Mudiyett

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[edit] MUDIYETTU

Mudiyettu is ritualistic dance springing form the bhagavathi or bhadrakali cult. The theme depicts the glory and triumph of Bhagavathy over the demon Darika. The characters are all heavily made up with gorgeous costumes, intricate and elaborate and with conventional facial paintings, tall head - gears etc. Attired and adorned exotically with a unique weirdness and hideousness, the characters seem quit supernatural. Their mien and array make them colorful, imposing and awe-inspiring in the extreme. The dance is performed by a set of people known as Kuruppanmar, mainly in Bhadrakali temple. In the dance, a kolam of Kali first made up to which floral offerings and other rituals are made. Then it is taken round the temple to the accompaniment of percussion instruments. The kolam is then installed in a suitable place. The dance proper is then enacted. In the first part Narada, the celestial sage, is seen informing Lord Shiva of the evil deeds of the demon Darika, and the consequent sufferings of the evil deeds of the demon Darika, and the consequent sufferings of the people. Shiva agrees to send Bhadrakali to kill Darika. In the next phase, Bhadrakali and Darika enter and the whole temple yard is turned into a battle - field. In the end Bhadrakali kills Darika. Chenda and elathalam are the instruments used.