Clans & Kula Deivams: A Glimpse into Tamil Heritage

 Clans & Kula Deivams: A Glimpse into Tamil Heritage

The action of praying to your Kula Deivam, is beyond just putting your hands together and closing your eyes. Have you ever wondered about the long and dramatic story of these gods, their origin and their impact? Starting off with clans, then Kula deivam, to the characteristics of these great deities, Angalamman and Pavadairayan, finally the city and its culture!

Clans

In Tamil Nadu, "clans" generally refer to specific caste groups within the social structure, often with a shared lineage, history, and occupation, sometimes forming alliances like the Naidus which includes castes like Kamma, Balija, and Vadugas.

There are many tribal groups like Toda, Kota, and Kurumba. Vellalar Community is considered a large and influential community in Tamil Nadu, often associated with historical power and land ownership. Members of a clan are believed to share a common ancestry and lineage. Often, a clan is associated with a particular traditional occupation. Some clans may form alliances or confederacies with other similar castes for social and political reasons, like the Mukkulathor. 

Tamil Nadu, "clan" refers to a group of people sharing a common ancestry, while "Kula Deivam" refers to the specific deity worshipped by that clan, meaning "Kula Deivam" is the deity associated with a particular clan. While the clan itself is the family lineage that worships that deity. A clan is a group of people united by actual or perceived kinship and descent. Even if lineage details are unknown, a clan may claim descent from a founding member or ancestor who serves as a symbol of the clan's unity.

Kula Deivam

“Kula” means clan or family lineage. “Deivam” means god or deity. Therefore Kula Deivam means “Clan Deity”. The specific god worshiped by a particular clan.  If a particular caste in Tamil Nadu primarily worships the deity "Ayyanar," then Ayyanar would be considered their "Kula Deivam".

There are two types of Kula Deivam and it can be in the form of Ayya (Male) or Amma (Female). On the other hand “Ishta Deivam” is a God / Goddess / Demi-God whom one worships with their own will. 

The Kuladeivams are deities that the Father's side ancestors (forefathers) worshiped. In fact, each clan has a separate Kuladeivam. The Kuladeivam can be a male, or a female and these deities are consecrated in a manner to protect the people belonging to a particular clan.

People from the same family line visit their Kula Deivam at least once every year and make special pujas for it like abhishekam (sacred bath), padayal (offering fruits, pongal, sweets etc) for the well being of their family.

Angalamman

Angalamman is a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. This manifestation of Mother Goddess is more popular in South India. It is widely believed that worshiping Devi Angalamman is said to give relief from diseases. Those suffering from the spell of supernatural forces or evil spirits are also said to benefit from offering prayers to the Goddess in this temple.

Angalamma is counted as one of the Matrikas or "Seven Mothers". She is also considered to be a form of goddess Ankali or Kali. Angalamma is grama devata, originated from a fierce guardian figure.

Angalamman is said to have gotten her name when Kaliamman was brought out of a burial and installed in the northern entrance of villages. "Angaalam" means "bones". 

The ritual of Ankamma Kolupu involves a midnight worship with a colorful Rangoli made from various powders.

Pavadairayan

He is considered to be a Kula deivam, and best recognised for serving as a general for the deity Aiyanar.

The deity is associated with the myth of the Mayana Kollai, where he accompanies Angala Parameshvari, to slay a demon. Pavadairayan is also often described to be a sea god.

As a Kula deivam deity, the deity is usually placed outside the sannadhi of the central deity. Pavadairayan is unique because he is the only deity who has been portrayed sitting on the lap of Angala Parameshvari.

Parangipettai

Parangipettai is a city in the heart of Cuddalore, historically called Porto Novo (“New Port” in Portuguese). With so many hardships this city still stands and has overcome colonization by Portuguese, and Dutch! It was an important trading destination for Arabs. 

In Parangipettai, various faiths live together in relative peace. Muslims and Hindus reside in the town in nearly equal numbers. Christians also live here.

Throughout history, Parangipettai has taken many different names. Parangipettai is mentioned in Tamil literature as Varunapuri, meaning the place where the rain god Varuna had worshipped Lord Shiva. During Nayyakar rule, it was renamed Muthukrishna Puri and then Mahmood Banthar during Mughal rule. The Portuguese, during their rule, named the place "Porto Novo", which means "New Port" in Portuguese.

The town is now known as Parangipettai. In Tamil, the word “parangiar” refers to Europeans, and “pettai” means place. Parangipettai translates to the "abode of the parangiars" or "Europeans" in Tamil.

Today, Parangipettai has evolved into a well-developed town with nearly all necessities such as healthcare, education and transport.

Babaji and his Ashram

Shri Babaji instructed people to live in truth, simplicity and love. He was more concerned with the way people lived than with the religion of which they practiced. He has said that humanitarianism is the real religion or duty of human beings. Babaji's mission in India has been to assist prophets in carrying out their special exemptions. Babaji has a temple named after him located in Cuddalore. The exact age of this temple is nonexistent, but the beauty and hopefulness will truly mesmerize you!

The rich history of clans, Kula deivams, and their associated deities such as Angalamman and Pavadairayan is an essential aspect of Tamil culture and identity. From the vibrant clans of Tamil Nadu to the distinctive practices surrounding Kula deivams, the faith reflects a profound connection to lineage, tradition, and the divine.