 The
gigantic tuskers are exceptionally dressed. The broad forehead is dressed with
"Nettipattam" (forehead ornament), a large piece of cloth with about 6,000 pieces
of gold plats stitched together so closely that they look as if they are part
of the elephants' foreheads.
Each decorated tusker carries three "Namboodiri" Brahmins on its back - one sits
upon the back holding the long-stemmed umbrella, an opulent construction of silk
and satin laced gorgeously with white metal thread, while the other two, standing
on either side, hold the "Venchamaran" (fan) and "alavattam" (insignia) respectively.
The fan is made of yak fur while the circular insignia is made up of peacock feathers.
At daybreak on the "Pooram" day, the devotees gather in the respective temples.
In the "Thiruvambadi" temple, Brahmins chant mantras while awed worshippers jostle
with one another to have a glimpse of the adorned deities. It is an overwhelming
sight to witness . . . elephants in full regalia with the priests offering "prasadam"
to the devotees who have rice and paddy to offer to the Goddess.
After placing the idol on the neck of the elephant, the procession begins. The
15 elephants with shining ornaments with a music troupe in attendance gently move
down the mound through the sea of human beings. This procession is called the
"Erakkam" (the descending one). On the other hand, the procession of "Siru Pooram"
is called "madathile varavu" (beginning of the procession). They move towards
the "Sreemoolasthanam" with the "Thiruvambadi" musicians playing "panchavadhyam"
(five instruments) and "Paramakkavu" musicians playing the "pandimelam".
 After
meeting in the "Sreemoolasthanam", they disperse. The "Paramakkavu" party slowly
proceeds into the compound of "Vadukkunathan" temple and assembles under the "elanji"
tree. What is known as "elanjithara melam" is played by the "pandimela" music
troupe for two hours! Later, "pandimelam" is played by the "Tiruvambadi" troupe.
By evening, the "Paramakkavu" procession moves down the slope and halts along
the southern tower of the "Vadakkunathan" temple. At the same time, the "Thiruvambadi
Vadakkunathan" temple procession enters the western gate and halts on the southern
slope facing the "Paramakkavu" party. Volunteers with folded umbrellas stand behind
their respective elephants.
Now it is the time for "koodikozheha" or "kodiyattam" (the changing of silken
parasols). Each party changes the parasols ten times quickly, each round entailing
the change of 15 parasols. The two parties during this function thus unfurl a
total of 300 parasols. The parasols are in different sets of colors and design
each time. Invariably, this gets tremendous applause from the appreciative crowds.
The name "kodiyattam" originates from the Sanskrit dramas once staged in the traditional
theatre called the "koothambalam", which is performed in the "Vadakkunathan" temple.
At the start, each music troupe challenges the other for a "display". The fan-bearers
go through an elaborate "wrist ballet". This first set of umbrella bearers then
stands up for their color display. The display becomes faster in step with the
rising crescendo of music. The "opponents" then follow suit. This "duel" goes
on till dusk when the parties disperse to meet again at the time of the grand
fireworks display. |
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