the lofty Ezhimala Hills, Payyanur has a distinguished place in the history and culture of the country. The place derives its name from the renowned Hindu temple, Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple, located there. 'Payyan' is an appellation of Lord Subrahmanya and 'Ooru' means 'the place'. Thus 'Payyanur' means the land of Lord Subrahmanya.

Payyanur is also well known for Pavithra Mothiram, Astrology, art forms such as Theyyam and Poorakkali.

1 History
2 Pavithra Mothiram
3 Geography
4 Other places near Payyanur
5 Demographics
6 References

[edit] History

Payyanur, which is located in the northern part of Kerala, is one of the ancient civilized places in the state. It claims a rich and glorious heritage. The archeological remains excavated from Payyanur and nearby places prove the existence of a civilized city in this area centuries ago.Payyanur is also famous for Pavithra Mothiram.Its is special kind of ring made in the shape of pavithram.

Famous travelers who visited Payyanur often described the area in exalted terms. The well-known traveler Ibn Bathutha visited Ezhimala in 1342 C.E. and described the large seaport and the Chinese ships anchored there. Abul Fida visited in 1273 C.E., as did the world-famous traveler Marco Polo in 1293 C.E. In the 15th century the Italian traveler Nicholo Kondi also visited this place and offered a good impression of the Ezhimala port, which was called by the name 'Heli'. The Portuguese scholar and traveler Barbosa, who studied Kerala and its people, also described Payyanur.

[edit] Pavithra Mothiram

This article contains text taken from www.world66.com.

Payyanur Pavithram or Pavithra Mothiram is internationally famous like" Aranmula Mirror "or "Ambalapuzha Palpayasam". Pavithram is the particular ring worn during performing vedic or holy rituals or during the "pithrubali" (ceremony performed for the well being of the forefathers or departed souls) in the Hindu tradition. The traditional Pavitram is usually made of "dharba" grass. The formation of Payyanur Pavitram is closely related with Payyanur Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple. According to the legends, Pavitram made of gold was recommended to avoid the inconvenience of making it many times a day for the various poojas and rituals.

Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram is a uniquely crafted ring shaped like a knot and considered being a sacred ornament. Usually Payyanur Pavithram is being made of Gold and Silver. The Pavithram is to be worn on the right ring finger by the person performing Vedic Karmas. It is believed that this ring will bring luck and grace to anyone who wears it with the deep devotion. The three lines on the top of the ring represents the three vital "nadees"(nerves) of the human body, Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. The knot between these three nerves together can awake or arose the "Kundalini sakthi" (vital energy of the body) of the human body. It is believed that the Pavithram brings the "Trimoorthi Chaithanyam" ( the vigor or the effect due to the presence of the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva).The person who wear Pavithram as well as the Goldsmith who makes it has to have to impose some sort of self control or discipline over themselves. They should be pure vegetarian and shouldn't take alcohol and should keep way from immoral activities. If wore by women, they have to remove the ring during the period of menstruation.

According to tradition, the Pavithram, before handed over to the customer, is taken to Payyanur Perumal Temple for special poojas and a part of the cost of the ring will be given to the temple as an offering. Payyanur Pavithram is being exhibited in many of the museums of India as well as abroad. It is relevant to mention the name of late C.V. Kunhambu, who ws an expert in the making of Payyanur Pavithram and was also a great freedom fighter.

[edit] Geography

Payyannur is located at 12.1° N 75.2° E^[1]. It has an average elevation of 16 metres (52 feet).

[edit] Other places near Payyanur

Bekal Fort 40 km from Payyanur
Payyambalam Beach 40 km from Payyanur
Ezhimala 6 km from Payyanur Town

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India census^GRIndia, Payyannur had a population of 68,711. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Payyannur has an average literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 86%, and female literacy is 80%. In Payyannur, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.