Parayi Petta Panthirukulam, is a Malayalam language phrase which translates as "twelve kulams born of a Pariah Woman". This phrase is a well recognized as the title of an important legend of ancient Kerala, a southern state in India. The 'Kulams' refer to vocation based hierarchical ethnic groups. Vayillakunnilappan is still revered as a deity in Vaayillakkunillappan temple in the Palghat district of Kerala. The other eleven babies were found and adopted by people of different Kulams and they grew up learning the trade / skill of that Kulam. They all grew up to be the best in their respective fields, well respected and even the kings from far away lands sought their counsel. Their lives' many stories provide great insight and often provide interesting perspectives into lives based on wholesome values.
The key learning from this legend is that all Kulams of ancient Kerala have common ancestry and that regardless of your birth, life's skills and value systems are honed through one's upbringing. Here are the names of individuals who comprise the Panthirukulam: Mezhathol Agnihothri, Pakkanar, Perumthachan, Rajakan, Vallon, Vaduthala Nair, Uppukoottan, Akavoor Chathan, Karaikkal Ammaiyar, Pananaar, Naranath Bhranthan and Vayillakunnilappan.
Malayalam sloka
The following verses in Malayalam of anonymous authorship and of uncertain date describes the names of the twelve children of Vararuchi who comprise the progenitors of the twelve clans of the legend of Panthirukulam.