In the annals of legend, a Namboothiri (A high-caste Malayali Brahmin from Kerala, traditionally priests, Vedic scholars, and temple custodians) was celebrated for his extraordinary eloquence and cunning wit. Indian mythology attributes such gifts to the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of learning. Yet, behind this renowned Muttas Namboothiri lay a tale veiled in mystery, explaining the origins of his unparalleled reputation.

In the days of his youth, during a 41-day bhajan (a devotional song or hymn) at Mookambika, where Goddess Saraswati herself was revered, Muttas Namboothiri's life took a fateful turn. At that time, a sacred offering known as Trimadhur Prasad graced the divine sanctum. This Prasad, consisting of jaggery, kadhalippazham (a type of banana native to Kerala), and honey, was believed to bestow extraordinary intelligence upon those who partook in its consumption. This Trimadhuram, presented during the evening pooja, was regarded as divine nourishment for the gods themselves. Regrettably, it was never meant for mere mortals, destined to be discarded in a deep well after the night's rituals.

Muttasu Namboothiri, however, had a different plan. After several days of observing the customs, he resolved to acquire this prized offering by any means necessary. The opportunity presented itself when Shantikaran, the custodian of this divine offering, momentarily left to fetch water. In his absence, Muttas Namboothiri clandestinely slipped inside the sanctum and ingested a portion of the Trimadhuram.

When Shantikaran returned, he discovered the theft and confronted Muttas Namboothiri. However, the audacious Namboothiri refused to surrender the divine substance, instead swallowing it down. Despite his superior intelligence and eloquence, some considered him a scholar of perverse semantics. This unusual attribute, it was believed, stemmed from his stolen consumption of the Trimadhuram.

On another occasion, Muttas Namboothiri found himself in Ambalapuzha on a day designated for fasting. Yet, his sweet tooth yearned for indulgence. He spotted Shantikaran, the temple priest, partaking in bread after the evening pooja (a Hindu ritual of worship involving offerings). Rumors had it that Shantikaran was diverting the offering for personal consumption. Muttas Namboothiri couldn't resist probing, "How many loaves can a person consume here?"

Shantikaran retorted, "At most, twenty."

"Ah, no, my friend," countered Muttas Namboothiri, "a hundred, if not two hundred, for those like me."

A spirited argument ensued, culminating in a wager. If Muttas Namboothiri managed to devour 200 loaves, Shantikaran would pay him five rupees. Conversely, if he failed, Muttas Namboothiri would owe Shantikaran the same sum. In those days, five rupees carried immense value.

With the bet accepted, Shantikaran promptly arranged 200 loaves before Muttas Namboothiri. As he began consuming them one by one, his appetite waned after just ten or fifteen. Admitting defeat, he conceded to Shantikaran. However, his cunning twist demanded that he calculate the cost of the eight loaves daily consumed by Brahmaswam (the temple management) and extract five rupees from it, offering the remainder to Shantikaran. The relieved priest agreed.

In another temple, ruled by a wealthy and haughty Varrier (temple functionary), Muttas Namboothiri devised a scheme to play upon the man's pride. While they both bathed by the banks of the Kulakadav river, Muttas Namboothiri audaciously borrowed the Varrier's oil and commenced rubbing it on himself. Though incensed, the Varrier did not protest. Upon reaching the temple, Muttas Namboothiri observed the daily government-organized Palpayasam offering, intended for passers-by after the noon pooja. The Palpayasam was, in reality, surreptitiously claimed by the Varrier. Muttas Namboothiri, aware of this, boldly demanded the sweet dish.

The attendants hesitated, awaiting the Varrier's approval. Muttas Namboothiri, undeterred, asserted that he was merely echoing the Varrier's wish to serve him. Finally, the Palpayasam was delivered to him, and he partook with relish before jesting with the Varrier, who had arrived late for his share.

Muttas Namboothiri's escapades continued, culminating in a series of tricks played upon a Nambyar during a festival procession, a wager with a miser, and a hilarious encounter with a temple official. With each exploit, Muttas Namboothiri left a trail of bemusement and laughter in his wake, cementing his reputation as a masterful trickster and an enduring legend in the annals of Kerala's folklore.