Bhagavati Pattu

Bhagavati Pattu is generally found conducted either in temples or in the houses of the Kerala Brahmins, called Namputins. The figure of Bhagavati with heads and arms and body is drawn on the floor with coloured flour and then Jivapratistha is done. Sitting around it and playing upon some of the musical instruments the troupe of people, called Rumps, sing the songs glorifying the goddess. The songs continue and the story reaches the climax, when the Komaram, attached to the temple, becomes possessed and begins his weird dance carrying a jingling cilambu in one arm and a pointed sword in the other. He explains in human accents the ideas of the Goddess, as it were, and points out how the Goddess, he uses the first person, is great and good and powerful, how she is pleased with the devotion that the people have shown but how they have failed in this one or that other respect, how she is well pleased with them with the conduct of the Pattu and how she will always protect them. As the process of talking goes on, the songs continue and the musical instruments go on sounding. In due course, the Komaram quietens up, and the whole function conies to a close.

It is mainly a ritual art that is being continued among the `Kuruppa` community of Thrissur and Malappuram districts. A beautiful "Kalam" or the sacred square is made out of local colours and then the prayers are offered. The song begins with writing of "Kalam". During the process of offering of prayers, this "Kalam" is methodically elaborated and it goes further on. The presence of a revelation is very essential. The songs are dedicated to the various deeds of Goddess Bhadrakali. When the process of the writing of `Kalam` is set in motion, the oracle comes forward and goes through a state of hallucination.

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