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| Nalukettu |
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The Nalukettu is the traditional style of architecture
of Kerala, wherein a house has a quadrangle in the centre. Originally
the abode of the wealthy Brahmin and Nair families, this style
of architecture has today become a status symbol among the well
to do in Kerala. Nalukettu is evident in the traditional homes
of the upper class homestead where customs and rituals were
a part of life. The mansion is created using wood and tiles,
central open courtyard and wondrous architecture.
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The interiors of the
house are tastefully decorated with a wealth of antiques made
from teak, sandalwood, mahogany etc. The Nalukettu is flanked
by out houses and utility structures. The ‘Padippura’
(a gabled gateway) serves as the entrance to the walled compound.
This pattern of architecture became a standard feature of feudal
Kerala. The enclosed courtyard or ‘Ankanam’ is usually
sunk, and therefore called Kuzhi (pit) Ankanam. |
| Astrology |
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| Astrology: or 'jyothisham' occupies a prominent
place in the Vedangas, which is the most widely used knowledge
base. It involves two parts viz: mathematics and prediction.
The former involves astronomy and its calculations leading to
the construction of a horoscope, which shows the relative planetary
positions in the zodiac for any given time and place. The latter
consists of making forecasts using the horoscope. The 'Nirayana'
system is followed here. |
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The commencement of the zodiac is
at a fixed point which is about 180 degree from the star 'Chittira'.
Indians have divided the zodiac into equal parts; each called
a 'Rasi'. In another type of division, there are 27 equal parts
with the 13 degree 20' called lunar mansions or Asterisms ('Nakshathram'
or stars). Astrological interpretations are made on the basis
of relative planetary positions resulting from the placement
of a planet in a particular division. |
| Natal astrology is the most widely
practiced & is concerned largely with the destiny of human
beings, and makes predictions on the basis of time and place
of birth and the relative positions of planets. At the time
when a query is posed to the astrologer, a horoscope is built
on the basis of a random mechanism. Predictions are then made
on the basis of this horoscope. An important aspect unique to
kerala astrology is the use of the 'Gulikan' in specific astrological
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| problems. Gulikan is a particular period of time
recurring every day, and is often used to verify whether a horoscope
is correct or not. |
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