Ah.. finally i made it to this event.. I wanted to be there for this breath taking event for a long time and this year on March 28, 2009 i was fortunate enough to be there. Still i was late.. i reached there around 2 PM.. and missed the morning functions.. but my main aim was to witness and photograph the “Kavu Theendal”..
Some History ( I am not that good at history.. still..)
“Sree Kurumba Kavu”, the kodungalloor temple where the Goddess Bhadrakali is worshiped is one of the Main “Kali” temples in Kerala. Its in Thrissur District. This temple is noted for the absence of the “Kodi maram”, the flag post which is usual in almost all the temples in Kerala.
This Festival known as "Meena Bharanai Mahothsavam and Aswathi Kavutheendal” where people (common people..) coming from all over Kerala (From TamilNadu too..) especially from the Northern Districts like Palakkad and Kannur.
Legends say that “Kali”, the Goddess, after Killing “Darikan” in the Battle was wounded and and was very angry even after the battle. So her soldgiers kown as the “Bhoothaganam” sung songs and danced to make her feel better. In remembrance of of this people sings the songs known as “Theri Pattu” and dances (I dont know whether this is the correct word) with their swords known as “Palli val”.
The days function starts with the King , “Kodungalloor Valiya Thamburan” His Highness Goda Varma Raja” comes in the “Raja Pallak” carried by people called “Edamukk Mooppanmar”.
His Highness Valiya Thamburan Goda Varma Raja.
“Palaykkal Velan Devi Dasan”, who is believed to have treated Devi’s wounds comes and sits in the Western entrance in their traditional attire..
Palaykkal Velan Devi Dasan (above)
And in the after noon, His Highness and party comes out through the Eastern Entrance and sits in the “Nila Padu Thara”.
After this His Highness gives permission for People to enter the Kavu. The signal is given by raising the decorated umberlla known as “Chuvanna Pattu Kuda”.
And the Action begins………
Once the permission granted, the “Komarams” will run around the temple 3 times holding their swords and beating the temple roof with the bamboo sticks
No Age limit….
… and the color of the day is Red.. Blood too have red color…
There were some “Tagged” one too…..
and Some healing touch..
Once the “Kavu theendal” is over, The umbrella will be folded and His Highness will leave to the Palace.
Some more snaps in between..
This one was unique.. i mean the only one in Blue…. i was trying to have a glimpse of him for long time… and finally i got one…
Pack-up Time…
……. and finally… i think this is how life goes…
Another one ready to occupy the stage the moment its free…
A street circus group……
