Parisam vaippu is a Hindu devotional ritual. It is observed by the Arayan (Arayar, Arya) community of parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in India. The Tamil word parisam means dowry. The ritual “Parisam vaippu” is performed on the day of Shivaratri at Chengannur temple, Alappuzha District, by the Arayans. It is traditional to give parisam to a daughter upon her marriage.
History
The king Chenkuttuva had constructed a temple in memory of Kannagi at Chengannur in A.D.205. Since then, the ”Alappattu Aryans” have been performing “Thiru Chengannur Shivaratri” and “Parisam vaippu”. To the Aryan community, the "Parisam vaippu" ritual is not only traditional but is also a grand marriage of their daughter Parvati Devi with the Lord Shiva.
The ritual “Parisam vaippu” and the Shivaratri celebration have been recorded in record books by the administrator of the Chengannur temple since A.D 205.