Thamil Changam
Home
Articles in English
Articles in Thamil
THE 14 DAYS ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF ERODE CITY.
Erode city is one of the richest city in our country. It is very famous for hand loom industries and turmeric production. The city is adorned by Cauvery river. The city is very famous for its schools and colleges.
The central part of the city is called Paneer Selvam park. The city has 3 important Maari Amman temples. There are also many other temples. But the most famous temple is '' Periya Maari Amman Temple''.
Though the temple is very small and has no place for expansion, the power of the goddess and the richness is very high. There are 2 other similar shrines called Chinna and Nadu Maari Ammans in the city.
When I was in my primary classes I used to wait for the annual function. We all do the annual exams very well just to get money from parents to get toys in the great exhibition which will exist for a month during the annual festival.
There are few clay dolls till in our showcase, 20 years old. Though I live in Madras, I visit the annual festival every year even by taking leave and show the gratitude and respect to the 3 goddesses.
After researching lot about Kannagi, I was able to enjoy the inner meaning behind the festival. The Maari Amman festival differs from place to place. But it is very unique in Coimbatore - Erode zone. It depicts the inner theme of the anklet story.
We wait for the bamboo poles and coconut roofs:
When the hot April arrives, we all peep out of the school bus windows for bamboo poles, ropes and coconut roofs. It is the indication for the annual festival. Women will prepare their homes for the annual festival.
On a fine Saturday night the goddesses will be showered with plenty of flowers to cool them. This is the first event of the festival. It is called '' Poo Chaatru''. We go to the temples from that night to receive the flowers as sacred prasadam. Following dawn is very sacred for Erode people. The sacred 3 branched neem tree trunk called ''kambam'' will be stumped before the goddess.
The sacred kambam:
The kambam is a neem tree. Priests appoint hunters to choose the tree before a month itself. The bark will be peeled and smeared with turmeric paste. It has 3 branches.
This tree is considered as Kannagi's husband ''Kovalan''. He is now coming from heaven to see Kannagi. So he will be placed before her. Immediately when the priests stump the sacred tree trunk, women, men, children start pouring sacred turmeric and neem leaves water upon the trunk. People respect the trunk and offer various poojas.
People wait in long lines to reach the trunk to offer the scared water. I have stood 3 kilometers away from the temple for hours together to offer the water. We smear the trunk with turmeric and saffron powder.
Colorful rituals:
The villages around Erode city take turns in pouring the sacred water. People come in vans, jeeps, lorries and by long walk carrying water from various sources. The drum beats, songs and rituals like holding a fire pot, walking on fire path, drilling the skin with sharp tridents will show their devotion. Walking on the fire path is very important to show that Kannagi burnt Madurai and left to Chera country.
We always wait to see such colorful rituals. Most of us used to dance and go along with the group. The devotees gather from many places in and around Erode city to honor their Queen.
The ever flowing milk:
Inside the main shrine, the goddess will be offered sacred bath with pots and pots of milk from morning till night. By evening she will be decorated with varieties of jewels and costumes.
People offer pots of milk, tender coconuts, sandal paste water, juices for sacred bath. By night the goddess will be taken under procession all along the main parts of the city on various mounts like lion, swan and parrot.
The festivals lasts for 14 days. The important events are as follows:
1st Wednesday - Maa vilakuu [ rice cakes made with rice powder, jaggery and coconut water]. Thousands of women prepare this sweet and take under long procession. The sweet ball will be decorated with beautiful colorful paper cutting fans with a stick to poke into the cakes. It is just 5 rupees but the beauty and perfection is great. We wait to remove that from the cakes after rituals.
The palanquin made of fresh flowers:
That day night the goddess will be taken for long procession in special palanquin prepared with banana trunk and flowers. It is called '' Poo pallaku''.
That week Friday will be the main day . It is called as Pongal similar to Attrukkala festival. Thousands of women cook the pongal and offer to Kannagi and pray for the family welfare.
The unique offerings to the goddesses:
* Even other religion devotees also offer many gifts like small silver, tin made tiny human shapes for thanking the disease.
* Farmers offer clay made cattles, human forms to thank the goddess for healing the disease.
* Devotees offer money, ritual items, garments and show their gratitude to the goddess.
Every day night the city town hall enjoys the performing arts and debates. People gather day and night all over the streets and celebrate the 14 days festival. Local channels telecast the sacred water pouring ritual through out the day. Local devotees offer the sacred water at least 3 times within this 14 days.
Mean while all these 3 shrines enjoy the 14 days with special mood. On pongal day, the Naddu Maari Amman will be taken in the temple chariot. On the last Friday the Chinna MaariAmman will be taken in Poo pallaku.
The end of the festival:
Slowly the festival comes to the end. The 3rd Saturday will be the last day for the kambam. So slowly people who missed the chance will rush up and offer the sacred water.
The last event without women:
By 1 P.M , women will slowly move out of the temple and the local men gather around the shrine. The time to remove the sacred kambam will be decided and the priest will do the final rituals to the goddess and get into the trans and remove the kambam.
The ritual indicates the death of Kovalan and the kambam will never come out of the hole. Slowly the priests remove the kambam and come around the temple with dance and songs.
The time of removing the kambam will be announced and no women will see that ritual. The goddess will be dressed like a widow with pure white cloth and scared ash will be showered on her.
Then will police protection all the 3 kambams will be taken under long procession all over the city. The devotees shower salt, pepper and flowers and show the last respect. In the hot summer, the Erode city will be drenched with pepper and salt. The kambams will be taken to either Cauvery river or the local canal and made to go by night. People spray turmeric water on each other and its is called '' manjal neerattam''.
The ancient system of vaccination:
In olden days people gather for any annual festival in a village from various places. So they carry various infections and skin diseases. So on the last day the local devotees prepare large cans of pure turmeric paste water which is the best antimicrobial agent and spray on each other and on the streets. In south Tamil nadu, the turmeric water will be boiled with neem leaves also. Maari Amman festival decorations includes neems leaves and turmeric powder.
Then for 3 days various shanthi poojas to make the goddess calm will be done. Then people start the regular worship. But the exhibition and various stalls remain for 20 to 25 days.
The inner meaning of kambam festival:
* The kambam has 3 branches which indicates the 3 phases of Kannagi in 3 different cities.
* The central part holds a big fire bowl which depicts her purity in thought, speech and action.
* The 14 days festival represents the 14 days long journey across Pandiya country to reach the valley to attain the final salvation.
* The goddess decorated as widow is found no where in country other than in Coimbatore zone Maari Amman cult.
* The sacred water is offered to put of her anger and to cool her mind and body after burning Madurai.
* Erode city is developing day by day because of her blessings. So let us visit Erode city during the annual festival which falls on Panguni month. [ April]
* Erode district is also very famous for Bannari Maari Amman festival. The sacred walk on the pyre is very long there.
Thank you!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Kannagi cult 6-Kannagi in Kodungalloor
Thamil Changam
Home
Articles in English
Articles in Thamil
THE GREAT VANJI
When we were exploring various places linked with Kannagi, one day after seeing my eagerness one of my folklore arts professor called me and gave a cover. There was a big book inside that cover. It was Mr. Indhuchoodan's '' The secret chamber''.
The book is an encyclopedia about Kannagi. The book narrates the every minute information about Kodungalloor Bahavathy temple dedicated to Kannagi. The book talks in detail about a particular spot inside the temple complex called '' the secret chamber''. The author declares that the secret chamber contains the precious jewels, costumes and body remains of Kannagi. The book has to be read with lot of patience.
When I read this within a night and narrated every thing to Pradheep, it was Onam festival in Kerala. So Pradheep planned to leave earlier to Kodungalloor . I left 2 days later and when landed in Kodungalloor, I felt that I have reached moon.
The research mind has made my eyes to see every spot in and around Kodungalloor with divinity and respect. Before 2000 years the 3 great south Indian dynasties Chera - Chola and Pandiyas have made the nation as a great civilization in this world. Thrir capital cities were Vanji - Poompuhar and Madurai. Out of this Poompuhar has washed away by the sea. Only Madurai is existing with its old pride. Vanji the modern Kondungalloor is also still living with lot of legends burried in books and palm leaves . The ancient Tamil Chera country has evolved as melodious Malayalam language Kerala Bhoomi after 15th century.
The modern Malayalam has the richest literary back ground from early Christian centuries . Malayalam language is the melodious girl born to Tamil and Sanskrith languages. The ancient Tamil language of Cheras has produced Silappathikaaram literature. The author Elango adikal and his brother Chera Chenguttuvan has lived in Kodungalloor.
Ottrai mulaichi amman:
The poet has recorded all the important areas of Vanji city. He has mentioned about the most sacred Shiva temple '' Thiru vanji kalam''. We had a visit to this temple. On the way we saw the small temple dedicated for Kannagi . There is small idol with only one breast . The idol is named and celebrated as '' Ottrai mulachi amman''. , meaning '' the goddess with one breast''. Kannagi tore her right side breast out of ferocious anger and threw on the streets of Madurai and cursed the city to get burnt. The name of the idol itself highlights the importance given to Kannagi by Chera kings.
The secret most spot:
Than all these my interest was to see the secret chamber. It is a very small granite slab closed chamber within the Kodungalloor sanctum . The chamber can be seen only from outside. There is a very small door , but always closed. There is a colorful dress hanging at the door step. Rituals are done mainly to this area where a metal symbol to denote Goddess is placed. It is called as ''artha meru'' which depicts the geometrical dimensions of Goddess . To the left we can see the life size wooden idol of the Mahakali -- Sree Kodungalloor amma alas Kannagi.
Kannagi as Mahakali:
The greatest heroic deed happened in Madurai city became very famous all over Tamil countries. The king of Madurai was one of the most powerful ruler. He has conquered 7 great kings as a one man army show in a battle. He was well known for his pride and honesty. When Kannagi killed him she became the incarnation of Durga [ Goddess of destroying all evils]. So Chera has installed her as Kali form.
Kannagi's idol:
The idol is made of jack tree wood. Kannagi processes 8 arms. Let us see to her right side from the top. She holds a cobra, anklet, bell and skull . From the top left she holds a trident, palm leaf manuscript which depicts her life Silapathikaaram. Then she also holds the slayed head of king Pandiya Nedum chelian. There are so many versions about this idol. She also holds a long huge sword. Her left leg is hanging and right leg is folded and resting on an altar. The face is very very smashy, no expression because of oil smearing.
But the entire idol of Kannagi is decked with pure golden jewels and shields. The face is covered with a smiling golden mask with broad eyes, and tall crown. Her ears bears the head of a lion and an elephant to show her power.
Parent's gift:
The entire breast is covered with various jewels and chains. They all belong to Kannagi. After her death her parents have offered them to the idol. The waist is decorated with long saree. Very often people offer her dress, lamps, garlands, swords and anklets.
Just to her front we can see one more arthameru. There are many lamps. Six pure golden lamps are also there. There is a Shiva shrine next to her. There is small hall adjacent to her shrine where the 7 goddesses who helped Kali for her army get seated.
More than this there is nothing special inside the complex. But our mind has infinite imaginations and legends and emotional feelings about the great woman .
Shetrabalar:
Out side of the temple we can see a small shrine inside which there is a gigantic stone idol of a guard called '' shetrabala''......meaning local guard of the city. There is a belief that this idol was brought from Poompuhar city by Chera kings. This idol was known as '' Sathuka bootham''. This is demi god which was in Poompuhar. The god will tie and pull people who talk lies and go beyond honesty.
Very ancient idol of Kannagi:
Lets us take a round the temple. One of the most important spot is the Vaisoori devi ... goddess of small pox. The shrine is very small, opened at the top. There is a stone idol of Goddess without one breats and the face is smashed because of time. The head holds locks of hair spreaded all over her shoulder. She has 2 hands. They are just placed on the laps. People get turmeric powder and just trew on her along with pepper.
I can just relate this idol with the original the stone idol carved by Chera and got installed in Kambham valley. This may be the very ancient idol got worshipped by citizens of Kondungalloor. So one can just get seated under the big trees and go back to the ages when great historical events happened after Kannagi's death. Let us go to Thirukanna mathil akam.
Thirukanna mathil akam :
This is very near to Kodungalloor. This is the place where Elango adikal stayed and lived as a Jain monk and did his great epic. Today it is a small busy town in Kerala. Elango adikal has mentioned the place as '' Guna vaa il kottam'' meaning , '' the place to the west of Vanji city''. Pradheep's sister resides here. She is very much gifted to live in a such historical place .
So after going all around these places we both rested in his uncles home. Suddenly Pradheep came near me and whispered. Ho God? We just waited for every one to rest, Pradheep planned to climb over the shafts in his grand parents home.
For what?
Home
Articles in English
Articles in Thamil
THE GREAT VANJI
When we were exploring various places linked with Kannagi, one day after seeing my eagerness one of my folklore arts professor called me and gave a cover. There was a big book inside that cover. It was Mr. Indhuchoodan's '' The secret chamber''.
The book is an encyclopedia about Kannagi. The book narrates the every minute information about Kodungalloor Bahavathy temple dedicated to Kannagi. The book talks in detail about a particular spot inside the temple complex called '' the secret chamber''. The author declares that the secret chamber contains the precious jewels, costumes and body remains of Kannagi. The book has to be read with lot of patience.
When I read this within a night and narrated every thing to Pradheep, it was Onam festival in Kerala. So Pradheep planned to leave earlier to Kodungalloor . I left 2 days later and when landed in Kodungalloor, I felt that I have reached moon.
The research mind has made my eyes to see every spot in and around Kodungalloor with divinity and respect. Before 2000 years the 3 great south Indian dynasties Chera - Chola and Pandiyas have made the nation as a great civilization in this world. Thrir capital cities were Vanji - Poompuhar and Madurai. Out of this Poompuhar has washed away by the sea. Only Madurai is existing with its old pride. Vanji the modern Kondungalloor is also still living with lot of legends burried in books and palm leaves . The ancient Tamil Chera country has evolved as melodious Malayalam language Kerala Bhoomi after 15th century.
The modern Malayalam has the richest literary back ground from early Christian centuries . Malayalam language is the melodious girl born to Tamil and Sanskrith languages. The ancient Tamil language of Cheras has produced Silappathikaaram literature. The author Elango adikal and his brother Chera Chenguttuvan has lived in Kodungalloor.
Ottrai mulaichi amman:
The poet has recorded all the important areas of Vanji city. He has mentioned about the most sacred Shiva temple '' Thiru vanji kalam''. We had a visit to this temple. On the way we saw the small temple dedicated for Kannagi . There is small idol with only one breast . The idol is named and celebrated as '' Ottrai mulachi amman''. , meaning '' the goddess with one breast''. Kannagi tore her right side breast out of ferocious anger and threw on the streets of Madurai and cursed the city to get burnt. The name of the idol itself highlights the importance given to Kannagi by Chera kings.
The secret most spot:
Than all these my interest was to see the secret chamber. It is a very small granite slab closed chamber within the Kodungalloor sanctum . The chamber can be seen only from outside. There is a very small door , but always closed. There is a colorful dress hanging at the door step. Rituals are done mainly to this area where a metal symbol to denote Goddess is placed. It is called as ''artha meru'' which depicts the geometrical dimensions of Goddess . To the left we can see the life size wooden idol of the Mahakali -- Sree Kodungalloor amma alas Kannagi.
Kannagi as Mahakali:
The greatest heroic deed happened in Madurai city became very famous all over Tamil countries. The king of Madurai was one of the most powerful ruler. He has conquered 7 great kings as a one man army show in a battle. He was well known for his pride and honesty. When Kannagi killed him she became the incarnation of Durga [ Goddess of destroying all evils]. So Chera has installed her as Kali form.
Kannagi's idol:
The idol is made of jack tree wood. Kannagi processes 8 arms. Let us see to her right side from the top. She holds a cobra, anklet, bell and skull . From the top left she holds a trident, palm leaf manuscript which depicts her life Silapathikaaram. Then she also holds the slayed head of king Pandiya Nedum chelian. There are so many versions about this idol. She also holds a long huge sword. Her left leg is hanging and right leg is folded and resting on an altar. The face is very very smashy, no expression because of oil smearing.
But the entire idol of Kannagi is decked with pure golden jewels and shields. The face is covered with a smiling golden mask with broad eyes, and tall crown. Her ears bears the head of a lion and an elephant to show her power.
Parent's gift:
The entire breast is covered with various jewels and chains. They all belong to Kannagi. After her death her parents have offered them to the idol. The waist is decorated with long saree. Very often people offer her dress, lamps, garlands, swords and anklets.
Just to her front we can see one more arthameru. There are many lamps. Six pure golden lamps are also there. There is a Shiva shrine next to her. There is small hall adjacent to her shrine where the 7 goddesses who helped Kali for her army get seated.
More than this there is nothing special inside the complex. But our mind has infinite imaginations and legends and emotional feelings about the great woman .
Shetrabalar:
Out side of the temple we can see a small shrine inside which there is a gigantic stone idol of a guard called '' shetrabala''......meaning local guard of the city. There is a belief that this idol was brought from Poompuhar city by Chera kings. This idol was known as '' Sathuka bootham''. This is demi god which was in Poompuhar. The god will tie and pull people who talk lies and go beyond honesty.
Very ancient idol of Kannagi:
Lets us take a round the temple. One of the most important spot is the Vaisoori devi ... goddess of small pox. The shrine is very small, opened at the top. There is a stone idol of Goddess without one breats and the face is smashed because of time. The head holds locks of hair spreaded all over her shoulder. She has 2 hands. They are just placed on the laps. People get turmeric powder and just trew on her along with pepper.
I can just relate this idol with the original the stone idol carved by Chera and got installed in Kambham valley. This may be the very ancient idol got worshipped by citizens of Kondungalloor. So one can just get seated under the big trees and go back to the ages when great historical events happened after Kannagi's death. Let us go to Thirukanna mathil akam.
Thirukanna mathil akam :
This is very near to Kodungalloor. This is the place where Elango adikal stayed and lived as a Jain monk and did his great epic. Today it is a small busy town in Kerala. Elango adikal has mentioned the place as '' Guna vaa il kottam'' meaning , '' the place to the west of Vanji city''. Pradheep's sister resides here. She is very much gifted to live in a such historical place .
So after going all around these places we both rested in his uncles home. Suddenly Pradheep came near me and whispered. Ho God? We just waited for every one to rest, Pradheep planned to climb over the shafts in his grand parents home.
For what?
Kannagi cult 4
Thamil Changam
Home
Articles in English
Articles in Thamil
KANNAGI IN MADURAI
Every inch of Madurai city is embedded with a history and legend. If we start digging the roads of Madurai city we can write new history and literature . Kannagi's life has made very strong impact in Tamil nadu and Kerala state. Madurai city is still reflecting her sad tunes.
The long wide roads are making us to remember Kannagi. After her husband's death she just rushed towards king's palace through these roads. Where was the king's palace. May be near the Meenakshi temple.
While walking along the streets of Madurai still I am able to hear the following dialogues spoken by Kannagi.
'' Let all the noble women of this Madurai listen to me! They must understand that their king is not honest to his people. Let them be aware about their country. Because of the Madurai king I am experiencing the worst tough time in my life like death sentence to a criminal.
My poor husband got punished by Madurai king without any court proceedings. But he is not a thief. I am going to see him alive now. Otherwise let all the great noble women of Madurai city abuse me.''
Listening to these words people in Madurai were put into mental stress and sorrow ness. They were even scared to see her. They thought that she was a goddess who has entered into Madurai to punish the king.
It was evening, slowly the sun rested in the west. Elango adikal says that the sun could not bare the tragedy that has happened in Madurai city and went to hide behind the western ghats.
When ever myself and Pradheep went to the city we were just imagining all these happenings and searching for the footprints of the great noble woman. We want to know where Kannagi and Kovalan stayed in Madurai? The place where he was killed , any temple for Kannagi? We just lived in dreams and devotion to Kodungalloor devi to show her foot prints.
One fine Monday , I was waiting for Pradheep in University office . There was a big show case with the sample copies of all the publications. I just looked into them. My eyes saw a book called '' Puhar mudhal Vanji varai''. It was written by Dr. Govindharasanar, a great Tamil scholar.
This book was my Bible for Kannagi study. I believe he was the incarnation of Elango adikal. The book was in my hand within few minutes. I just bunked the classes and read the entire book and started peeping into Pradheep's tissue culture lab to come soon.
Yes the book has recorded every important places in connection with Kannagi. The great professor Dr. Govindharasanar has just spend his entire life to explore and excavate all places and monuments linked with Kannagi.
Throughout the night our 361 number room was filled with talks and mini research talks about Kannagi. We have to wait for next day evening to leave to the city. Next day we both went to Simmakkal near Madurai railway station.
We peeped into small streets of oil stores . There we saw the Sellath amman temple. It is a local goddess of Madurai. But it is having a legend which is sleeping in the research books of Dr. Govindharasanar.
Kannagi inside the temple:
The temple is small. It is having an idol of Durga devi with 8 hands killing Mahisha sura. The idol looks very old and anger. Out side of the sanctum , on the right hand side we saw the small stone idol of Kannagi in sitting posture. She has folded her one leg and sitting like a new bride and holding an anklet. She has the hair style which is very very related to Madurai area. Why she is here? Let us go to next article.
Home
Articles in English
Articles in Thamil
KANNAGI IN MADURAI
Every inch of Madurai city is embedded with a history and legend. If we start digging the roads of Madurai city we can write new history and literature . Kannagi's life has made very strong impact in Tamil nadu and Kerala state. Madurai city is still reflecting her sad tunes.
The long wide roads are making us to remember Kannagi. After her husband's death she just rushed towards king's palace through these roads. Where was the king's palace. May be near the Meenakshi temple.
While walking along the streets of Madurai still I am able to hear the following dialogues spoken by Kannagi.
'' Let all the noble women of this Madurai listen to me! They must understand that their king is not honest to his people. Let them be aware about their country. Because of the Madurai king I am experiencing the worst tough time in my life like death sentence to a criminal.
My poor husband got punished by Madurai king without any court proceedings. But he is not a thief. I am going to see him alive now. Otherwise let all the great noble women of Madurai city abuse me.''
Listening to these words people in Madurai were put into mental stress and sorrow ness. They were even scared to see her. They thought that she was a goddess who has entered into Madurai to punish the king.
It was evening, slowly the sun rested in the west. Elango adikal says that the sun could not bare the tragedy that has happened in Madurai city and went to hide behind the western ghats.
When ever myself and Pradheep went to the city we were just imagining all these happenings and searching for the footprints of the great noble woman. We want to know where Kannagi and Kovalan stayed in Madurai? The place where he was killed , any temple for Kannagi? We just lived in dreams and devotion to Kodungalloor devi to show her foot prints.
One fine Monday , I was waiting for Pradheep in University office . There was a big show case with the sample copies of all the publications. I just looked into them. My eyes saw a book called '' Puhar mudhal Vanji varai''. It was written by Dr. Govindharasanar, a great Tamil scholar.
This book was my Bible for Kannagi study. I believe he was the incarnation of Elango adikal. The book was in my hand within few minutes. I just bunked the classes and read the entire book and started peeping into Pradheep's tissue culture lab to come soon.
Yes the book has recorded every important places in connection with Kannagi. The great professor Dr. Govindharasanar has just spend his entire life to explore and excavate all places and monuments linked with Kannagi.
Throughout the night our 361 number room was filled with talks and mini research talks about Kannagi. We have to wait for next day evening to leave to the city. Next day we both went to Simmakkal near Madurai railway station.
We peeped into small streets of oil stores . There we saw the Sellath amman temple. It is a local goddess of Madurai. But it is having a legend which is sleeping in the research books of Dr. Govindharasanar.
Kannagi inside the temple:
The temple is small. It is having an idol of Durga devi with 8 hands killing Mahisha sura. The idol looks very old and anger. Out side of the sanctum , on the right hand side we saw the small stone idol of Kannagi in sitting posture. She has folded her one leg and sitting like a new bride and holding an anklet. She has the hair style which is very very related to Madurai area. Why she is here? Let us go to next article.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)