The and rhythmic structures used during the festival Share public link
| | English Translation | | :--- | :--- | | Eruthaka kanji kudichende bhartaave | Sing some obscene songs | | Pokum vazhikkulla yatrayalle | We have to cross the plantain stream and the Bharani pond | | Kallum karikkatta katta naaraanado | Whatever you say, we have not brought the ‘sacred sword’ for you mother! | | Engane kanji kudikkandathu | O Goddess, your highness, please look after us | | Valla theripaatum pachayil padanam | If we don't sing any obscene songs, the Devi will be angry. / Sing some obscene songs; if not, the Devi will be angry | | Amme bhagavathi thanburatti alle | Mother, you are the goddess Bhagavathi, the empress. Please protect us | | Aayiram kambulla eyni kodamithu Kodungalloor ammade punje thalli | We brought a bamboo with a thousand shoots and thrust it into Devi’s 'wetland' (a sexual metaphor) | | Valla theri paattum pachayil padanum Allengil ammakku kopamanu | Sing some obscene songs; if not, the Devi will be angry |
The ritualistic tradition of the festival in Kerala stands out as one of the most enigmatic, intensely debated, and deeply spiritual events in India. Central to this annual festival at the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple are the infamous Bharani Theri Pattu (ritualistic abusive or erotic songs) sung by Oracles ( Vellichappadus ) and devotees. kodungallur bharani theri pattu lyrics malayalam verified
(വരികൾ തുടരും...)
The lyrics of Bharanippaattu are notable for their departure from traditional devotional poetry: The and rhythmic structures used during the festival
In standard devotional poetry, the devotee acts as a supplicant. In Theri Pattu , the singer assumes a position of equality or even dominance over the Goddess. The lyrics often narrate bawdy episodes from the Mahabharata, specifically focusing on Draupadi (often identified with Bhadrakali), but they twist the narrative to highlight the human, sexual, and "impure" aspects that high culture attempts to hide.
This is the festival's most dramatic ritual. Thousands of oracles ( komarams or velichappadus ), dressed in red and smeared with turmeric, run around the temple in a trance. They strike the temple walls with sticks and swords, throw coconuts and turmeric powder, and sing the "libelous ballads" known as the Theri Pattu, effectively 'polluting' the temple. Please protect us | | Aayiram kambulla eyni
Aren't you the virgin whose sight never fills the eyes? You run faster than the wind banner. The game you play alone in the dark chamber—let me hear the secret you tell no one.
While the word theri translates to obscenities or slangs in modern Malayalam, these songs carry deep historical, social, and spiritual significance. The Mythological Origin of the Bharani Pattu
The most defining feature of this festival is the Kavu Theendal , where devotees run around the temple premises, throwing turmeric powder, and chanting Theri Pattu . What is "Theri Pattu"?
തെരി പട്ട് (തെരി പട്ട്) തെരി പട്ട് കേളാം പറമേശ്വരൻ പിള്ളയുടെ വയലിൽ കുല കുല കുല ഞാൻ കാണാൻ പോയി