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Description:
Our
ancestors would have certain stories intertwined with historical concepts
in their mind. We could see such concepts regarding the deity ‘Muchilottu
Bhagavathi’ imprinted in their minds.
A
maid hailing from blessed Brahmin family of Maniyottu Mana at Perinchellur
near Taliparamba was versatile in logic, philosophy and science
of reasoning through ‘Gurukula system’. When arrangements for her
marriage were getting ready she was stubborn to choose an equally
knowledgeable person as her partner. This lead to a debate in which
she was asked to answer to the question from the scholars. She
replied that sexual pleasure is the most pleasant thing and pain
during delivery is
the most severe pain in the world. On hearing this, the audience stunned
and even questions raised about the morality of that Brahmin girl. She
was expelled from her illam (home) and society by saying one couldn’t
give correct answers to these questions without experiencing those.
The
hapless maid expressed her grief before Payyanur Perumal. She moved
to theTemple of Siva at Karivellur for praying. It was the period
when ‘Padithara Adiyanthiram’ and ‘Koothu’ were being held in temple.
She noticed the hearth prepared for cooking meals for Brahmins
who came for the feast. She decided to end her life in that fireplace.
Realizing the fire was not sufficient for burning her, she requested
a ‘Theeya’ individual who happened to pass through that place to
offer some dried coconut to the hearth. But he refused and went
back. Later a ‘Muchilottu Vaniyan’ who came that way with coconut
oil. The Brahmin girl made the same request to him also. Knowing
the consequences the vaniyan cautioned her and requested to withdraw
her decision. But she was firm in her decision and he helped her
by pouring oil in it.
The
Brahmin girl on committing suicide had reached in front of Lord
Siva. He with great love and affection sent her back to earth to
look after human kind. With the blessings of Lord Siva she got
the divinity and she reached Perinchaloor and prayed to ‘Thalipparambathappan’.
Devi then walked towards Rayaramangalam. Mean while the Vaniyan
who poured oil in the fireplace kept the oil pot in the pooja of
his house. Devi decided to drink some water and spend some time
in the house of ‘Muchilodan Padanayar’. The vaniya lady who was
drawing water found the holy figure in the well. Next day the padanayar
saw the palm tree infront of his house dried. It is believed that
the Devi made her presence visible to the Muchilodan Padanayar
when he decided to cut the tree. This is how the Muchilottu Bhaghavathy
associated with the Vaniya community. Muchilottu Vaniyan and others
in his community started worshipping the goddess as their family
deity. Thus the goddess came to be known as ‘Muchilottu Bhagavathi’.
Devi
requested Rayaramangalam Devi for a place for her. Rayaramangalam
Devi before taking a decision wanted to estimate the capabilities
of Muchilottu Bhghavathy and asked her to find a solution for the
scarcity of food at that region. She with her divine blessing from
Lord Siva produced the best ever harvest and made Rayramangalam
Devi happy.
The
deep-rooted myth of Sri. Muchilottu Bhagavathi as suggested by
Manakkadan Gurukkal, the divine and enchanted figure is the embodiment
of the whole universe itself. (Bharahmanda Kadaha). Devi represents
herself the three features of the universe. ie, The ocean, The
Earth and the Sky.
The ‘Thirumudi’ (Royal
crown) which is shaped like a rainbow, is symbolized as the sky,
while the body stands for earth and the royal dress (udayada)
as the ocean (water). The hanging ixora garlands symbolises as
the rainfall. The crescent moon affixed on the royal dress denotes
the sun, the moon and the stars. If is believed that the images
of the sun, the moon and the stars are visible in the water.
Rear side of the royal dress is assumed as the lotus and other
flowers. The eight-handed Bhagavathi is
sitting is the water (ocean) with lamps in two hands. They give light
(knowledge) to the ignorance and lead them from darkness to light. The ‘Khedaka’ sword
and the buckler on the other hands for annihilation and to wipe out 96
deadly diseases and is being blessed with the devotees
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