Mudiyettu - Kelikottu

Mudiyettu is a ritualistic dance-drama presented in Bhadrakaali
temples in South and Central Kerala. It is based on the Puranic story of
Darikavadham, the killing of the demon Darika.
In Primeval times, in a war between the Devas (Gods) and the
Asuras (Demons) the latter were defeated and their women sought
shelter in the nether world. Two of these women, Daanavathi and
Daarumathi, through hard penance, propitiated Lord Brahma, and
were blessed with sons to avenge the defeat of the asuras.
Daanavathi's son was named Daanavendra and Daarumathi's
Darika. Darika, in turn, performed rigorous austerities and was given
the boon of invincibility. He also won the assurance that from every
drop of blood spilled from his body a thousand mighty Darikas would
rise. The only being that would destroy him was a woman.
Darika, assisted by Daanavendra, begun overpowering the gods
and ruling the universe. The desperate gods sought the help of Lord
Siva through Naarada, the celestial messenger. Siva produced
Bhadrakaali from his third eye. Upon her creation Bhadrakaali set out
with a mighty roar to Darika and his assistant Daanavendra. In her
task she was jointly helped by Vetaala, a Sivabhooda, attendant, with
an insatiable thirst for blood.
Bhadrakaali, aided by Vetaala and another attendant named Kooli,
challenged Darika. A terrible war ensued which shook the three
worlds, and the evil one was finally destroyed with the severing of his
head. Not a drop of blood fell to the ground as the thirsty Vetaala
drank each drop as it spurted out. Thus was the world made safe
again.

http://www.malayalamresourcecentre.org/Mrc/culture/artforms/mudiyettu/main.html

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Mudiyettu
• Kelikottu