Kadamanitta Devi Temple
The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May. Padayani or Padeni in colloquial speech, is one of the most colourful and spectacular folk art associated with the festivals of Temples. The word Padayani literally means military formations or rows of soldiers, but in this folk arts, a series of divine and semi-divine impersonation wearing huge marks or 'KOLAMS' of different shapes, colours, and designs painted on the stalls of arecanut fouds. The most important of the kolams usually presented in a Padayani are BHAIRAVI (Kali), Yakshi (Fairy), Pakshi (Bird), etc.Padayani probably has its origin in ritual and religion, but today it can be viewed as a folk art with a genuine secular appeal. The whole performance consists of the dancers or actors who wear kolams. The singers who recite a different poem for each kolam called Padayanippattu. The instrumentalists who evoke wild and loud rhythm on their simple drum called 'THAPPU' and 'CHENDA' etc., take the form of procession of Kali and her spirits returning after the killing of Asura chief DAARIKAN. The kolams are painted by the members of the GANAKA community and the dance is performed usually by the NAIRS.
In Kadammanitta Devi Temple Padayani is performed in the month of April. Othera Puthukkulangara Bhagavathi Temple is famous for Padayani by their huge kolams, Elanthoor Padayani is one of the ancient Padayani rather than Othera and Kadammanitta. The poems of renowned poet Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan, has the Thalam (rhythm) of Padayani.
Best Season:
March, April - Padayani in the month of April.
Emergency Details:
For more information about PATHANAMTHITTA: [*00012775click here*]
Transport Terminals:
Nearest City : Pathanamthitta
Location:
8 kms from Pathanamthitta
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvalla
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Tags :Pathanamthitta
