Friday, December 14, 2012

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Woman Spirituality

Woman Spirituality

Devakkooth,(see Dec 16- 20 and 20 Theyyam calendar) “Where women are honored there resides the God” . The Hindu mythology witnesses that the status of Hindu woman during the Vedic period was honorable and respectable. The history described that they had played a great role in molding and upholding the civilization. Attainment of women in intellectual and spiritual field is resplendent and intellectuals like Mata Amrithanandamayi’s (Amma) influence is not only confined to the Indian continent. Believe it or not still there are Goddesses living in and around us. It is the reality that in Thekkumbad a small island in Kannur District, Kerala people deify a woman who can capable of metamorphoses in to a living deity. For information pls visit www.theyyamcalendar.com

Lady God

Lady God

It is the only theyyam in North Kerala performed by a lady. Presently it is performed by Smt. Laxmi Amma from Madayi and she has already retired due to her old age after the 2010 performance. It is the right of the Vadakkan Kooran family to decide her successor. One who perform the theyyam has to follow certain customs as per the tradition. She has to under go forty one days fasting, dieting, observe vegetarianism and undergoing a kind of solitary life without mingling with local people. The people adores the deity with great expectations and believes that Goddess bless the people with prosperity, happiness, wealth and health, and eradicate fatal diseases from the locality. The performance usually witnessed by people from different walks of life like media, photographers, research scholars, anthropologists, and also the huge presence of foreign nationals give a devotional ambiance to the program.Fore more information pls visit www.theyyamcalendar.com

Woman God

Woman Spirituality

Devakkooth,(see Dec 16- 20 and 20 Theyyam calendar) “Where women are honored there resides the God” . The Hindu mythology witnesses that the status of Hindu woman during the Vedic period was honorable and respectable. The history described that they had played a great role in molding and upholding the civilization. Attainment of women in intellectual and spiritual field is resplendent and intellectuals like Mata Amrithanandamayi’s (Amma) influence is not only confined to the Indian continent. Believe it or not still there are Goddesses living in and around us. It is the reality that in Thekkumbad a small island in Kannur District, Kerala people deify a woman who can capable of metamorphoses in to a living deity. For more information pls see www.theyyamcalendar.com

Friday, June 8, 2012

ARALAM FARM, IRITTY, KANNUR

 

Aralam wildlife sanctuary is the northernmost protected area of Kerala state, situated in the southeast part of Kannur District. The sanctuary area falls in Aralam, Kelakam and Kottiyoor revenue villages and is located in the Northwest slopes of Western Ghats contiguous with the forests of Coorg (Kodagu) district of Karnataka state. Aralam is a contiguous block of forests stretching to the adjacent Wayanad-Brahmagiri and Wayanad northern slopes. The forests are also contiguous with the protected areas of the Karnataka state namely the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and also with the forests of Coorg and assume much importance in meta population management especially with regard to the case of larger mammals such as Gaur, Elephant, Tiger and endemic primates such as Lion-tailed macaque, and Nilgiri Langur. The Cheenkannipuzha, a major tributary to the Valapattanam River originates from the forests of Aralam and this river is very crucial in controlling the Agro-Economy and Fishery- Economy of Kannur District. Perennial nature of the river is very much depended on the watershed services provided by the Aralam forests. It is the only protected stretch of forests in the district and since man-wildlife conflict is a mounting problem in the region, due to the presence of larger fauna, Aralam wildlife sanctuary has tremendous scope in the field of Conservation, Education, Research and creating environmental awareness. Aralam sanctuary forms a vital link in the network of protected areas stretching from north to south along the Western Ghats. Aralam forests with its local specialized ecological niche support a variety of endemic species, which are in the verge of extinction.

MADAYIPPARA, PAYANGADI, KANNUR

 



Madayipara is a significant spot owing to its bio-diversity as well as history. In the past, Madayipara was the administrative center of the Ezhimala kings. In and around Madayipara, one can find remnants from the past. At the southern side of the hill, stand the remains of a fort called Pazhi Kotta (kotta means fort in Malayalam). Here one can also find watchtowers at the four corners of the fort. Between AD 14 and AD 18, Madayipara used to be the site for the coronation ceremony of the rulers of the princely state of the erstwhile Kolathunadu.
The hillock of Madayipara, which carries several signs of historic relevance, is also a place important from a religious point of view. Here, a pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, connected to ancient jewish setllers is another historic attraction. Similarly, a temple at this site, called Vadukunda Siva Temple and the adjoining lake, about an acre in extension form yet another attraction at Madayipara. The lake near the temple will not go dry even in hot summer months and remains a source of nourishment to life forms at Madayipara. The pooram festival of Madayi Kavu (kavu – family temples and those in the midst of thick vegetation) held at Madayipara has been responsible for much of its fame.



PAYYAMBALAM BEACH, KANNUR

 

The quiet, secluded Payyambalam beach is a popular local picnic spot and a beautiful beach resort. Payyambalam beach is a major tourist spot in Kannur and is situated around 2 km from Kannur town. A long clean beach, its enchanting ambiance invites you to play in water , sunbathe or just lounge around with your near and dear ones . At one end of the beach is a flat laterite cliffs just into the sea. Picturesque and incredibly beautiful. The well laid out gardens and the massive landscaped sculpture of mother & child greet the visitor to Payyambalam. The magnificient landscaped sculpture of mother & child adds to Payyambalam’s beauty. Kanayi Kunhiraman, a noted sculptor erected this sculpture.
One of the most beautiful beaches of Kerala, Payyambalam beach of Kannur is a vast stretch of golden sands dotted with coconut trees. This secluded beach is an ideal getaway for you if you want to spend a relaxed and laidback evening amidst calm surroundings. One can enjoy the panoramic views of the Sunrise and Sunset in Payyambalam beach. Aside from its clean and secluded location, the well laid out garden also pulls many tourists to the beach. Payyambalam is also an ideal picnic spot where one can have a leisure time while enjoying the slice of nature. The best time to visit this beach is during October to May. The Payyambalam beach of Kannur is a vast stretch of golden sands dotted with coconut trees. The adjacent Baby Beach through the Burnassery Cantonment is delightfully quiet.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

ARAKKAL PALACE, KANNUR

 

Arakkal Palace holds the credit of being the one and only royal residence of the Arakkal Royal Family in Kerala. Arakkal Palace and Kannur Fort stand in close proximity to each other, singing the lore of the ancient and medieval times. In 2005, the palace was converted into a museum. Now, it is preserved by the Department of Archaeology and Kerala Tourism. The fort stands till now as the witness of the glorious years which have been a part of the rich history of Kerala. Arakkal Palace belonged to the Arakkal Royal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. In 1663, Arakkal ruler also purchased St. Angelo Fort from the Dutch. The Arakkal rulers had control over the northern coastal region of Kerala and Lakshadweep. The Arakkal family used to accept the eldest member of the family, irrespective of gender, as the ruler of the province. ‘Ali Rajah’ was the name given to the male rulers of the Arakkal family, while their female counterparts were called ‘Arakkal Beevis’. By 1870, the British seized the fort and built their military base on the Malabar Coast. They also carried the construction of a tunnel connecting the Fort, with Thalassery Fort, located at a distance of 21 km from Kannur Fort. This tunnel used to come in handy at the time when the enemies used to attack. The major residents were transported to another location through this tunnel.
Arakkal Palace is constructed in the traditional Keralite manner. It holds resemblance with other monuments in Kerala. The upper floor of the palace has large halls, with neat wooden floors. The windows are double shuttered with colored glass panes. The palace still owned by the Arakkal family Trust, but it is preserved and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The durbar hall section of the palace houses an elaborate museum. Dedicated to the Arakkal family, it exhibits various credible belongings and artifacts of the royal family.

THALASSERI FORT, THALASSERI

 

22km from the land of the exotic art form of theyyam-the northern district of Kannur is the small town of Thalassery. In this town stands an imposing historical monument the Thalassery Fort.
The East India Company which had established its settlement on the Malabar Coast in 1683 built the monument as a testimonial of their colonial imperialism in 1703. The fort was once the nucleus of Thalassery’s development. The imposing square fort has massive walls, huge, intricately carved doors and secret tunnels to the sea all in all, the perfect setting for you to get an authentic taste of some local history and heritage! Thalassery fort which was once the nucleus of Thalassery’s development. It is now a historical monument.
The British arrived in Thalassery in 1683 and erected a goods shed there. They shifted their commercial capital to Thalassery from Kozhikode, following obstruction from the Dutch.

BEKAL FORT , KASARAGOD

Bekal Fort is one of the largest preserved forts in Kasargod district of Kerala. The fort gets its uniqueness quotient from its exotic structure, which is shaped in the form of a keyhole. It was exclusively meant for the purpose of providing defense to the territory. Bekal Fort is prominent, because unlike most of the Indian forts, this monument does not have a palace or a mansion. For that matter, even the remains of any such structure cannot be found in Bekal Fort. The holes which are made on the outer walls of the structure are specially designed, so that the fort could be defended in case of a war. The holes on top are designed to aim at the farthest enemy, while the holes which are lower on the wall are for striking when the enemy is approaching. This shows how much time and hard work was spent in forming the design of the Fort.
During Kolathiri kingdom’s reign, Vekkolath Fort was identified by a number of scholars as the Bekal Fort. It is supposed that later the Bednore rulers rebuilt the fort and heavy renovations were done to improve it. Bekal Fort has supposedly served the Nayakas in establishing their dominance in the then called Malabar region. Later, the Nayakas found out the economic importance of the port and hence, they fortified the Bekal Fort subsequently.


ST. ANGELO'S FORT, KANNUR

A massive triangular laterite fort, replete with a moat and flanking bastions  St. Angelo’s Fort was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India and is on the Arabian sea about 1 km from Kannur town. It was attacked in vain by the local Indian ruler in the Siege of Cannanore (1507). The fort changed hands several times. In 1663, the Dutch captured the fort from the Portuguese and sold it to Ali Raja of Kannur. In 1790 the British who seized control over the fort, renovated and equipped it to be their most important military station in Malabar. It is fairly well preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind it can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The Dutch captured the fort from the Portuguese in 1663, then later sold the fort to king Ali Raja of Arakkal. In 1790 British seized it and transformed it into their chief military station in Malabar. The fort is in Cannanore cantonment area. St Angelo’s fort is a most important historical monument and a good tourist center. Here Kerala Police have posted few Tourism Policemen for the protection and guidance to the tourists.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Theyyam Timings



www.theyyamcalendar.com


Theyyam, a colorful ritual dance of Kerala that attributes great importance to the worship of heroes and ancestral spirits, is a socio-religious ceremony. The Theyyam festival usually held in from October to May every year. The colorful pageantry, the enthusiastic crowd and the religious favor are all worth witnessing. Every village in North Kerala was bound to perform it in connection with the local shrine (Kavu). Theyyams are performed before the shrines. This sacred dance is believed to bring about well being for the society and the family. Theyyam also called Kaliyattom presents divine forms as well as heroes from history and myth. The indigenous theyyam cult under the influence of the great classical Indian tradition incorporated new ideals and legends. It is a unique combination of dance music and also reflects the main features of a tribal culture. Theyyam performance has an aura of divine splendor as its accompanied by rituals and other devotional hymns. Certain dangerous feats performed by the Theyyams are again attributed to the divine power vibrating in them during the performance like “Thaiparadevatha theyyam, Theechamundi theyyam, Puthiya Bhagavathi theyyam etc.”

more details about theyyam pls visit www.theyyamcalendar.com

Theyyam Directory

theyyamcalendar.com      


      Theyyam is basically a form of dance, at once artistic as well as sacred. At present in form and content Theyyam is an inseparable part of Hinduism. As a cult, its origin can be traced back to rituals and practices of primitive society. It has an historical continuity of over 1500 years and it passed through several stages of evolution. The cult of theyyam has hundreds of deities and many of them now belong to the greater tradition of Hindu trinity. The classical Hindu mythology had greatly influenced in shaping many Gods and Goddesses of the Theyyam cult. Several ancient pictures of worship relating to the mother Goddess, hero and hero stones, village Goddess, serpant Goddess and animal God and Goddess continue in the Theyyam cult. The God Sakthi, the prototype of Godess Parvathi, the wife of Lord Shiva, or the God of Destruction, dominate the cult of Theyyam. Some of such Theyyams Gods and Goddesses had only legends and myths that they were originated from Shiva and Parvathi. A Few deities are associated with Vishnu or Vaishnavism. The themes of Theyyam reveal a whole world of colourful fantasy offering much new insight in to social relations, family feuds and superstitions of the medieval period among the village folks. Though the heroes and heroines are apparently semi-divine characters, the human element and the historical core of the plot were all too clearly discernible. The Theyyams are essentially forms of hero worship when the dead heroes and martyrs are invoked through song and dance and magical symbols, and the main episodes from their lives are enacted in an attempt to propitiate their spirit though there are also Theyyams of deities from Puranic lore. These heroes and martyrs of Theyyam are certainly of the medieval type, but the beliefs and practices behind the ritual must naturally stretch backward to pre historic times.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Lady Theyyam, Woman Theyyam, Devakkooth Theyyam

LADY THEYYAM, WOMAN THEYYAM, DEVAKKOOTH THEYYAM

THEKKUMBAD ISLAND

The name ‘Thekkumbad’ originated from the words ‘thekki’ means deposit and ‘mad’ means small land. It is a small land area, a beautiful lush green island, formed by the erosion from the nearby Arabian Sea. The place which looks like a coconut forest belongs to the Mattool Panchayath . The geographical importance to the island is impressive; and the history described that the place was rules by the Land lord ‘Chirakkal Kolathiri Raja’. It was an important gateway for the foreign traders and the large scale export of spices and other major goods had done through the island by using the adjacent Azheekal port. The major rivers connected with this area are Payangadi river, Thekkumbad river, Mattool river and Valapatanam river. Recently a bridge has constructed to connect the island with nearby Kannapuram Panchayath.

KOOLOM TEMPLE THEKKUMBAD (Lady Theyyam, Sthree Theyyam)

The two temples; the Thaya Kavu and Koolom temple situated at the extreme south part of the island. The myth related to the temple is that there exists two deities Chuzhali Bhagavthi and Someswari Devi. So far there is no theyyam cult for Someswari and it is realized by another deity called ‘Karimchamundi, Varaharoopam’ and it has got a separate place in the temple. Another shrine Thaya Kavu is situated about 500 meter south of Koolom. The main deity of Thaya Kavu is Thaiparadevatha (Chuzhali Bhagavathi), a prototype of Madayikavu Bhagavathi. Both the temple festival occurs at the same time. Other theyyam of koolom includes Erinhikkaeel Bhagavathi, Kalikka Theyyam, Kalaka Theyyam, Kattile Theyyam, Cherukkan Kriyathan, Karimchamundi, Vettakorumakan, Devakkooth, Bindhoor Bhootham. The festival is celebrated during the interval of two years. MORE DETAILS PLS VISIT WWW.THEYYAMCALENDAR.COM

Lady Theyyam, Woman Theyyam, Devakkooth Theyyam

LADY THEYYAM, WOMAN THEYYAM,DEVAKKOOTH THEYYAM

DEVAKKOOTH THEYYAM (Lady Theyyam, Sthree Theyyam)

It is the only theyyam in North Kerala performed by a lady. Presently it is performed by Smt. Laxmi Amma from Madayi and she has already retired due to her old age after the 2010 performance. It is the right of the Vadakkan Kooran family to decide her successor. One who perform the theyyam has to follow certain customs as per the tradition. She has to under go forty one days fasting, dieting, observe vegetarianism and undergoing a kind of solitary life without mingling with local people. The people adores the deity with great expectations and believes that Goddess bless the people with prosperity, happiness, wealth and health, and eradicate fatal diseases from the locality. The performance usually witnessed by people from different walks of life like media, photographers, research scholars, anthropologists, and also the huge presence of foreign nationals give a devotional ambiance to the program.

The function starts with an attractive ceremony in which the lady is carried by a wooden boat from Ayiram Thengu Valluvan Kadavu to Thekkumbad Kadavu before two days of theyyam performance. She is then brought toward to the shrine with a colorful procession. It is called ‘Thalapoli’ in which the local people carry the different items like metal plates, divine books, special clothes, palm umbrella, oil lamp etc. For two days she will be staying in a temporary shed constructed near the shrine called “Koochil”, made by coconut leaves. There will not be any contact with outsiders. On the theyyam day only her close relatives like her husband or son will do the make up works. The make is comparatively simple with a face painting, a colorful head dress, breast plates, arm ornaments, bangles, garlands and cotton garments . The overall make up gives a ferocious image of a Goddess and she became a real embodiment of God, a person completely metamorphoses in to a Goddess which describes the ancient myth and legends. After the make up the drum start to beat outside her shed and all are eagerly waiting outside to receive the theyyam. Slowly she will come out with a curtain and move towards the temple precincts. The simple dance along with footsteps will starts along the with melodious songs of the theyyam artists which describes the myths and legends of the particular deity. After a few minutes another deity appears and he is ‘Naradan’ and both of them dance along with the drummers.MORE DETAILS PLS VISIT WWW.THEYYAMCALENDAR.COM


Lady Theyyam

LADY THEYYAM, DEVAKKOOTH THEYYAM

Myth and Legends of Devakkooth

The plot of the story is a pretty girl along with her maids come down from heaven to collect rare flowers from the small island. It was described that Thekkumbad island was enriched with rare wild flowers which was a great attraction for celestial nymphs. Suddenly the girl became isolated and she entangled inside the forest. Others searched her a lot but in vein they left the place. Unable to move she became worried and prayed for the help of Naradan. He appeared and helped the girl and moved to the area of Thayakavu. Further they reached Koolom area and she had put up in a temporary shed with coconut leaves for changing the dress. Llater on both of them crossed the Thekkumbad river in a wooden trough and reached Ayiram Thengu Valluvan Kadavu to move to heaven more details pls visit www.theyyamcalendar.com.


Thursday, April 5, 2012

Lady Theyyam



Lady Theyyam

Devakkooth,(see Dec 16- 20 and 20 Theyyam calendar) “Where women are honored there resides the God” . The Hindu mythology witnesses that the status of Hindu woman during the Vedic period was honorable and respectable. The history described that they had played a great role in molding and upholding the civilization. Attainment of women in intellectual and spiritual field is resplendent and intellectuals like Mata Amrithanandamayi’s (Amma) influence is not only confined to the Indian continent. Believe it or not still there are Goddesses living in and around us. It is the reality that in Thekkumbad a small island in Kannur District, Kerala people deify a woman who can capable of metamorphoses in to a living deity. more details pls visit www.theyyamcalendar.com

Monday, March 26, 2012

Friday, January 13, 2012

Perumkaliyatam 2012





PERUMKALIYATAM 2012


March 1, 2, 3 at Kooveri Muchilot Bhagavathi Kshethram, Kooveri. Festival is conducting after a gap of twenty years. Various cultural programs and meetings have been organized besides grant theyyam festival.

More details about theyyam festival pls visit www.theyyamcalendar.com

Perumkaliyatam 2012


PERUMKALIYATAM 2012

January 31 to Feb 1 2012 at Kanhangad Kalyal Muchilot Bhagavthi Kshethram. The kaliyatam performs here after a gap of sixteen years. Number of programs are arranged along with grant theyyam festival.

MORE DETAILS PLS VISIT www.theyyamcalendar.com