Kattuvallil Family in Onattukkara

Origin

The Kattuvallil family's (കാട്ടുവള്ളിൽ കുടുംബം) history begins with the three ancestors who journeyed from the North, driven by their skills, devotion, and purpose. Their mission was to contribute to the construction and establishment of significant temples in the region, including the Kattuvallil Sasta Temple , Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple, and Shiva Temple.

These ancestors laid the foundation for three distinct family branches: Kattuvallil Kizakku, Kattuvallil Padinjaru and Kattuvelil. Recognizing their shared heritage and a common spiritual foundation, the descendants came together to honor their unity by building a temple dedicated to their family deity. These deities, seen as the protector and benefactor of the family, symbolized their collective strength and shared purpose.

The family’s legacy now stands at its 5th generation, a testament to centuries of unity, devotion, and continuity. The family temple, which holds a profound significance in their heritage, is situated on land that dates back an astounding 800 years. However, according to the sacred calculations of Ashtamangala Sangya (a traditional method of divine and astrological reckoning) conducted recently, the temple’s  precise age is 848 years.

The Legendary Kayamkulam Sword: A Masterpiece of Kattuvallil Family

A day in September 1742. That was the day when the war between Venad and Kayamkulam was temporarily ended by a treaty at the Koyikkal Palace in Mannar. With that, the King of Kayamkulam became a vassal of Marthanda Varma. The commander-in-chief of Kayamkulam, Achyutavaryar, had been killed in a treacherous act in Eruva. The Sri Chakram of the Eruva Sree Krishna Temple, which the locals believed was the reason for Kayamkulam's victories, had been cunningly smuggled away by Ramayyan. Most of the brave Nairpadayalas, who were warriors, died heroic deaths. Their restless souls wandered around the Onattukara and terrified the people. Kayamkulam sword alone is a historical monument stained with blood of the greed of the local kings. One of the “Karas”, or territories among the 13 of  Shri Chettikulangara Devi’ (Desha Devata of Onattukara) is ‘Mattam Thekku’. The famous Kattuvallil Dharmasastha temple is there, and the Kattuvallil blacksmiths' Family Residence is located near the temple. They are the real craftsmen of the Kayamkulam sword that have made a place in history. Kayamkulam sword is now a popular style in our language. It means one who joins both sides. The Kayamkulam sword has a sharp edge on both sides. It can be turned left and right to cut and swing like a stick.

The main reason for the victory of Kayamkulam(also known as Odanadu/Onattukara) over the wars was the Kayamkulam sword. Not only in land battles but also in water battles. The brave warriors who fought with the Kayamkulam sword leaped forward like lightning, were the brave warriors of this land.After many wars and treaties, the Kayamkulam kingdom became a complete part of Venad in 1746.

Worship of Kayamkulam Sword

In the past, Kayamkulam swords were worshipped in most of the temples in Onattukara. Many of these temples are

Old Artifacts Showcasing that Kayamkulam Sword Design created by Kattuvallil Family

now family temples. There are also many family temples in Onattukara where ancestors who died valiantly in the wars with the Venad are worshipped by enshrining them in the Kayamkulam sword. The family members and locals believe that these ancestors, who are worshipped under the names of Vallyachan and Yogeeshwaran, are warriors who died valiantly in the war. The Kayamkulam sword is worshipped in the Kaliyikkal Vallyachan temple in Mannar Kuttemperoor in Chengannur taluk.

Nowadays, people rarely come to make swords. Some people come to make swords for offerings in temples. The making of swords begins after a week of fasting. During this time, fish and meat are not used. It is also offered in the family temple. The making of swords begins after visiting the Sri Dharmasastha temple and the Chettikulangara Devi temple, offering Dakshina and receiving permission.

Krishnapuram Palace

The Kayamkulam sword is displayed for visitors at the Kayamkulam Krishnapuram Palace under the Archaeological Department.

Traditional Craftmanship

Even after the end of the monarchy, the swords, shields and handcuffs required for the cavalry were made in Kattuvallil as per the instructions from Thiruvananthapuram I.G. Office. The old conch shell-shaped ‘Kanikka Vanchi’ found in the temples of the Travancore Devaswom Board was made by the blacksmiths of Kattuvallil. The Manichitrathazhu, the brass-made Para, Changazhi and Nazhi are also examples of their traditional craftsmanship. This family had a license to make guns until a few years ago. Until recently, the bed trip stands and other equipment required for all government hospitals including medical colleges in Kerala were made here.

Late Damodaran Achari, The Last Karanavar Of Kattuvallil Family

Late Damodaran Achari, who was in his eighty, recovered the story of their old relations with Kayamkulam and then Venad from his memory. He was the Last  Karanavar of the Kattuvallil Family. Radhakrishnan, a relative of Late Damodaran Achari, was there to brush up and polish the old memories.

First Driving School in Onattukkara

A school was also functioning during the time of Late Damodaran Achari's father Krishnan Achari with a grant from the King of Travancore to train children in ironwork. The first driving school in Onattukara belonged to the Kattuvalil family. The 'Opel' car was a sight for the locals at that time. Damodaran Achari recalls that an Anglo-Indian woman named 'Shellah' was the first woman to learn driving from this school fifty years ago.

When Prime Minister Nehru came to Mavelikkara in 1951, Damodaran Achari presented him with a walking stick made of brass in Pak (Ataika). The happy Nehru shook hands with him on the stage and sent him a certificate with his own signature when he returned to Delhi.

Shankh Mudra Of Kattuvallil Family

Shankh Mudra Of Kattuvallil Family

The Shankh Mudra (Conch Symbol) was a unique insignia of the Kattuvallil family, which they engraved on their artifacts, including swords and other weapons. This symbol not only served as a mark of authenticity but also reflected their distinct craftsmanship and heritage. The Shankh (conch) holds spiritual significance in Sanatana Dharma, often symbolizing divine power, protection, and auspiciousness, making it a fitting emblem for a warrior’s weapon.

Traditional Craftmanship to Automobile sector

It is a memory that will not fade even in the eighties. They have also undertaken some construction work in the Pandalam and Kavadiar royal palaces. The old Onattukara was agriculturally prosperous. In those days, a large number of implements and tools required for agriculture were manufactured here. With the decline of agriculture, such employment opportunities were also lost. The Current generation is working in the automobile repairing sector. The countless motor vehicles parked in the backyards, in the forest, and on the roadsides are a testament to this. The descendants of the Kayamkulam sword-making ancestors are finding success in life here with hammers, spanners, and pliers.