Context: Devotees at the Sarkara Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, participated in the ‘Garudan Thookkam’, which is a ritual art form.
About Garudan Thookkam:
- Garudan Thookam (Eagle Hanging) is a form of dance art performed popularly in some Bhadrakali (Goddess Kali) temples in central Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Performance of the ritual art form:
- The performers dress up as Garuda by wearing vibrant costumes, and headgear along with make-up.
- Pattuvaal, Njori, Kacha, Mundi, Astimala (garlands made from the wood of Mango Tree), Chiraku (wings), Uttareeyam (upper garment), Kireedam (crown) are some of the elements used in the costume of Garuda.
- Traditional musical instruments are employed during the performance:
- Chenda: cylindrical percussion instrument originating in the state of Kerala);
- Elathalam: metallic musical instrument which resembles a miniature pair of cymbals; this instrument from Kerala in southern India is completely made out of bronze and has two pieces in it;
- Kombu/Kompu/Kombu Pattu: a wind instrument in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- Performance includes 18 Thalavattam (rhythmic patterns).
- The whole ritual is performed colourfully with these Garudas taken in a procession on bullock carts or boats or hand-pulled carts.
- Legend:
- As per the Hindu mythology, Goddess Kali, after killing the demon king Darika in a fiercely-fought battle, was insatiable and thirsty.
- At this time, Lord Vishnu sent his Vahana Garuda to Kali to quench her thirst.
- The dancing and bleeding Garuda is taken to Kali who is pacified after consuming his blood.
About Sarkara Devi Temple:
- Situated: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- Main deity: Bhadrakali (Goddess Durga).
- Historically important due to the introduction of the famous Kaliyoot festival by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the Travancore sovereign, in 1748.
- Another festival, Meena Bharani mahotsavam, is conducted for ten days in the month of March-April every year.
- Architecture:
- Sanctum Sanctorum is a two storied rectangular structure.
- Roof is polished with bronze.
- Second storey is decorated with sculptures of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Durga, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Vishnu, Narasimhamoorthi and several other deities.