
Mudiyettu dance is a ritual than dramatic performance. It is the story of the war of Bhadrakali with the two demons Daarikan and Daanavendran. She kills them eventually in the fight. Mudiyettu is presented with less `mudras`, facemasks and facial expressions. However there are some facial make-ups and `chutti` which makes the characters simple. Initially these characters performed with speech and dance, but later on rhythmic steps were introduced that gave more life to the characters thereby making the performance more interesting.
Mudiyettu is a ritual art where viewers participate in the performance. The sequence of Mudiyettu is:
Kotti Ariyippu
Kotti Ariyippu is done in the morning after the morning worship in the temple. The instruments used are `Chenda`, `Veekkan` and `Elathaalam`.
Kalamezhuthu
Kalamezhuthu is done in the afternoon. Bhadrakali`s portrait is created on the floor. Natural pigments are used in making the representation.
Kalam Paatu
Kalam Pattu are devotional songs that are sung in praise of Bhadrakali. They are sung by the main artist in front of the `Kalam` after the night woship in the temple. After the song has been sung, the `Kalam` is wiped off by the main artist.
Chutti Kuthal
After wiping off the Kalam the artists undergo `chutti kuthal`.
Vilakku Vaipu
After the `chutti kuthal` is over, a big oil lamp is lighted in the centre of the temple yard. Centralising Arangu vilakku the performance is carried out.
Keli Kottu
Keli kootu is done to announce the starting of the performance. Kuntanaachi is the thaalam used which is a mixture of `Atantha` and `Champa` thaalams.
Daarika and Daanavendra were two demons who were born to Daarumathi and Daanamathi. As they wanted to achieve more powers, they performed severe penance and Lord Brahma appeared before them. They demanded boon for immortality, but
Lord Brahma declined. The Asura brothers compromised with the boon that no males can ever kill them. Lord Brahma asked them why they did not demand that females also could not kill them. The asuras got angry. Lord Brahma gives them a curse that they would be killed by a female. This part however is not performed in Mudiyettu.
(Last Updated on : 18/08/2011)