in, Thanthra in the University of Kerala.  Following the foot prints of his illustrious father, he took to learning many traditional and native sciences such as astronomy, astrology, thanthra and modern physics.  In the light of modern sciences his under standing, explanations and elucidations of Indian thoughts, traditions and spiritual paths, are outstanding to those who know him.

His essays on various topics are published in magazines like Mathrubhoomi, Kesari and Pragathi.  He writes a weekly column in “The Week” namely ‘Forecast’, which is a tribute to his Guru Prof. P.U. Krishna Warrier.  He is fondly addressed as “Vamanettan”.

A single event of a lecture he made on the magnificence of the concept of Mankombilamma, and the relevance of practices prevalent in worshipping this household deity is ample evidence to prove his luminous scholarship and eminence in lucid presentation of a subtle subject.  This lecture is appended here, under the title “in search of the roots”

Vamanettan is insistent about the absolute authenticity and conviction one should ensure before he enter into a matter of spiritual import.  It was fate that threw him into a pursuit to study the basics of practices, concepts and the very origination of Mankombilamma, who is his household ‘diety; in Kuttanad.  He tuned his life into a single minded mission; of “Thapas” on Mangombilamma, her journey from a source, to places in Kerala, until her arrival in Kuttanad, where gracefully she reclined in Mangombu, a splendid green patch of land on the river side.  After a decade and two years of his lone search and studies, we – the Vellalas- who brought our ‘kuladevatha’ – i.e. Mangombilamma from thenkasi to all the places in Kerala, arrived at his feet – as god sent.  He inspired us, and guided us to gather together and rally around our “Kuladevatha”; leaving behind the era of disruption, and ignorance.  He became our master, and our meeting with him is a great event.  He guided us to the abode of our Kuladevatha in Moonnilavu, where he rediscovered the sacred spot.  After a thousand years of inertia and ineptitude the lost links in the community were reconnected and our tradition re-established.

We are now on a path of recapturing our lost glory under the direction and guidance of ‘Vamanettan’.  At his feet the members of Vellala Community offer their sincere and solemn salute.