Sarpam Thullal Sarpam thullal is generally held to appease snake gods for prosperity of the family or to give an offspring to the couples who have difficulties in conceiving a child. People generally take a vow (promise for some wish fulfilment) is also associated with the ritual and Sarpam Thullal is done after the fulfilment of the wishes. But in most cases Sarpam Thullal is done to ward off any Doshas (untoward issues in life )of the family and bring peace and prosperity.
The temple astrologer is the one who normally initiates the process or in certain places it is held as an annual or regular practice. Once the date is finalized by the family, the Pulluvan family associated with the temple is informed. It is the responsibility of the Pulluvan (male member of the caste) and Pulluvathy (Female member of the caste) and their assistants who are skilled in creating the aesthetic requirements for the Sarpam Thullal function, to conduct the function in the traditional ritualistic way.
They create a pandal (shed) and decorate it. The selection of the girls who will later become the mediums or manifestations of Snake Gods is done by the family. Generally two girls are supposed to sit in the Kalam but certain places it is six. In the past women did not have any restrictions but in modern times in many places females between the ages of 10 to 60 are not allowed and are generally performed by girls who have not reached puberty. Typically the Karnavar (head of the family) of the family or an elderly person will be the one who oversees the function and grants the blessing to the function.
The pulluvan and his team create a floral decoration using various natural colors on specially made floor before the snake idols. The floral decoration is called Nagakalam. Nagakalams are of various types such as Bhasma Kalam (A Kalam which is made of just ash powder) and Varna Podi Kalam (A Kalam which is made up of colour powder). The kanyas (girls) wear Pavada (Long skirt) and blouse.
Once the pulluvan and his team are done with decorations and other preparations the kanyas are called to the venue. They normally sit in the kalam or besides the kalam. In certain places where there are more than two kanyas, they stand besides the kalam. Naga rajavu (snake God) generally stands inside the kalam. Kanyas are given pookulas (coconut flowers) or arecanut flowers. The pulluvan starts singing and playing the veena and the pulluvathy sings along and plays the Kudam (Earthen pot). The initial lines are generally sung in praise of Ganesha, followed by praise of other Gods. The Tala or beat changes along with the song. Later part is dedicated to Serpent Gods and the kanyas sitting in the kalam. The kanyas generally starts to get into a trance like state within 20, 30 minutes and it is reported that they feel that the snake which is depicted on the floor has come alive. Some of them would experience vibrations all over their body and they feel their body is resonating with the vibrations. The girls are generally not given any training to dance and in many cases it might be the first time they are watching the ritual. So the induced trance state is highly revered. The girls are generally supposed be too young to perform any sophisticated acting to make the onlookers believe in the ritual.
The ritual has strong parallels to the function of an Oracle and generally speaks to the spectators after entering into the trance state and talksto them on behalf of the snake Gods. It can be observed that the kanyas do not speak the normal day-to-day language while in the trance state adds to the mystery of the ritual.
In Iyvala Sarpakavu, Sarppamthullal is being conducted after a gap of 7years.
Iyvala Vanadurga Temple | The ancient legendary tree worship centre of Kerala | Thazhakara | Mavelikara
