AERYA  FAMILY

Unwavering Faith

The Aerya Beedu family’s enduring unity over centuries is rooted in their unwavering faith in their family deity, Sri Annappa Swamy. Numerous miraculous blessings over the years have only deepened this belief, remaining steadfast despite changing times and modern influences. Festivals such as Nema, dedicated to Sri Annappa Swamy, are celebrated with active participation from people across the village, transcending caste and creed. The family has also extended care and support
to the village community in times of need.

Family Rituals/
Festivites

Throughout the year, various offerings and festivals are conducted to honor the Bhootas at Aerya Beedu

Nagara Panchami

A Nagara Bana near Aerya Beedu, home to the Serpent Gods (Naga Daiva), is the site of Nagara Panchami celebrations. Pooja is performed on an auspicious day called Nagara Panchami. Milk and elaborate offerings are made to the Naga Daiva by the family, the village, and families from far-off areas tracing their roots to the Aerya Naga Bana.

Chauti

The rituals commences with the “illu dinjavuni” ritual  during which the newly harvested stalks of rice paddy (Kural) are ceremonially offered to the Bhootas and then the paddy stalks are tied to the Bhoota Mancha (wooden swing that houses the Bhootas) and also at different parts of Beedu as symbolic blessings from the Bhootas.
Then a few grains of rice are collected from the “Kural “, mixed with milk & freshly drawn well water and this is consumed as “Theertha Prasada”.

Deepavali

A Parba Pooje is conducted for the Bhootas, followed by a non-vegetarian meal offered to departed ancestors on 16 banana leaves. The celebrations culminate with a communal feast for the family, guests, and villagers. In the evening, pooja is performed for the cattle, lamps are lit in the cowshed, and a ceremony honors Baliyendra in the fields.

Puddar Dechi Nema

The Bhoota that has been worshipped at Aerya Beedu is Annappa Swamy alongwith 4 Parivara Daivas - Marl Mysandaya, Marl Jumaadi , Jumaadi  &  Bunta. A significant segment of the Nema involves Annappa Swamy recounting  His history, declaring that he migrated to Aerya Beedu from his original abode at Kuduma (present-day Dharmasthala) centuries ago

Sankaandi (Monthly)

Special Sankaandi pooja is offered on the Sankaandi of Tulu month of Sona (Shravana Sankramana) called as Tudarabali which is the first day of the year when the festivities begin after a break of about 4 months (end of May till September) of rainy season in the coastal regions. 

Weekly pujas

The Purohit performs pooja for the
Bhootas every Tuesday & Sunday.

Daily
Every morning and evening fresh water is offered to the Bhootas, fresh cow’s milk is offered every morning, oil lamp is kept lit through the day and night. 

Bi- Weekly
There is a dedicated family of purohits, performing various poojas and festivals, who have been doing so for 4 generations, starting from Vachanner, Kechanner, Dachhanner and now Raghuramer.  

Picture book

The Aerya Beedu family traces its origins to the Pavooru Guthu family. It is believed that Seethakka Senior, a prominent member of the Pavooru Guthu family, along with her three siblings—two brothers and a sister—moved to Ulavooru after obtaining a partition from Pavooru Guthu. Generations later, a descendant named Seethakka Junior from this branch obtained a partition from the Ulavooru Guthu family and settled in Bolloor

Myrakka, the granddaughter of Seethakka Junior and a member of the Bolloor family, married Kanthu Punja of the Aerya Beedu family. In 1897, due to “Nissantati” (lack of direct descendants), Kanthu Punja willed his Aerya Beedu properties to his wife, Myrakka Punja. From that point onward, Myrakka and her descendants became part of the Aerya Beedu family.

The timeline from Seethakka Senior to Seethakka Junior spans approximately three centuries, while the period from Seethakka Senior to the youngest descendant, Arya, in 2024 covers about five centuries.

Aerya Family Tree

Brief history of about 300 years prior to the starting time of the family tree 

Click to take a closer look

Enduring Connection
Across Generations

Today, family members maintain close ties, treating one another with love and affection, regardless of where they live across the globe. This enduring connection is most evident during the annual Nema celebrations in December, held in the sacred courtyard of Aerya Beedu. The event serves as a magnet, drawing nearly the entire family together from around the world to honor their shared
heritage and traditions. 

Aerya Beedu