Dharmashetrae Kurukshetrae - Pitamaha Bhishma

Bhishma Pitamaha, A life that is adorned with such glory is naturally supposed to age gracefully, however Life is a path and every decision we make brings us to a turn in our journey of life. Lets imagine our life as a straight road from birth to death. Life is this path. The ultimate destination is death or in colourful terms moksha. Along this path whatever decisions we make are the turns, which will detour you from the path, perhaps making the journey to your destination a little longer of maybe a little shorter. Whatever our decision the consequences will be faced by us, this is what we call karma.

Ganga Putra Bhishma Pitamah Mandir

The Mahabharata is one such epic that describes the cause and effect beautifully and the place this epic enfolds is Kurukshetra. Here tucked away in a little village of Narakatari is a little pond and temple dedicated to Pitamaha Bhishma and his mother the mighty river Ganga. The Legend has it that it is here during the epic battle of Kurukshetra, Pitamaha Bhishma lay on a bed of Arrows and asked Arjuna for some water, Arjuna Shot an arrow into the ground and out came a stream of water right into pitamaha’s mouth. The Tank here is named as Banganga and referred to a Bhishma Kund.

BaanGanga

This is the place where Pitamaha lay on a bed of Arrows, on the threshold of life and death, watching his life unfold before him in the last moments of his life. He would have wondered why he sought to protect a Lineage, which had none worthy of his Ancestors. Born to Ganga and named Devavrata, and Titled Bhishma for the Vow of Celibacy he took the first decision of celibacy changed his path, denying the people a capable heir to the throne and protecting the undeserving. The next major turn he took was when he abducted the Princesses of Kashi, amba, Ambika and Ambalika to marry his undeserving brother and in the process ruined the prospects of Amba, who became the reason for the defeat of Pitamaha in battle. Bhishma in his true dedication to the throne had to bear witness to injustice to Draupadi, To the pandava clan, to Karna.

Pandavas standing beside Pitamah

Pitamaha Bhishma is considered a great example of devotion and sacrifice. His name itself is an honour to him. Bhishma was one of the greatest Bramhacharis of all time, the accumulation of Ojas due to his Bramhacharyam made him the strongest warrior of the era. It is but his decisions in life that brought forth a life full of loneliness, frusturation and sadness.  Perhaps, this is how Vasishta’s curse was supposed to unfold, Bhishma’s human life was destined to be marked with suffering. True to his name he never shied away from his duties and was a character as strong as steel, nothing in life broke him, he bravely faced the war and stood by the decisions he made. He understood the role life had for him and chose his time to end. 

Banyan Tree - Jyothisar

However big the Stature, however big the glory, however magnificient the era all must come to an end. Thus began the beginning of the end the War at Kurukshetra. Here just off the battlefield of Kurukshetra at Jyothisar is where Krishna delivered to Arjuna the sermon of the Bhagwad Gita, the doctrine of Karma and Dharma.It is Believed that all the Kauravas attained Swargawas as they died on the soil of Kurushetra in delivering their duties (Karma) as the Khastriyas. Today there exists a Banyan Tree believed to be an off shoot of the original banyan tree the only witness to Gita Updesh.

Bramha Sarovar

Kurukshetra is also believed to be the cradle of civilization, here is where Lord Brahma created civilization. This huge water tank is called the Bramha Sarovar 3600 ft long and 1500ft broad and is a perfect rectangle in shape. This tank is especially crowded during solar eclipse as it it believed that a dip during solar eclipse absolves one of all his sins.

Present day Kurukshetra is a Laid back small village, that takes pride of its significance in mythology but is modernized and its here near Jyothisar is a planetarium in memory of Kalpana Chawla, The first woman of Indian Origin in Space. 

Vamana Vs Parasurama

If Vamana the Fifth avatar of Vishnu, sent Mahabali the ruler of kerala to patala loka then could it be that Kerala along with mahabali was pushed down below the seas to the Netherlands and then Parasurama the 6^th avatar created kerala, and reclaimed the lands from the sea. The people of kerala are also not the same as Parasurama is believed to have relocated Brahmans by giving them Land as a gift. Though the people may not be the same, the reclaimed land from the sea could be the same. So Mahabali who we believe visits us every year during our harvest festival is not visiting the descendants of his subjects, but a whole new race of people who relocated from far off territories. Today Kerala is called 'Gods own Country'  which is globally famous for its serene and scenic beauty enclosed in the lap of Mother Nature. This beautiful place is adorned with the sheer wonderments of nature and is beautifully nestled in the south western part of India. It is endowed with the exceptional natural beauty that allures tourists from the nook and corner of the globe making wonderful carnivals to be cherished forever. Kerala is the wonderful place which fascinates a beautiful chance to explore its astounding attractions. Popularly Known as “Gods Own Country”Kerala lures tourists from all over the world. The Origin of the Myth of being Gods own country perhaps lies here, in the Story of Parasurama.

A number of myths and legends exist concerning the origin of Kerala. One such myth is the creation of Kerala by Parasuram, a warrior sage. Parasuram was the incarnation of Maha Vishnu. He was the sixth of the ten avatars (incarnation) of Vishnu. The word Parasu means 'axe' in Sanskrit and therefore the name Parasuram means 'Ram with Axe'. The aim of his birth was to deliver the world from the arrogant oppression of the ruling caste, the Kshatriyas. To atone the sin of having killed the erring Kshatriyas. He sat in meditation at Gokarnam. There, he was blessed by Varuna - the God of the Oceans and Bhumidevi - Goddess of Earth. From Gokarnam he reached Kanyakumari and threw his axe northward across the ocean. The place where the axe landed was Kerala. It was 160 katam (an old measure) of land lying between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari. Kerala is also known as Parasurama Kshetram, ie., 'The Land of Parasurama',as the land was reclaimed from sea by him.

The land that was recovered from the seas was not suitable for human habitation as it was filled with poisonous snakes and other wild animals. Later, the great Parasurama invoked the Snake King Vasuki, and  told him that as the snakes are roaming all over the place people are afraid to live there and the water was also contaminated with minerals so nobody can drink water. He requested Vasuki to help him to solve these problems so that the people whom he had given the land as BHOO DANAM can live there happily. Vasuki promised him that he will direct all the snakes to live in the forest where Parasurama sat for worshipping Vasuki said that if some snakes are living outside this forest, they will always be inside the holes and will come out for food only. They will not attack anybody unless and until someone tries to attack them. Moreover he will draw all minerals from the water and put it in the ocean and nearby lakes and except for this water the entire water in the land will become sweet. In turn Vasuki told Parasurama to instruct his people to designate some particular areas in their compound for snakes and start worshipping them as their family god. Vasuki who converted their land into fertile land, and later was appointed as protector and custodian of the new land. People of Kerala have a dedicated place of worship for Vasuki which is Mannarshala. Some Communities dedicated the South West (kanni Moola)Corner of their land to Sarpa Kaavu.

 It is believed that Parasuram planted the 64 Brahmin families in Kerala whom he brought down from the north in order to expiate his slaughter of the Kshatriyas by giving them Bhoo Danam. Thus was born a fertile land with pure minded people. Parusurama was their guiding light, mentor and protector. Soon, when the time was ripe to leave them on their own and return to rumination, he gave them a boon.

What Parasurama said was, whenever the land he had created, and the people inhabiting it, needed him in times of necessity, all of them should get together, and pray. He would immediately be present before them and do all to rid them of their troubles and predicament. Time passed. The people of the land were covered in prosperity and opulence. There was nothing that was petite or diminutive for them all. But as is human nature doubt developed in the minds of the people– if Parasurama sincerely would be there for them, when they needed him? To settle their doubts they decided to invoke Parasurama, they gathered and prayed to him. As promised Parasurama appeared and asked them what the trouble was. They told him that they had prayed for attendance, just to check if the promise that he had given to them was true or not.

Parasurama who is also known for his temper when affronted with this attitude was enraged and cursed the people – “Now, let there be so much infighting and squabbling between you all that even when you need me, all of you cannot sit together and pray, and make my presence obligatory here” Insulted, offended and slighted, Parasurama had left the people behind with never ending battles for land, power, culture and ego. To this day We can never agree on any issue, it holds true for all. Parasurama, being the Chiranjeevi avatar of Vishnu is roaming the earth waiting for the people of his land to call him in unison to rid them of all their tribulations.

We can never conclude in unison and the questions remain. Vishnu avatars are in different Yugas. The Yugantaras are reason for change. Only Change is Constant, Time is the variant and the result is progress. Nothing is eternal.  

The Living Gods

Muthappan is worshiped as a single deity, but he actually represents an integrated or unified form of two Gods, namely Vishnu (with a snake on the crown) and Shiva (with a crescent-shape on the crown). Theyyam of northern Kerala mirrors the entire traits of the folk in their conception of the divine. Though communities give their own aesthetic embodiment in terms of attire, pattern etc, the form remains one and the same internally in its expression of the geo-ethnic sensibilities of a community. A magnificent blend of vocal instrumental music, dance, painting and of course, colors that spell visual harmony with every perceptive of folk life.

Vishnuroopam

Shivaroopam

 A striking peculiarity of the Theyyam system is that there are no temples dedicated for year-round worship. In wooded groves scattered in the village, within nondescript wooden or thatched sheds, a solitary stone or a sword, or a wooden stool remains as a symbolic presence of the divine, which does not insist on the elaborate rituals of a temple or the regular offerings from the devout. The exceptions are the deities at Parassinikadavu, who descend daily to bless the devotees and receive offerings.

As the monsoon ends and the landscape glistens in restful shades of emerald and sapphire, there bursts forth in the North Malabar region in Southern India, fiery forms of supernatural Beings. Sporting extraordinarily ornate headdresses that sometimes rise several feet in the air and carrying flaming torches, these Beings appear, move, leap, speak, and dance in front of shrines, altars and village homes. 

Elaborate face paint

 These are the Theyyam gods and goddesses – incarnating in fantastic forms that seem to transcend human imagination.For the more active warrior gods, a vellattam, or energetic ritual dance incorporating martial arts, is required. After this the performer will retire to a temporary structure to be made up and costumed as the actual deities Theyyam, is the actual manifestation of the divine spirit. Here the dancer reappears in proper make up and costumes. 

Head dress

The spirit of that Theyyam migrates into the artist who has assumed that spirit and it is a belief that the god or goddess comes in the midst of the gathering through the medium of the possessed dancer. The dancer throws rice on the audience and distributes turmeric powder as symbols of blessings. It is believed that the Theyyam has curative powers. Theyyam artistes are male. It is not a profession or calling that can be adopted. The artist's shrine rights are always inherited from the mother's family and when he marries, he also acquires the shrine rights of his wife's family. The artistes share a common training and tradition in which the process of becoming the deity is achieved after intense mental, physical and spiritual preparation. The kolam performs various types dancing and it is believed that the spirit of the god, goddess, hero or heroine migrates into the person. The dance may take slow or fast pace depending upon his character. Sometimes even weapons are used. it encompasses a complex universe centered on the belief that a man can - after suitable mental, physical and spiritual preliminaries - don the costume of a particular deity and then become that deity.

Face painting

 In this elevated state, he assumes superhuman and divine powers”. This pantheon of the Divine is extensive, includes not only gods and goddesses, but warrior heroes, ancestors, animals, ghosts and spirits as well. These deified forms are welcomed with great respect and reverence by the villagers for they are believed to be unpredictable in nature and endowed with the supreme power to either bless or curse, to protect or destroy, to nurture or nullify.

The costumes of Theyyam are made out of cutting and painting coconut sheaths in black, white and red patterns, fresh coconut fronds form skirts, fashioning breasts out of dry coconut shells and tying a red cloth around the waist. The facial decorations are intricately designed with enriched symbolism. Muthappan speaks symbolically and the interpretation is left to you. They hold your hand and ask you to believe in them and intimidate you with the essence of a higher power. The entire atmosphere brings in awe and mysticism.

Coconut frond skirt

  Toddy plays a very significant role in the proceedings, it is an offering to the gods and almost all the performers dance under the influence. This helps in creating the feeling of "possessed". The performers belong to the "Malayan" caste of tribals, who are given prime importance in Thirra and Theyyam. Therefore in Kerala, both upper caste Brahmins, and lower caste tribals have an important place in worship. 

Theyyam Festival served as sort of a social equalizer, bringing together people of all classes and tribes through religious participation. Today, even though the social degradation associated with belonging to the low caste has been eliminated, the art form itself has remained under the sole custodianship of these traditional families and it is through descendants of those communities that this ritual performance is practiced and kept alive.

A look at the Divine

 Toddy plays a very significant role in the proceedings, it is an offering to the gods and almost all the performers dance under the influence. This helps in creating the feeling of "possessed". The performers belong to the "Malayan" caste of tribals, who are given prime importance in Thirra and Theyyam. Therefore in Kerala, both upper caste Brahmins, and lower caste tribals have an important place in worship. Theyyam Festival served as sort of a social equalizer, bringing together people of all classes and tribes through religious participation. Today, even though the social degradation associated with belonging to the low caste has been eliminated, the art form itself has remained under the sole custodianship of these traditional families and it is through descendants of those communities that this ritual performance is practiced and kept alive.

Ritualistic dance

After having been painted and suitably attired to represent the God, the Artist is Shown a mirror to invoke the divine spirit into himself, a sight to behold he then looks into the Mirror and sees the divine form, he admires the divine and invokes his power, the transformation from devotee to Divine is often accompanied by grunts and screams and can be scary at times. Some of the forms of Theyyam are loud and scary, the drums and the dusk invoke a feeling of mysticism which is unparalleled. The predictions and blessings of the living Gods are considered a boon and many in the Malabar area have regular vellatam on auspicious occasions. Muthappan is the God of the Common people and is omnipresent.

Asura Chakravarthi Mahabali

The Asuras were considered at par with the Devas. The King of the Devas Indra constantly felt threatened by Asuras. The samudramanthan and subsequent find of Amruth the Elixir and the complete monopoly over the Elixir did not settle the fear of the Gods  of the power of Asuras. There are very few Asuras who have an amicable place in the hearts of the Hindus. All Asuras find place in mythology as the Villans, Ravana, Mahishasura, Hiranyakashyapu, Bhasmaasura and many more.

The Strangest of the tales is this one of Mahabali, he was the grand son of Prahalad (Even in the story of Prahalad, being an Asura does not outweigh the popularity of Narasimha) and well loved and respected king. To this day he is perhaps the only Asura who is welcomed and honoured year after year and has a festival associated with him for him and somehow the Vamana Avatara related to this mythological story is somehow subdued. 

The fifth Avataar of Vishnu is considered to have been the one to send this Asura to Patala loka. Even this Vamana Avataar seemed dwarfned by the Love and respect commanded by this king. In fact it is believed that the bravery and strength of character earned him the title of "Mahabali Chakravathy" or Mahabali - the King of Kings. It was said Mahabali was very generous and charitable. Whenever anybody approached him for help or requested for anything he always granted their wish.

Mural Art Mahabali & Vamana

On the bequest of Aditi the mother of Indra, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf and a poor Brahmin called Vamana. He came to the Kingdom of Mahabali, just when Mahabali is said to have been performing the 100th Ashwamedha Yagna that would proclaim him the king of all the lokas. Vishnu took the form of a poor Brahmin, Vamana, and asked for a piece of land. The generous King said, he could have as much land as he wanted. The Brahmin said that he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. The King was surprised to hear but agreed. A learned adviser of the  Asura King, Shukracharya sensed that Vamana was not an ordinary person and warned the King against making the promise. But, the generous King replied that it would be a sin for a King to go back on his words and asked the Brahmin to take the land. The King could not imagine that the dwarf Brahmin was Lord Vishnu himself. Just as King Mahabali agreed to grant the land, Vamana began to expand and eventually increased himself to the size of cosmic proportions. With his first step the Brahmin boy covered the whole of earth and with the other step he covered the whole of the skies. He then asked King Mahabali where is the space for him to keep his third foot. The King realised that he was no ordinary Brahmin and his third step will destroy the  earth. Mahabali with folded hands bowed before Vamana and asked him to place his last step on his head so that he could keep the promise. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head of the King, which pushed him to patala, the nether world. There the King requested the Brahmin to reveal his true identity. Lord Vishnu then appeared before the King in his person. The Lord told the King that he came to test him and the King won the test. King Mahabali was pleased to see his lord. Lord Vishnu also granted a boon to the King. The King was so much attached with his Kingdom and people that he requested that he be allowed to visit Kerala once in a year. Lord Vishnu was moved by the Kings nobility and was pleased to grant the wish. He also blessed the King and said even after losing all his worldly possessions, the King would always be loved by Lord Vishnu and his people. Lord Vishnu is also said to have granted Mahabali the boon to be the next Indra, until the time he is Proclaimed the King of the Devas he is to rule patala.

Many believe the nether land or Patala, is a weird and undesirable place. But if you Ponder about  the mythological stories, for example The Lanka of Ravana, was a beautiful place believed to be a city of gold. It did not matter where they lived they made it a beautiful place that even the Devas were envious of. Where the Devas had Vishwakarma to make heaven a beautiful place, the Asuras had Maya. The Myths are entertaining, its up to you to interpret it. We all have our own perspectives,our own thoughts and our own understanding. Onam is reliving the Golden Era of Mahabali. A period of harvest and festivities.