Snakes are considered as one of the dangerous reptiles in the world. But according to Hindu beliefs, snakes are the protectors of the human race and are considered as the living gods. Even though they are worshipped throughout the country, their worship is predominantly found in the state of Kerala.
Snake Worship Tradition in Kerala
Snakes and their worship have been an integral part of Kerala culture from time unknown. Most of the houses in rural Kerala have a snake shrine or Pambin Kavu where snakes are worshipped. These Pambin Kavu are considered very divine and are protected from every external threat since it is believed that any threat to the kavu would invite the deity’s wrath which would make the family suffer for seven births.
The Ceremony
A mystical ceremony called Sarpam Thullal (dance of snakes) or Nagakalam Pattu is conducted to appease the snake deities and to safeguard the family from every harm. It is usually done in the Malayalam month of Thulaam (October-November). However, nowadays there is no such specification and are conducted at any time.
The Sarpam Thullal is traditionally conducted by the ‘Pulluvar’ community. Once they have decided an auspicious day and informed the Pulluvan about the same, the whole family, especially the kanyas (young girls who haven’t reached puberty), keep a fast by avoiding non-vegetarian foods. The ceremonies of the Sarpam Thullal begins by drawing a ‘kalam’ on the ground, using various naturally made colors. The Pulluvan and Pulluvathy would then sing devotional songs using their traditional instruments like Pulluva Kudam (a pot with strings), Naga Veena (a violin-like instrument with a single string) and Kuzhi Thaalam. The Pulluvan then does the Thiri Uzhichil wherein he, with a lighted diya, moves around the Kalam in snake-like movements.
Kanyas and Kulam
Meanwhile, the young girls of the family are made to sit in the kalam with a bunch of coconut flowers in their hands. Throughout the ritual, the Pulluvan would sing songs about the snake deities and as the rhythm changes the young girls sitting in the Kalam would start dancing like snakes. It is believed that snakes have possessed those girls’ body and that is what makes them dance. Also, the prophecy by the girls in trance is considered as the words of gods.
It is an unbelievable thing to witness, as sometimes not only the girls sitting in the kalam but also some women among the crowd would get possessed by the snake gods and they all would start swaying on the ground. Their swaying movements would make us feel that the pictures of snakes in the kalam have risen alive. They would then wipe off the kalam with their body by swaying around the kalam. Once the song stops those girls would get back to normal. The whole ritual usually lasts up to 5 – 6 hours but sometimes it can last for a week. The ritual ends with the Kudam Nirakkal i.e., filling the pot of Pulluvan with offerings.
Conclusion
The Sarpam Thullal has always been a matter of curiosity and wonder. Many claim it as a superstitious ritual, while most of the Keralites consider it a part of their very own centuries-old culture. Believe it or not, Sarpam Thullal remains a widely popular ritual held for the prosperity of the family and is an integral part of the rich Indian heritage.