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Bevinje is a tiny village on the foot hills of Chengala, 8 kms.
from Kasaragod on the National Highway 17. To the North flows the majestic river
Payaswini or Chandragiri. This river is considered as the traditional boundary
between Tulu Nadu and Malayalam regions of Kerala state. And thus Kakkilayas of
Bevinje assume the role of the last outpost of Tulu Nadu. KAKKILAYAS, wherever or whatever they happen to be, are proud of
their BEVINJE and are always waiting for an occasion to meet at their ancestral
house.
Bevinje House is accessible by
road at about 2 kms from Chengala town, which is 8 kms from Kasaragod on
National Highway 17. Down the highway, about half a km before the bridge across
the river Payaswini, one can see the beautiful Bevinje Valley View. Further
down, just at the entry into the bridge, is Thekkil, the bus stop for reaching
Bevinje House.
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Their ancestral house at Bevinje, even after 150 years of construction,
continues to be a centre of religions and social functions. This house is like a chatram providing food and shelter to the needy.
It consists of two
structures -both two-storied buildings- a model architecture of the bygone days.
It is
complete with residential quarters, prayer room, central courtyard, |
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Qotupura,
Padipura, Pathayapura and Kulipura (which mean Cooking house,
Front-house,
Store-house and Bathing house respectively). It stands on an elevated ground at
the foot of a hill which provides plentiful perennial water supply that flows
down as a waterfall near the Kulipura. Right in front of the house on
the eastern side, there is an old and huge amla tree, bearing fruits
even now. On the southern side there is a centuries old mango tree and
many huge jackfruit trees. For the present generation of Kakkilayas,
these huge trees are symbols of a great heritage. |
Bevinje had always provided shelter to the boys from villages of Kasaragod
studying at the Govenment College, Kasaragod.
Sri G.V. Iyer, the well known film producer and director, chose this house and
its courtyard to film Shankaracharya 's upanayanam in his famous film 'Shankaracharya'.
Otthekola
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Every year on the 3rd of April, 'Otthekola' is held on the paddy field in
front of the house. Seeing the Vishnumurthy Bhoota in all its grandeur is an
unforgettable experience. It is a breathtaking experience to watch the Bhoota
repeatedly jumping on to the red hot burning charcoal. |
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Kulchata : The Bhootha
preparing for its bath |
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Vishnumoorthy Bhootha with
its shield made of coconut leaves |
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More about Bhootaaradhane at www.yakshagana.com
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