Located in Kodungallur, Thrissur District, Kerala, the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to the reincarnation of Goddess Kali. The goddess is also known as the Mother of Kodungallur, Goddess Kurumba.
The temple is quite famous for its unique festival: the Kodungallur Bharani festival that takes place during Meenam (Malayalam month: March to April).
The highlight of this festival is the Kaavu Theendal (Kaavu Pookal) ritual involving oracles/velichappads, along with related traditions like devotees singing abusive and explicit songs (Bharanippattu) to show devotion to the goddess.
Let's understand in detail what this festival is about and why devotees sing abusive songs at this temple.
What Is Kodungallur Bharani?
Kodungallur Bharani is a festival dedicated to the Goddess Bhadrakali of the Kodungallur Kurumba Bhagavathy temple, held between the Bharani days of the months Kumbham and Meenam of the Malayalam calendar.
It is one of Kerala's most famous and intense celebrations. The festivities begin with 'Kozhikkallu moodal,' a ritual involving the sacrifice of cocks and the shedding of their blood. This is an essential aspect of the temple's traditions.
The temple's rituals are thought to have roots in the ancient connections between Kodungalloor and Thondi, a region once under Chera rule, their second capital.
Kodungallur Bharani is a festival dedicated to the Goddess Bhadrakali (Image: Facebook/KodungallurSriBhagavathyAmmam temple)
Why Are Abusive Or Provocative Songs Sung During Kodungallur Bharani?
The unique thing about the festival is that devotees sing abusive, provocative songs called Bharani Paattu to commemorate the goddess's victory against the demon Darika.
These songs are performed by both men and women and are packed with expletives, innuendos, and graphic sexual references. They are dedicated to the Goddess they worship.
By singing these songs, devotees express their devotion and surrender to the goddess. It is perhaps one of the few festivals in Kerala where women express themselves so freely along with the men in public.
What Is Kaavu Theendal?
The Kavutheendal ritual during the Bharani festival sees the largest congregation of oracles in the world. Oracles are the people dressed in red robes who enter a trans and storm the temple premises, striking their foreheads with swords, creating a magical aura.
Their devotion is evident in the blood dripping from their sandalwood and turmeric-smeared foreheads.
Oracles are the people dressed in red robes who enter a trans and storm the temple premises (Image: Pexels)
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What Is The Significance Of Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple?
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is located in Thrissur District, Kerala and is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, a form of Goddess Kali or Parashakthi, also known as Sri Kurumba (The Mother of Kodungallur).
It is one of the oldest functioning temples in India and heads the 64 Bhadrakali temples in Kerala. The temple represents the goddess in her fierce ('Dugra') form, facing North, featuring eight hands with various attributes.
The temple also has the idol of Lord Ganesha, which is located inside the main temple and that of Veerabhadra, in a separate adjacent chamber at the north-east corner of the main structure.
The people of Kodungallur believe that this temple was the shrine of Lord Shiva where Parasurama installed the murti of Bhadrakali close to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the pujas that are conducted in the temple are said to be guided by the Goddess herself.
According to another legend, ‘Kannaki Amman’, the heroine of ‘Silappadikaram’, a Tamil classic by Ilangovadigal, attained salvation in this temple. She came to Kodungallur, prayed to Bhagavathy and obtained unity with her ‘Murthy’.
While some people continue to call for ways to limit or control the festival - specifically the public singing of the Bharani Paattu, still Kodungallur has always been one of communal harmony.
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So despite the attempts, the devotees continue to sing fervently, year after year during the month of Meenam, gratifying the goddess through their unbound expression and seeking her blessings and protection.
FAQs
1. When is Kodungallur Bharani celebrated?
The Bharani festival at Kodungalloor Bhagavathy Temple spans a month, beginning with the Bharani asterism in Kumbham and continuing until seven days after the Bharani asterism in Meenam.
2. What is 'Kaavu Theendal' in the context of Kodungallur Bharani?
'Kaavu Theendal' is a ritual where oracles (velichappadus) and devotees run around the temple, entering the inner sanctum, often engaging in the abusive chanting.