Holy Cross with Hindu deities: Story behind Punnappally House pooja room

KOCHI: In Punnappally house in Arookutty, the walls of the Pooja room contain a motley assemblage of pictures of Hindu gods with a holy cross of the saint of Paduvapuram church. Every year as part of the festival in Arukootty Paduvapuram St. Anthony's Church, a procession will be held to bring the cross to Punnappally house from the church.

There is a legend behind this customary practice. While fishing in the Kaithapuzha backwater, the fishing net thrown by Untan from Punnapally house got stuck in the depth of the lake. When jumped into the waters in an attempt to lose the net, Untan saw a gleaming presence in the underbelly of the dark water. He felt nauseous at the sight and returned to home. At the same time, the vicar of the church saw a dream of a cross appearing in the Kaithapuzha lake. The priest came to know about Untan's experience from the fishermen in the area.

On the next day, a wooden plank was fixed in the spot where Untan saw the gleaming presence. In a boat, a procession of St Anthony to the spot was also done. Every year, the cross will be delivered to Untan's house five days before the festival.

The acceptance of the cross was later passed on to Untan's son Madhavan and from Madhavan to his son Rajan. With the passing of Madhavan and Untan, it is now upon Rajan and his son Kannan to continue this tradition.

Rajan's wife Radhamma lights the lamp in front of the cross for five days. Kannan's wife Rajitha, and sons Madhav, Krishna and Kashinath are there to help. On February 17 at 5 pm, believers will take the cross from Rajan's house and will proceed with it to the church in Jamboree.

Rajan and his son Kannan, who will be waiting near the backwaters in front of the church will take the cross and will plant it near the revered spot. After the Thirunal celebration, the Punnapally family will take back the cross and will hand it to the church. This year the Vicar Fr. Anthony Kuzhuveli handed over the cross to Rajan and his son Kannan.