Do you know what Thattakam is?

Thattakam is a word from Malayalam associated with Hinduism and temples. But do you know its real meaning?

What is Thattakam?

It is a general word used to represent or address the temple premises and its surroundings in Kerala. It also includes houses close to a Kerala temple. Though Thattakam is not a common word in South Kerala, it’s widely used in mid-Kerala and north. Mostly words like Kshetraparambu and Kovilparambu are used in South Kerala to mention the surrounding area associated with a temple.

This word is similar to ‘Idavaka’ used among Kerala Christians. The people living in temple premises mostly follow temple traditions and culture. When annual temple celebrations are conducted in every temple, each Thattakam has an important role to play. Most times, Thattakam has different divisions, based on directions and each have their own roles. Even each Thattakam has healthy competition with each other, thus improving the festivities as whole.

People living in each Thattakam are bound to follow certain rules and they have a goddess/deity in common, sometimes known by a unique name just like ‘Kuladevatha’ in Kerala traditions. They are bound to live a life which their goddess wants too, and during every annual temple celebration, they should come to the place and participate in the events. Most preferably they should stay in their Thattakam. They should not do long distance travels, and even if done, they should come back before the festival ends.

Thattakam in different contexts

Thattakam is a specific territory, region, or jurisdiction associated with historical, social, or religious significance. Based on context its roles differ. Mostly associated with Religious & Temple Context where rights and responsibilities of devotees are strictly well-defined, it also has Geographical Context representing a locality or region, and Historical & Political Context which clearly draws boundaries for a chieftain’s regional administrative unit or his village under his jurisdiction. Over the years, the word ‘Thattakam’ has evolved into other meanings too. Thattakam also refers to the excellence of some person related to a field.