Jeevatha Ezhunnallathu

Jeevatha Ezhunnallathu (ജീവത എഴുന്നള്ളത്ത് in Malayalam/ ɟiːʋat̪a eɻun̪ːaɭːat̪:) is a centuries-old ritualistic dance form of the Onattukara region of Kerala, India. The art form is primarily performed by Namboothiri Brahmins. It involves a unique Jeevatha (ജീവത /ɟiːʋat̪a), a box-like carriage for the deity of the temple, which conducts the festival, rests on two teakwood poles about two meters long, and is in the form of a palanquin ("Pallakku").

Etymology

The word Jeevatha connotes that the "jeeva chaithanyam" (living aura) of god has been invoked; but alternately, the word "Seevatha" is also used, derived possibly from the important temple ritual "Seeveli". Experts prefer the latter since the ritual is believed to be the occasion when the main deity of the temple comes out to visit the other deities and the "Guardians of the directions"

Possible Origin

Centuries ago (somehwere between the 15th and 18th Century), the then Kayamkulam Raja (King of Odanad) gifted a Jeevatha each to the Chettikulangara Devi Temple and Ramapuram Bhagavathi Temple. The exact reason why he did this is unknown. Some theories suggest that he did this to increase his prestige, while others argue that he did this because of his bhakthi to the Devis. This is said to be the origin of the Jeevatha concept.

Parayeduppu and Jeevatha

In the numerous temples of Onattukara, the "Parayeduppu" period is the festival season. It all begins when the deity of a temple (in this case Chettikulangara Temple) is taken out in procession for Parayeduppu on the Makayriam star of the Malayalam month Makaram. The festivals continue to the end of Medam.

The main part of Parayeduppu is the Jeevatha constructed in the model of the temple structure itself. This box-like carriage for the deity rests on two teakwood poles about two meters long, and is in the form of a palanquin ("Pallakku"). The front resembles "Thidambu" behind which is a kind of small chest ("pettakam") built as per Thachusaasthra calculations. Up front is a woollen cloth embroidered with shining, colourful pictures and gold trinkets. Behind that is kept the deity's holy dress, starched and pleated, and decorated with small mirror pieces.

References

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