The use of Malayalam in its most colloquial and primal form is intentional. Unlike Sanskrit shlokas which are often formal, Bharani Pattu is the language of the commoner. It reflects:
While thousands of verses exist, passed down through oral tradition, here are some of the traditional opening lines and rhythmic chants commonly heard during the Kavu Theendal :
The Bharani Pattu, often referred to as Theryoottu Pattu , are sung by oracles (Oracles/Velichappads) and devotees during the Meenam Bharani festival. While the lyrics are often explicit or "vulgar" by modern social standards, in the context of the temple, they represent a complete surrender of ego and the shedding of social inhibitions before the Divine Mother.
The "Therippattu" (scurrilous songs) are not typically written in formal literature due to their nature, but they follow a specific linguistic pattern. They address the goddess as a mother who understands the rawest emotions of her children. Devotees believe these songs appease the goddess’s anger after her victory over the demon Darika. Why are these songs sung in Malayalam?
The oracles perform ritualistic self-injury, keeping time with the rhythmic beats of the songs.
Note: Due to the sensitive and explicit nature of many traditional Bharani songs, they are rarely published in full in mainstream media, as they are meant to be experienced within the sacred and specific atmosphere of the Kodungallur temple grounds.
"അമ്മേ... കൊടുങ്ങല്ലൂരമ്മേ...ശരണം തരണേ ദേവീ...കാളീ ഭദ്രകാളീ...കരിംകാളീ കടുംകാളീ..."
A ritualistic "venting" where the devotee speaks to the goddess without the filters of "polite" society.
The climax of the festival where devotees run around the temple hitting the rafters with sticks, chanting these lyrics at the top of their lungs.
The use of Malayalam in its most colloquial and primal form is intentional. Unlike Sanskrit shlokas which are often formal, Bharani Pattu is the language of the commoner. It reflects:
While thousands of verses exist, passed down through oral tradition, here are some of the traditional opening lines and rhythmic chants commonly heard during the Kavu Theendal :
The Bharani Pattu, often referred to as Theryoottu Pattu , are sung by oracles (Oracles/Velichappads) and devotees during the Meenam Bharani festival. While the lyrics are often explicit or "vulgar" by modern social standards, in the context of the temple, they represent a complete surrender of ego and the shedding of social inhibitions before the Divine Mother. kodungallur bharani pattu lyrics in malayalam
The "Therippattu" (scurrilous songs) are not typically written in formal literature due to their nature, but they follow a specific linguistic pattern. They address the goddess as a mother who understands the rawest emotions of her children. Devotees believe these songs appease the goddess’s anger after her victory over the demon Darika. Why are these songs sung in Malayalam?
The oracles perform ritualistic self-injury, keeping time with the rhythmic beats of the songs. The use of Malayalam in its most colloquial
Note: Due to the sensitive and explicit nature of many traditional Bharani songs, they are rarely published in full in mainstream media, as they are meant to be experienced within the sacred and specific atmosphere of the Kodungallur temple grounds.
"അമ്മേ... കൊടുങ്ങല്ലൂരമ്മേ...ശരണം തരണേ ദേവീ...കാളീ ഭദ്രകാളീ...കരിംകാളീ കടുംകാളീ..." While the lyrics are often explicit or "vulgar"
A ritualistic "venting" where the devotee speaks to the goddess without the filters of "polite" society.
The climax of the festival where devotees run around the temple hitting the rafters with sticks, chanting these lyrics at the top of their lungs.