Q: What is Kodungallur Bharani Theri Pattu? A: Kodungallur Bharani Theri Pattu is a traditional Malayalam song sung during the Bharani festival in Kodungallur, Kerala.
The music of Kodungallur Bharani Theri Pattu is a unique blend of traditional and modern elements. The song is sung to the accompaniment of traditional instruments such as the chenda, maddalam, and ilathalam. The music is energetic and lively, and it perfectly complements the lyrics of the song.
Historically, the festival marks the victory of Goddess Bhadrakali over the demon Darika. It also closely ties into the legend of Kannaki, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silappatikaram , who is believed to have attained spiritual liberation at Kodungallur.
“Adorned with thorns and red hibiscus, carrying a bag of crushed lime – what shall I do with flowers and festoons? Blood and stones are enough, she says.”