Legend of Padayani is quite popular among the people. The birth of Padayani is often related to the birth of Goddess Kali. The main story that has always been presented is about the Asura or Demon named as Darika who delighted Lord Brahma through his firm practises of self-punishment and also gained approvals that, he would be killed only by a woman.
Darika actually went on with all the possible carnage and slaughter, and there came a condition that were getting tricky, complicated and dangerous to handle. Failing to stop Darika, Devas, for help, went to Lord Shiva. After giving a patient hearing to the atrocities of Darika, Lord Shiva fumed with anger and also opened his third eye bursting out the fire. Goddess Kali was actually born from this third eye. Accepting the request of "Devas" and obeying the trainings of her father Lord Shiva, Kali left for the abode of Darika, mounting herself on Vethal, accompanied by "Koolee Ganam".
The fight was actually between Kali and Darika, and it was really frightening. At the end of the battle of course, Kali actually cut Darika`s head off. Then holding head in her hand and with the devastating and overwhelming anger she returned to Kailasa. To appease her and to please her lust and hunger for blood, Devas performed range of entertainments like mimicry, dance, dialogues and comedies. But none supposed to work. As she was going through the Gopura, the goddess Kali stopped for a while seeing the painting depicted angry Kali and that made her smile. She asked her father, Lord Shiva "who drew this". To this Shiva replied, it was drawn by Kurup (Kurupu Kurichu). She at once burst into laughter, after she glanced at the Kalam (Painting). Attempts, however, were made by Lord Shiva and his Bhoothagana to pacify and delight Goddess Kali are imitated as such in Patayani celebration. Even today Kalamezhuthum Pattum is strictly conducted by Kali Temple with it own ritualistic originality. Even now, Kurup (a caste) draws the Kalam.
As the people promised to offer their own blood, kali became quite and delighted. Padayani is actually celebrated annually for the protection and prosperity .
