Affectionate Childhood and Nicknames
Neelagandan, affectionately known by nicknames such as Neelapullaa and Neelam pule—with Pullaa, pule, pile, or pillai all meaning “child”—was endearingly addressed by relatives and villagers alike. Even today, in the regions of Kalkulam and Vilavancode (now modern-day taluks), echoes of these loving terms remain: phrases like le pulla (“you, child”) or gentle calls such as Pile, inga vaapulla (“Oh child, come here”) still persist. It was this warmth and familiarity that led to the popular name “Neelakanda Pillai.”
Early Talents and Recognition
Gifted with a sharp intellect and a questioning, research-oriented mind, Neelagandan quickly developed a keen sense of discernment between truth and falsehood. He enjoyed playing martial games with his sister Lakshmi Kutti, aunt Bhagavathi Ammai, and uncle Raman Pillai. During the Onam festival in Kerala, he was even awarded a prize by the king for his courage in a mock fight with a goat.
Parental Separation and Upbringing
At the age of five, Neelagandan’s father, Vaasu Devan Namboodhiri, was transferred from the ShankaraNaaraayanan Temple in Nattalam to the Aadhikesavan Temple in Thiruvattaar. After five years, he returned to his hometown of Kayamkulam in Kollam. Following disputes with Raman Pillai, Vaasu Devan left his wife and children. At Raman Pillai’s request, he formally relinquished all rights and property back to Devahi Ammai, in keeping with the matrilineal traditions. This departure severed all ties with the family—a fact preserved through generations, as shared by Mrs. Vijayammai, an 85-year-old member of the ninth generation of Raman Pillai’s lineage in 2010.
Education Under Karai Kanda Muththappar
The Silambu School in Paraicode Kottavilai
Academic and Martial Training
Scholarly Pursuits
Under Muththappar’s mentorship, Neelagandan mastered writing on palm leaves using a Naaraayam (a stylus-like iron nail), and became fluent in Tamil and Malayalam. He studied Tamil literature, Sanskrit, the Vedas, Indian philosophy, and logic. His spiritual education was grounded in a blend of Hindu and Christian traditions, particularly the teachings of St. Thomas.
Martial Prowess
In tandem with his academic achievements, Neelagandan trained in Varma Saastra, Silambu, archery, and Kalari. His growing physical strength and discipline made him a formidable martial artist. Despite his skills, he remained humble, courteous, and well-loved by peers and mentors alike. His closest friends included Thommai Chinna Thambi Annaavi, Maria Mallan Maayakutti, and Thomman Thirumuthu—a poet and son of Karai Kanda Muththappar.
Spiritual Formation and Early Social Awareness
Influence of Muththappar
Moved by Neelagandan’s humilit, ry and discipline, Muththappar offered him fatherly affection. He taught his pupils the Gospel message of love and equality, using Jesus’ suffering for humanity as the ultimate example. These teachings deeply influenced Neelagandan’s worldview and character.
Caste-Based Oppression
At the time, Travancore’s social structure was brutal and deeply discriminatory. The Naayar community, to which Neelagandan belonged, was burdened by unjust rules and denied privileges such as building homes with tile roofs. Those from castes lower than the Naayars suffered even worse oppression, including over 108 forms of taxation—ranging from mustache tax to breast tax—and cruel punishments for non-payment.
Even Tamil people, as a group, were stripped of basic rights: they could not consume cow milk, retain their harvest, wear clean white clothing, walk on public roads freely, or file complaints against Brahmins. The caste system enforced total subjugation.
Awakening to Injustice and Yearning for Justice
Personal Struggles and Public Injustice
Growing up under these conditions, Neelagandan became increasingly aware of societal injustices. The fact that Brahmins were considered above the law, and the existence of two separate legal standards, inflamed his desire for change. His own family’s suffering—especially his father’s abandonment and his community’s humiliation—fueled his growing conviction to fight against oppression.
A Turning Point in History
It was during this time of mounting injustice that King Bala Rama Varma of Travancore passed away—a moment of political transition that would soon intersect with Neelagandan’s rising moral consciousness and destiny.
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