Thiruvathirakali group dance of Kerala is popular during the annual festival of Thiruvathira and has a close association with the popular mythological concept of Ardhanarishvara of God Shiva, who represents both male and female attributes, upholding the inseparable bond between male and female entities. If they do not function in union and deviate from the right path, the cosmos will face a chaotic situation. So is the life of a husband and wife whose marital harmony is immensely important.
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| Thiruvathirakali,Kerala www.youtube.com |
In the traditional and holy Malayalam month of Dhanu (16th Dec.2020 to January 13, 2021) a few Hindu festivals are held in Kerala state and Thiruvathira assumes as much importance as other festivals like Onam and Vishu and for centuries.
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| Thiruvathirakali,Kerala indiaartreview.com |
Above image: Thiruvathirakali, also known as Kaikottikali, is a traditional group dance performed by women in Kerala, notably during the auspicious Thiruvathira day and Onam festival. Dancers form a circle around a lit lamp, clapping rhythmically to devotional songs and folk tales while wearing traditional Kerala saris. The dance is believed to bring blessings for a long and prosperous married life and is a significant part of the state's cultural heritage, preserving traditions through communal celebration.
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| Arthanareeswara idol (God Shiva in male/female form)amazon.com |
Above image: A three-armed Arthanāreeswarā (also spelled) Ardhanarishvara sculpture with only Nandi as a vahana, 11th century, Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple
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| Thiruvathirakali dance,Keralaeastcoastdaily.in |
Thiruvathirakali, also known as Kaikottikali, is a graceful and deeply symbolic group dance performed by women in Kerala, India. More than just a performance, it's a central part of the Thiruvathira festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). The festival and its accompanying dance are unique in their focus on women, embodying a celebration of female energy, marital harmony, and the ideal of partnership. The dance itself is a beautiful physical manifestation of a profound Hindu mythological concept: Ardhanarishvara, the composite form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which symbolizes the inseparable bond between the masculine and feminine energies of the universe.
The dance, typically performed by a group of eight to ten women in a circular formation around a lit brass lamp (Nilavilakku), is a tribute to this ideal union. The rhythmic movements and synchronized hand clapping of the dancers, which give the dance its alternative name "Kaikottikali" (dance with claps), are gentle and flowing, reflecting the lasya or feminine grace. The songs accompanying the dance, known as Thiruvathira paattu, are often devotional, narrating the story of Parvati's intense penance to win Shiva's heart and their eventual divine marriage. These narratives highlight the power of love and devotion, resonating deeply with the festival's themes.
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| Thiruvathirakali dance,Kerala, Alamy.com |
The festival and dance hold particular significance for women. Unmarried women observe a fast on this day to pray for a good and compatible husband, believing that this devotion will lead to a successful and supportive marriage. Married women, in turn, fast for the longevity and well-being of their spouses, strengthening their marital bonds. For a newly married woman, her first Thiruvathira, known as Poothiruvathira, is an especially celebrated event, marked by rituals and festivities with her family. The fasting and rituals, which include consuming a special meal called Ettangadi and adorning their hair with a garland of ten sacred flowers called Dasapushpam, are all part of a larger devotion aimed at fostering a harmonious and prosperous family life.
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| Arthanarisvara Thathuva in.pinterest.com |
The popular annual group dance Thiruvathirakali (''Arthanarisvara Thathuvam'' as locally called in TN) is a depiction of half-male and half-female, human form equally split down the middle. The right half is usually the male. Shiva, with his traditional attributes, is the fusion of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (Purusha and Prakriti). It illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from male principle Shiva, symbolizing Shiva's all pervasive nature and the amity between male and female. The right side of he body is often associated with masculine traits valor, etc., and brain functioning such as logic, discretion, analytical thought and so on. The left side is related to the heart, therefore is also associated with typical feminine attributes such as creativity, intuition and so on.
Ardhanarishvara concept represents the perfect synthesis of male and female forms, embodying the Prakriti and the Purusha, the feminine and masculine energies of the cosmos. It highlights how Shakti, the sacred feminine form, is inseparable from Shiva, the principle male God. This form also symbolizes the all-pervasive, all-enduring nature of Lord Shiva. and also the optimal balance of the male and female energies in this world suggesting their co-existence and inseparability.
Historically, Thiruvathirakali was a ritualistic dance performed in the privacy of homes, primarily by women from elite communities like Namboothiris and Nairs. Over time, it has evolved into a popular public art form, performed widely during festivals like Onam, and has become a cherished symbol of Kerala's cultural identity. Its symbolism extends beyond mythology to the practical aspects of life, emphasizing that just as Shiva and Shakti are inseparable and interdependent, so too are a husband and wife. The dance serves as a beautiful and powerful reminder of the importance of mutual respect, equal partnership, and the complementary nature of male and female roles in maintaining the balance and harmony of not just a family, but the cosmos itself. The dance's enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless message it conveys: that the union of two opposing forces, when in perfect synthesis, creates a state of wholeness and enduring harmony.
