Sunday, September 7, 2008

Thirumunpil Vela

The ritual Velakali is performed in the temple courtyard. It is begun with the deity taken out in a procession on a Jeevitha. This is called Thirumumbil Vela which literally means that the performance is in front of the deity. If this ritual is performed near the temple pond, it is called Kulathilvela. The dancers numbering fifteen or more are dressed up like traditional soldiers with colourful shields and shining swords. Sometimes the swords are replaced with long canes. They go through war like steps in a line to the accompaniment of martial music with vigour and force. They display fighting techniques by coming forward from the line. The musical instruments like Thavil, Suddha Maddalam, Elathaalam, Horns and Trumpets are used for this art. Thirumunpil Vela starts from Parakkoodu (Beautiful paddy field near temple) around 2 pm in the after noon and after kulathil vela it ends in the courtyard of temple around 7 pm just before Thirumunpil seva.

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