Kaliyoottu

Last updated
Kaliyoottu
Kalankaval in Vellayani Devi Temple.jpg
Kalamkaval, a part of Kaliyoottu ceremony in Vellayani Devi Temple
Native nameകാളിയൂട്ട് (Malayalam)
GenreRitual
Origin Kerala, India

Kaliyoottu also known as Kali natakam (literally means Kali play) is a ritualistic performing art popular in Thiruvananthapuram Kollam districts of southern Kerala, India. It is a folk art related to the battle between Bhadrakali and the asura Darika.

Contents

It is said that Marthandavarma, the Maharaja of Travancore who won the battele against Kayamkulam started Kaliyoottu at Sarkaradevi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Overview

Kaliyoottu is also known as Paranate is a folk art form is mainly popular in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts of Kerala. [1] Here Kali temples are known as Mudipuras. The name Mudipura means the place where Bhadrakali's hair (Mudi is the Malayalam word for hair and Pura means house) is kept. [2] The main temples where Kaliyoottu takes place are Vellayani Devi Temple near Thiruvananthapuram and Sarkara Devi Temple near Chirayinkeezhu. [1] In areas like Ilamba and Attingal, there is Kaliyoottu with local variation. [1] The Kaliyoottu festival at Vellayani Temple is the longest running festival in Kerala. [3]  This festival lasts for 70 days and is held once in three years. [3]

Pujaris in Mudipuras called 'Vathis', play an important role in Kaliyottu. Vathi dressed as Bhadrakali will perform the Kalamkaval ceremony, which is performed before main Kaliyoottu ritual. After the kalamkaval and aniyara kettal (dressing up), the ritual drama is staged.

Bhadrakalithottam, the ritual song of Kaliyoottu is to be sung in 48 days, but it fluctuates depending on the festival days. [2] Inside the temple, the song is sung sitting on the pandal placed opposite the main deity. Kuzhithalam also known as Chinki is the main instrument used. [2]

Dramatic and ritualistic elements come together harmoniously in this ritualistic art form that transforms an entire village into the performance. [2]

History

It is said that the Maharaja of Travancore Marthandavarma and his helper Ramayyan, defeated in the war with the Kayamkulam kingdom, rested on the altar in front of the Sharkaradevi temple on their way back. [1] He prayed to the goddess for victory in the war and vowed to perform Kaliyoottu in front of the temple if he was victorious. It is said that Marthandavarma Maharaja was victorious in the ensuing battle and started Kaliyoottu at Sarkara temple. [1] It is also said that the mother of Marthandavarma, Umayamma Rani gave the authority to perform this ritual to the Ponnara family. [4] The first Kaliyoottu took place in 1749 AD. [4]

There is another argument that Kaliyoottu was an ancient practice and that King Marthandavarma re-started this ancient ritual which was extinct. [5]

Ritual

Uchabali ritual, a part of Kaliyoottu in Vellayani Devi Temple Uchabali in Vellayani Devi Temple.jpg
Uchabali ritual, a part of Kaliyoottu in Vellayani Devi Temple

During the royal reign, the Thevara peoople, who performed the puja rituals in the palace, used to come to Sarkaradevi Temple on the third or last Friday of Malayalam month Kumbha (February/March) and give the note to the senior member of the Ponnara family. [4] [5] Now the note is given under the leadership of Melshanti (main priest). [5]

After writing the note for Kaliyottu, the drama will be staged for nine days as various stories making fun of social customs. [5] Adding time each day, the ceremonies last until the dawn of the ninth day, the last day. [4] A ceremony known as Uchabali is first done by the Vathis. During the Uchabali ceremony, the soldier sent by Darika disturbs the sacrificial ground, and then impales the soldier with the spear of Kali. [2] The dead soldier is carried away wrapped in a mat. With this, the Uchabali will conclude. It is a ceremony performed during the time 12.30 am to 3.30 am known as Bhadrakaliyama. [2]

On the south side of the temple, near an area known Tullalpura, a pandal called Kavalmadam is constructed. In some temples this pandal is known as Pallikamadam. [1] On the first day, after the regular pujas in the temple, the goddess is invoked from the shrine in a lamp to the Kavalmadam. The goddess idol is placed on either side by a representative of the king and a representative of the Ettuveetil Pillamar. After the King and Pillaimar are seated, the first part of the ritual known as Vellattam begins. [1] Legend has it that Vellatam is a dance performed by Lord Shiva's demons to wish the goddess victory. [2]

On the third day, the character Narada enters the arena. It can be understood from his conversation that Narada came for local news and spot observation as per Shiva's instructions. It has a question and answer method as in folk dramas. [1]

On the fourth day, as part of the ritual, Kavalut Nair, the protector of the area, enters the arena. Legend has it that Lord Shiva sent Nandikesan to Kaliyottu area for supervision. Kavalut Nair, a patriot, makes some social criticism. He severely criticizes polygamy in the Nair community at that time. [1] On the fifth day, the characters of Olamballi and Ugramballi, who are full of brahminism, arrive. [1]

On the sixth day, Kaniyar and Kurupp characters known as Nanair and Kantar come. They are believed to be divine sages who have come as per the instructions of Shiva and their duty is to find solutions to the problems of the localities. [1] The ritual Pulayar Purappad is a 7th day ritual. There are eight characters in this, including the seven Pulayars and the Lord. Panicker caste people play the role in this. [1] The legend behind the Pulayar Purappad is to commemorate how Bhadrakali disguised herself as Pulaya woman and entertained with the Pulayars while fleeing from the forest in fear of Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. [1] This is a ceremony to commemorate Vilvamangalam Swamiyar who enshrined Sharkaradevi. [1] The character of Kontipanikarachan, the guru of Kaliyoottu, also takes place on this day. [1] On the eighth day, Bhadrakali and Durga travel in search of Darika. Bhadrakali travels to the north and Durga to the south. Bhadrakali and Durga, dressed in special costumes, enter every house and are welcomed by the family with cheers and lighting of candles. [1] The Devis return unable to find Darikan. [5]

The main part of Kaliyottu, the killing of Darikan, begins on the ninth day at 5 pm. [1] This ceremony is known as Paranate. The name may have come from the aerial battle or flying (Parakkal is the Malayalam word for flying) battle with Darikan. [2] After the battle in the sky, Nilathil poru (meaning battle on the ground) starts. [6] This is a scene that creates a sense of fierce war. At the end of the seven wars, Kali kills Darika and symbolically cuts Darika's head. [2] [6] Darika Nigraha, the killing of Darika is symbolically performed by cutting bunched banana. [7]

After the Aaraattu (holy bath), the ceremony concludes with the Devi returning to main shrine. [2]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chottanikkara Temple</span> Bhagavathi temple in Ernakulam District, Kerala, India

The ChottanikkaraDevi Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu mother goddess Bhagavati Lakshmi. She is believed to be residing in Chottanikkara (Mahalakshmi) along with her Husband Maha Vishnu. The main deity is also considered as Lakshmi Narayana according to the temple legend. The temple is Classified one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition. The temple is located at Chottanikkara, a southern suburb of the city of Kochi in Ernakulam district, in the state of Kerala, India and is one of the most popular temples in the state. The temple is also known for conducting exorcism.

Azhakodi Devi Temple or Azhakodi Devi Mahakshethram is a Hindu temple located in Thiruthiyad, Kozhikode District, Kerala, South India. It is one of the famous Devi temples, situated hardly 1.5 km away from the Mofussil Bus stand and 2.5 km from the KSRTC Bus stand, the area still retains the beauty and charm of un-spoilt rural settings within the heart of the Kozhikode city. The temple and the Kalayana Mandapom are administered by the Malabar Devaswom Board.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhadrakali</span> Hindu deity

Bhadrakali is a Hindu goddess. She is considered to be the auspicious and fortunate form of Adi Shakti who protects the good, known as bhadra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mudiyett</span>

Mudiyettu is a traditional ritual theatre and folk dance drama from Kerala that enacts the mythological tale of a battle between the goddess Kali and the demon Darika. The ritual is a part of the bhagavathi or bhadrakali cult. The dance is performed in bhadrakali temples, the temples of the Mother Goddess, between February and May after the harvesting season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sarkaradevi Temple</span> Bhadrakali Temple

Sarkaradevi Temple is one of the most important temples in South India. It is situated Chirayinkeezhu town in Thiruvananthapuram district. Tradition accords a remote antiquity to this temple. Its main deity is Bhadrakali. The Sarkaradevi Temple assumed a significant status for many reasons and rose to historical importance mainly with the introduction of the famous Kaliyoot festival by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the Travancore sovereign, in 1748. The Sarkaradevi Temple have some basic attachment with Nakramcode Devi Temple which located in Avanavanchery, Attingal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Attukal Temple</span> Hindu shrine

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu religious shrine at Attukal in Kerala, India. Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki), mounted over 'vethala', is the main deity in this temple. Bhadrakali, a form of Mahakali, who killed the demon king Daruka, believed to be born from the third eye of lord Shiva. 'Bhadra' means good and 'Kali' means goddess of time. So Bhadrakali is considered as the goddess of prosperity and salvation. Goddess 'Attukal bhagavathy', itself is the supreme mother 'Bhadrakali', the goddess of power and courage and the fierce form of Devi Aadiparashakti. She is often referred as Kanyavu or Kannaki, the heroine of Ilanko Adikal's 'Silapathikaaram'. The temple is renowned for the annual Attukal Pongal festival, in which over three million women participate. A festival that has figured in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the single largest gathering of women for a religious activity, the Attukal Pongala continues to draw millions of women with each passing year. Attukal Temple is situated near the heart of the city, 2 kilometres away from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram. Devotees believe that all of their wishes will be fulfilled by the goddess, provide prosperity and can attain salvation. Attukal devi is often worshipped in 3 forms such as Maha Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi and Mahakali/ Parvathy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poothan and Thira</span> Indian folk dance

Poothan and Thira is a ritualistic folk art performed mainly in the Valluvanad region of central Kerala in India, in which people dance in costumes representing Poothan is the lieutenant of Kali, and Thira, the goddess Kali, to the accompaniment of drummers. Thudi a small drum using for poothan, and heavy drum para accompanying thira.

Eravikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India, dedicated to Bhagavan Sivan and Bhagavan Ayyappan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kummattikali</span>

Kummattikali or Kummatti Kali is the famous colorful mask-dance of Kerala, prevalent in Thrissur District, Palakkad District and parts of South Malabar. During the festival of Onam, Kummattikali performers move from house to house collecting small gifts and entertaining people. Kummatti dances are rampant in the Thrissur district during Onam. Pristine or original form of Kummattikali can be seen in the Bhadrakali temple in Palakkad district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darika</span>

Darika is a character in Mudiyettu, a ritualistic dance from the Bhagavathi or Bhadrakali worship, usually performed only in the Kali temples of Kerala. The story is also known as "Darika vadham", or "killing of Darika".

Theeyaattam also known as Theeyaattu (Tīyāttu) is a traditional temple dance form of Kerala.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple</span> Hindu temple in Thrissur, Kerala

Sree Kurumba Bhagavati Temple is a Hindu temple at Kodungallur, Thrissur District, Kerala state, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, a form of Mahakali or simply Durga or Aadi Parashakthi worshipped and significantly revered in Kerala. The goddess is known also by the names "Sri Kurumba"". This temple is the head of 64 Bhadrakali temples in Kerala. This Mahakali temple is one of the oldest functioning temples in India. This is attested by numerous Tamil poems and inscriptions of different times. The goddess of the temple represents the goddess in her fierce ('ugra') form, facing North, featuring eight hands with various attributes. One is holding the head of the demon king Daruka, another a sickle-shaped sword, next an anklet, another a bell, among others. Routine worship at the temple every day at 03:00 and ends at 21:00 local time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Padayani</span>

Padayani, also known Padeni, is a traditional folk dance and a ritual art from the central portion of the Indian state of Kerala. A ceremonial dance involving masks, it is an ancient ritual performed in Bhagavati temples. The dance is performed in honor of Bhadrakaali. Meaning, a 'row of warriors', Padayani is an art form that blends all music, dance, theatre, satire, facial masks, and paintings. It is part of worship of Bhadrakali and is staged in temples dedicated to the goddess from mid-December to mid-May. Padayani is unique to central Travancore, comprising the Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts of Kerala. It is also performed in adjoining regions of Kollam, Alappuzha districts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vellayani Devi Temple</span> Bhadrakali Devi Temple

The MajorVellayani Devi Temple is a highly revered shrine in Kerala, India, dedicated to goddess Bhadrakali. The shrine is situated in Vellayani 1.5 km west of Vellayani junction, 12 km southeast of Thiruvananthapuram on the eastern bank of Vellayani Lake. The temple is under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board. The temple structure has a bronze roof with traditional art work and carries Dravidian architecture. The temple has eastern and northern towers called Gopurams with statues of different Gods sculptured in them. The Gopurams function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam</span> 27-day annual pilgrimage by Hindus

Kottiyoor Ulsavam or Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam is a 27-day annual pilgrimage observed by Hindus commemorating the Mythology of Daksha Yaga. The pilgrimage is similar to the Kumbh Mela of Prayag, where ablutions are performed. The temple and grounds are also known as Dakshina Kasi.

Palkulangara Devi Temple is a Hindu temple in Palkulangara, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. This place is around 1 km from Pettah junction, 700 m from West Fort junction and 1.5 km from Chakka bypass junction. It is about 1.5 kilometres to the west of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram city. Now the temple is under the control of Sree Palkulangara Devi Temple Trust. The temple is an excellent example of Kerala Vasthu Vidya. The abode of Sree Palkulangara Devi is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala, which preserves the beauty and atmosphere gifted by nature. A kavu is also there in the temple.

Othera Puthukulangara Devi Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in the Othera village of Thiruvalla Taluk in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India, that is dedicated to the goddess, Durga Devi. The temple is owned by A Trust and an elected committee administrates the temple. The nearest town is Chengannur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parumala Valiya Panayannarkavu Devi Temple</span> Hindu temple in Kerala, India

Parumala Valiya Panayannarkavu Devi Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Sri Badrakali and Lord Shiva, situated on the banks of the Pampa river at Parumala of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala state in India. The Panaynararkavu Temple is one of the three most important Bhadrakali temples in Kerala. Thirumandhamkunnu Temple in Malabar, Kodungallur Temple in Cochin and Panayannarkavu Temple in Travancore is almost equally important. References to this temple are found in Aithihyamala of Kottarathil Sankunni and Unnuneeli Sandesam, the classics of Malayalam Literature. According to folklore, sage Parashurama has installed the idol of Lord Shiva and devi idol installed by sage Durvasa and Narada in the Treta Yuga. The temple is a part of the 108 famous Shiva temples in Kerala.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vasoorimala</span> Hindu goddess

Vasoorimala is a female deity worshiped in many parts of Kerala and Kodagu region of Karnataka. She is worshipped as an Upa Devata (sub-deity) in Bhadrakali or Shiva temples. Vasoorimala is believed to be a deity that prevents contagious diseases like smallpox, chickenpox, and measles. In North Kerala, Vasoorimala is worshipped and performed as Vasoorimala Theyyam. According to myths, Manodari, wife of Asura named Darikan was later named as Vasoorimala.

Ninabali is a ritualistic performing art form popular in Kannur, Kozhikode districts of northern Kerala, India. It is a folk art performed by the Malaya community. This art form, which is performed in homes as part of Hinuist exorcism ceremonies, depicts the battle between Bhadrakali and the asura Darika.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 B., Ravi kumar. "ശാർക്കര കാളിയൂട്ട്". Deshabhimani (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 2023-03-20. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "കാളിയൂട്ട് - അനുഷ്ഠാന കല| Kaliyoottu - ritual art form". www.keralaculture.org (in Malayalam). Department of Culture, Kerala state. Archived from the original on 2023-03-20. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  3. 1 2 Kanjirathil, Renjith (14 February 2023). "തങ്കത്തിരുമുടിയിൽ ദേവി പുറത്തെഴുന്നെള്ളി: കേരളത്തിലെ ഏറ്റവും ദൈർഘ്യമേറിയ ഉത്സവമായ വെള്ളായണി കാളിയൂട്ടിനു തുടക്കമായി". Janam TV . Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 T, Sasi Mohan. "Spirituality enlightenes human beings and life". malayalam.webdunia.com. Archived from the original on 2023-03-20. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "ശാര്‍ക്കര മഹാകാളിക്ക് കാളിയൂട്ട്". Janmabhumi (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 2023-03-20. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  6. 1 2 "പള്ളിയറ കാളിയൂട്ട് : ദാരികനെ നിഗ്രഹിച്ച് ദേവി മടങ്ങി: മനം നിറഞ്ഞ് ഭക്തരും". Mathrubhumi . Archived from the original on 2023-03-20. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  7. ↑ "ശാര്‍ക്കര കാളിയൂട്ട് സമാപിച്ചു; ഭക്തിസാന്ദ്രമായി നിലത്തില്‍പോര് | Madhyamam". www.madhyamam.com (in Malayalam). Madhyamam. 22 February 2014. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.