What is pakazhiyam chadangu?

Answer 1

Kesavan answers like this - Each kerala Brahmin is traditionally and strictly a follower of only one of the three Vedams, namely, Rigvedam, Yajurvedam and Saamavedam. Followers of Rigvedam are called Rigvedis. Two sub-divisions of Rigvedis are Kousheethakan and Aswalaayanan. Followers of Yajurvedam are called Yajurvedis, with two sub-divisions, Boudhaayanan and Baadhoolakan. There is no sub-division for Saamavedis. Each of these five divisions has its own unique style of performing certain or all rituals. Reference books, called "Chadangu pusthakam", is available for each of these five sub-divisions. These books clearly describe the step-by-step procedure to perform all kinds of rituals like Shodasakriyakal (various rituals from birth to death), Samskaaram (cremation), etc. For example, Kousheethakan Namboothiris refer the book "Kousheethakan Chadangu", Aaswalaayanan Namboothiris refer "Pakazhiyan Chadangu", and Boudhaayanan Namboothiris refer the book "Boudhaayanan Chadangu".