Panikkar, K. - "Teyyateyyam" Once A God-Dancer, Now A God-Head

Sahitya Akademi
"Teyyateyyam" Once a God-dancer, Now a God-head Author(s): Kavalam Narayana Panikkar Source: Indian Literature, Vol. 45, No. 5 (205) (September-October, 2001), pp. 143-165 Published by: Sahitya Akademi Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/23344664 . Accessed: 21/01/2014 04:34
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Teyyateyyam
Once a God-dancer, Now a God-head
Kavalam
Narayana
Panikkar
Roles; Chorus Ankakkaran (Ramunni) Mekkanthala Mother Beppooran The stage is bare except for one or two medium-sized benches and a clothes' hanger, made of the branches of a tree, kept on the right side in the rear of the stage. The stage props, costumes, and other pieces of decoration for Paranki Daivathar Poonkanni Traveller Policeman Salgni
the characters are exhibited on the clothes' hanger. The chorus and the other role dancers all seen huddled behind the
stage. Singers enter singing. The pattern is that of the leader of the chorus singing a refrain and others repeating it. Singer Chorus (repeats) : : litis play, Teyyateyyam, Teyyateyyam. Teyyateyyam, of a Teyyam, Ramunni on in
Teyyateyyam,
Teyyateyyam, Teyyateyyam, Ramunni enacting the role
the Teyyam dance, when his costume to take changes the role of Paranki
ing him as Paranki, kept on the side of the stage and sits in front, watching his image in a mirror.)
(Selects one person from the chorus and designates him as Ramunni. He wears the ornaments designat
(The group sings) Generations create this is an old do, and do not ask to know tale
Teyyams
questions; a person then see him transformed
into different roles, to see what you see but through that essence I am here the vision of essences, to narrate
of an inner
eye
Teyyateyyam, Teyyateyyam, I will now start, relating the story of Ramayana As imagined by our village; Rama known as Daivathar (The group selects one person as Daivathar. He steps forward from the group, wears the costumes of Daivathar, bows to the audience This is Ankakkaran Rama's brother, Lakshmana and steps back)
(From the group, another person is chosen as Ankakkaran. He wears the costume of Ankakkaran, steps forward, bows to the audience, steps back and stands behind Daivathar) This beautiful as known girl, Kannippoo Poonkanni.
Is Sita-Ma (From the group, a girl is chosen as Kannippoo: she wears the costumes of Poonkanni, bows to the audience and goes back to stand in between Daivathar Ankakkaran) The days when the stage and
in the forest they wandered turns into a forest, where and leopards growl tigers, elephants But, no, no, this is our own village
(looking at stage) Not even that, but Panchavati this village is now Panchavati (Viewing Daivathar, Ankakkaran and Poonkanni mov Some 144 / Indian Literature
ing)
travellers
are moving
into the forest
: 205
(Daivathar, Ankakkaran and Poonkanni pretend that the stage is a forest and walk) Daivathar: Brother, Ankakkaran, lead and the way, Poonkanni I will follow behind you,
(From theforest, animal growls can be heard, through the sounds made by the chorus) (Stringing the bow and taking aim) Is it a demon, or a wild animal, or the roar of the forest itself? Poonkanni as soft as are sore, your feet flowers
trudging this path, full of thorns and stones. Hold and on to this Daivathar's walk shoulders
Ankakkaran, to know in advance, of the arrival of the demons, walk, with eyes all over your body (Again, the roar of the animals by the chorus is heard) (They walk away) Ramunni, haven't you yet finished your dressing for enacting the role of Paranki? ready.
Yes, I am almost Here is Ramunni, dressed
as Paranki.
(Ramunni dressed as Paranki enters, faces the audience and bows to them. Daivathar, Ankakkaran and Poonkanni remove their costumes and join the chorus) Here comes an evil man from lands crossing he is none, foreign, the seas; but Paranki, around the world ivaist)
the pirate he who travels
in his sailing ship

(The singer is seen tying a belt to Paranki's In this belt lies Paranki's life-power with the belt tied to his waist Kavalam Narayana Panikkar
/ 245
he gathers to plunder and Chorus (Song) : From reduce
strength the world it to an empty of Portugal, shell
the land
seeking new shores Paranki came, he came....The the takes (The group shape of a ship with sails. Paranki Chorus (Song) : acts as though he is voyaging In the waves of the sea, with a sail tied to catch he goes about in a ship...this the crest of waves, Riding with springing speed the shores, is climbing up the shores...this to loot all the wealth set his eyes on the lands...this around in that ship.)
the winds, Paranki
he reaches
Paranki
he can
he roams
Paranki
(The group disappears behind. Paranki acts, as if he has disembarked on the shores. Swirls his sword in Paranki : a show of prowess). A fortress and bastions surrounded inside won by the sea, the fortress, endless heaps of treasure
by... this Paranki like the sea, hands outstretched ready to enter and when roaring, occupy the way is invisible
landing with a splash, when the way turns visible showing all the tricks of his trade. This Paranki all the way splattered by the wind he raises the sails high in the tumult the sea's wave upon he courted customary and made caused by ceaseless wave the sea ease siege with
it his personal swing-cot the grains of gold, solid in weight and price, 146 / Indian Literature : 205
he sought out and plundered... trained in swordplay the strength of body harnessing his sword-edge splintering into a persistent gleam of war he comes even
This and
Paranki mind
to conquer the entire country...This Paranki (A member of the group enters, in the guise of a traveller with a big bundle on his head and moves through the stage which turns into a forest. Paranki creeps behind him stealthily) (Swirling his sword) Hey! You donkey, on your back Don't bend under carrying the weight a bundle of your wealth. its weight?
Why tire yourself supporting Leave your possessions there. traveller to and escape with his run (The attempts bundle. Paranki pursues him and stands before him, his sword point on the traveller's chest) (trembling in fear) Your Highness This and and leave send wealth conserved all the essence the surface of mine, extracted from into Gold
of the Earth me, I beg
then converted it with
of you, me away, One. O, Paranki, the Honourable All that sprouts from this Earth. is mine. This are you or shall with all that lights the human of Paranki down eyes
is the Law
this sharp sword? (Paranki takes a step forward and swirls the sword. Behind, the whole group moves against Paranki, singing in the tone of a slogan) Against a whole moving; Kavalam Narayana Panikkar / 147 the might of one group of people man,
going to keep the bundle I finish you off
hail
the people! Victory to People! One man. strong oppose he be in haughty arrogance
however cannot and
suppress a whole group solid as a wall There place
of people united, constructed. hide. There is no
is no place to run and to run and hide
(The group surrounds Paranki. Paranki swirls his sword and pushes all of them aside. The group collapses on the ground.) Paranki You mere you, roaring grains infantile group of people, of dust;
jackals, in howling your sleep shrink, shrivel, reduce and to my physical prowess
be slaves
(Paranki does the action of tying them up, advances towards them and pushes them to the rear of the
stage. One person comes out of the group, takes the bundle and goes away. From the group Daivathar, Ankakkaran and Poonkanni enter, wearing their respective costumes. They act as though the stage is once again the forest and moves on. They stand on one side of the stage. From the group Paranki enters) Paranki : (Seeing Poonkanni) Ho! she Parvathy, Lakshmi Whoever she What a beauty! Is a or spirit of the forest? is fit to be mine. Ho!
is, she in an attempt to embrace behind, (Rushes from he Poonkanni. Suddenly steps back) Who are those two wretched fellows with her? One of them looks alright like a white pumpkin with a nose and eyes drawn on it! The other man, with his bow and arrow in position, ready to shoot. He seems to be slightly excited and angry. I like his quicksilver anger. The older one
Singer 148 / Indian
is a complacent fool. when you irritate them and be careful Paranki, talk derisively of them. Who did you compare : 205
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to a white shouldn't Who's
pumpkin be talking Daivathar?
with nose
and eyes? You like that. It is Daivathar.
Don't try your usual tactics on Daivathar
and destroying plundering and Ankakkaran. Besides,
they are not even natives of this place. Oh! Is that so? I too am not a native of this place. So, isn't there anyone in this group from this place? (The group asks each other, "Are you a native of this place?" All the them hastily say "No, No") Oh! So, having given up the land to foreigners, all the people of this place have run away and hidden eigners issue of strength also? Daivathar and defeating themselves. - don't we
Just because they are for the take into consideration fighting with him. I think, that is not has defeated Paranki
(The group agrees) possible Don't you know that this Paranki
in many and subjugated several such Daivathars lands and kept them in their place. These men are fools to have come on a journey taking a
along with them. Two blundering idiots! Either they should not have come here with this beauty or having done that, they should have enough courage to confront Paranki and protect her. As for me, I may not only use physical too. powers, but resort to magical powers (He moves the sword and magically hypnotises the crowd).
woman
If they are the men their moustaches them to be, let them prove it. proclaim (He moves his hand, invoking magical forces. Daivathar and Ankakkaran appear to have been surrounded by darkness and walks stumblingly.) Eyes staring, teeth protruding, with a cruel and thunderous stretches roar the dark darkness
its sharp nails to me, the lightning falters and falls upon this darkness Oh! Dawn! you are moving Even as I extend my hands Who has shut my eyes Kavalam Narayana away to embrace Panikkar
with his might?
you / 149
Ankakkaran Poonkanrii
: :
Whoever I shall Oh! even
opposes fight and You and
me, kill. are moving my hands away, to embrace
Dawn!
you. in front of and unconsciously stops Paranki from her. capturing After several such attempts, Paranki succeeds in separating Poonkanni from the other two (Daivathar Poonkanni Ankakkaran comes and he goes to the rear of the stage with her. Daivathar and Ankakkaran are caught in the darkness.) Singer Another Singer man Now, I have a doubt. Does the story progress in this way? No, the story does not end like this. is not that. I do not think that My problem Daivathar and Ankakkaran are such helpless fools. (Daivathar and Ankakkaran take off their costumes and merge with the crowd) Did anyone say that? But, the truth is that Paranki
as I extend
Another
Man
with the woman. escaped a the crowd, (From person comes to the front of the stage and says seriously) Stop it! Stop it! (He is wearing the costume of a Policeman) Let this issue of the That is not the problem. story of Ramayana which times be set aside. Even took place in ancient if there is a mistake
Policeman
in retelling it, there is nothing to worry. During the was observing the time when Ramunni in preparation of acting the role of penance took place. Aren't they an this important part of story (the crowd agrees) Let act that out. Come on, move to us somehow, Paranki, some events that side. Group Policeman : : Oh! Police! I am a policeman.
(Separates himself from the chorus and comes for ward) Stop this retelling of an old tale. Who wants this antiquated tale? And that too, a distorted, rustic yarn. Where is the mur unsophisticated, derer? There is no murderer here. Only a robber. That who came here just now is a plunderer.
Singer 150 / Indian
Paranki, Literature : 205
Not
he. Where
is Ramunni?
Ramunni?
(Searches for Ramunni) No, you are mistaken. Ramunni in the guise of Paranki committed a robbery. He kidnapped and absconded with Poonkanni. You, you, you are cracking jokes. Don't worry, I will get the clues by and by. Don t think that I will give you any special consideration because killed Don't the you and
you are a famous singer. Ramunni well-known landlord, Mekkanthala. know? dance. No, we won't believe it. Ramunni who does such things. You Don't It is a serious
matter, not just song
is not the kind
go on saying that. The law will do its job. you want to know what really happened? like to know. Yes, we would Let us act that part. Singer, you begin that story. just now. takes (Policeman offhis costumes and joins the crowd. Paranki and Poonkanni take off their costumes and join them as Ramunni and Kannippoo) Which story should I relate? The story of Mallan Pillai being struck down by the trunk of the elephant. No, no, the story of the landlord, Mekkanthala. (Singer sings. Others repeat the lines) King of the forests, Mekkanthala, where is Mekkanthala? (Crowd searches and brings forth one actor and helps him to dress up as Mekkanthala. Mekkanthala comes out of the chorus, steps forward and bows to the audience. Others stand around him holding sickles.) King of the forests, Mekkanthala, who turned Mekkanthala, the forest to land, the land to ploughing field, Mekkanthala who converted seed into fruit, this Mekkanthala (The group acts the movements of harvesting Thaka tambi teytharo, tiyyam tatta, thaka tambi I will come
teytharo, Mekkanthala) The corn stalk is heavy Kavalam Narayana Panikkar / 151
Mekkanthala while cut with the tender Taka Mekkanthala Group Mekkanthala Kannippoo Mekkanthala : : : : : : Ramunni : : Mekkanthala Ramunni Mekkanthala Group : : : : Do
the yield is estimating in the labourers the field the sickle stalk of paddy.
Thambi Teytharo, Teyyam Tatha not drop the grains of rice, Teyyam Tatha No dropping, (to Kannippoo) Teyyam Tatha No no dropping, Do not drop
Teyyam Tatha the grains of rice,
no dropping, dropping, Teyyam Tatha behind and (goes Kannippoo says flirtatiously) If you drop the grain, it doesn't matter, Teyyam Tatha (taps on her shoidders) behaviour) (dislikes Mekkanthala's It matters, it matters, Teyyam Tatha page, Ramunni. limits, Mekkanthala. dancer? Teyyam with this that
(looks at Mekkanthala) Never read the unwritten Never Who
overstep your are you to tell me that, to teach me justice, you, a mere Teyyam Taka Thambi Teytharo Teyyam Tatha Tatha Taka Thambi Teytharo duel
Mekkanthala Ramunni Mekkanthala
: : :
think you can have Mekkanthala? You You think we are
a verbal with
people
no sense
anyone can say anything and get away with it? All of you need not work in my fields. Stop your work and go away. (frightens everyone and drives them away. After cutting the rice stalks are we to leave them
Ramunni Mekkanthala Ramunni Mekkanthala Ramunni Mekkanthala Ramunni Mekkanthala Ramunni 152 / Indian
: : : : : : : : :
in the field, stop work and go away? It is my law in my fields, Ramunni. Your fields and your law, Teyyam Tatha How dare you address me as "You," Impudent (goes towards Ramunni) You, you, you, what else but you, I repeat thrice. Control your tongue, Ramunni. fellow! Give the wages for the work done, Mekkanthala. Wages without working? You think all of us are idlers like you, counting : 205
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the waves Mekkanthala Ramunrii Mekkanthala : : : You dare
of the sea? talk back can to Mekkanthala? on you do to me? I can do? (Hits Ramunni
If I do, what
confront each other in anger. The group, stupefied, mixes with each other. Mekkanthala hits Ramunni. Ramunni falls to the ground. He tries to get up. Mekkanthala kicks and pushes Ramunni down) (emotionally) This is a blow to the Earth itself. This Earth which the corn of good worker in the fields is the Earth itself. I, a woman, too am the Earth. All these workers are the Earth so, Boss-man, workers and do not strike men and Women the Earth Mekkanthala) suffers to sprout, the stalk of days, to feed us. Ramunni the
Asking me, what his cheek) (Ramunni and Mekkanthala
Kannippoo
(holding the sickle aloft, approaches Believe in the Earth, Love Give all human your up
beings and tyranny arrogance (Everyone joins to sing those lines like a slogan) Believe in the Earth Love all human leaves with
beings (Goes off from the stage. Mekkanthala a show of stubbornness)
(The stage in a subdued light. Kannippoo enters. Mekkanthala, filled with lust, follows her and grabs her hand. Behind, Ramunni enters and stays hidden, not seen by anyone except Kannippoo. does not see him.) Mekkanthala Kannippoo Mekkanthala Kannippoo Mekkanthala Kannippoo Mekkanthala : : : : : : : Mekkanthala
(Grabbling her hand) Hey, you beauty, you don't have to join in the remaining harvesting. this harvesting sickle is Hey, you handsome, sharp. The harvest Tatha. is not that important, Teyyam
But this harvest will be important, Teyyam Tatha. (fondling her hands) These hands are not meant for cutting the corn stalk, Jewel of the Eye! These hands know cutting too, Eyesore! Don't cut now. Kavalam Narayana Panikkar / 153
Kannippoo Mekkanthala Kannippoo
: : :
Then This
when harvest
to cut? "will at least be a Harvest of
Happiness." Yes, eventually harvest.
it will turn out to be a happy
(Slowly, Mekkanthala tries to ensnare Kannipoo in a forcible embrace. Kannippoo resists. Ramunni leaps into the stage like a leopard, sickle in hand. They fight. Ramunni strikes Mekkanthala with his sickle again again till he is dead. Ramunni and Kannippoo run away hand in hand. The stage becomes and
dark) Policeman : (comes forward as the lights come on again) after Don't you want to know what happened wards? Yes, we do want to know. I can give you only a rough sketch of what and that too from hearsay. Listen. happened, Love caused the loss of self control and the tight grip on the sickle, One of the : : Love? This Whose love for whom? the love, which Ramunni overwhelming belle the village dancer felt for Kannippoo, aroused him to kill Mekkanthala. Then, Ramunni singers Policeman so says the folk song.
Singers Policeman
: :
Policeman
secretly to the gate of her house. (Enter Ramunni) an epitome of manly This worker, Ramunni, trained to act the beauty. The Teyyam dancer, went role of Paranki (Kannippoo and stands enters from the other side. She comes listening to the sound of his footsteps, both interpreting the meaning of the song the singers
Singers
sing, by the movement of their limbs) father, Kannipoo's night, slept on, a moonless Salguni the other when one recognised only through a curtain of darkness. The crickets chattered, it seems and
Kannippoo Ramunni 154 / Indian
: :
This vast world
kept guard. to be a prison of fear. world, with
To me, it seems to be such a small no place to hide. : 205
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Both
(together)
Kannippoo Ramunni Both
This small big world, which offers us no shelter. From behind, the sound of the barking of the hunting hounds In front, the graveyard stones forest with its thorns and
Ramunni Kannippoo Ramunni Kannippoo
(holding hands, trying to run and escape) There is no place to run. This all-consuming with no shelter, offering water. (idropping her hand and moving away) This hell cannot who be shared love you But, people share your Do not stumble. hands) (snatching Ramunni's Let us go, hand in hand. with anyone. must be allowed nest
heat
to and
sorrow. in the hunter's
get caught
Ramunni
(Tries to run off;from behind the rhythm of a song is heard. Ramunni drops her hand and turns back) Wait. Stop. I have to come back here, to enact who the Teyyam role. Am I not the Vannan, Ramunni, takes on the role of Paranki Chamuni? If act this role, my mother will be furious. will curse me. Even as I plan to run secretively, duty beckons me to take on
I don't
Generations away the role
Kannippoo
allotted by trad torn. is no time to stop and think. Behind, the Before barking hounds and death's stranglehold. There us, there is a cool, hiding place; come. (Both run and disappear) (Coming Forward) Catch him. Catch and
Policeman
tie-up the murderer, Ramunni. (From the crowd, one person comes forward who acts as Salguni and stands with a sad expression) This is Salguni, Is there anyone father who has father of the girl, Kannippoo. here who knows the pain of a lost his daughter? man, the intensity And if the of his pain
Singer Salguni
father is a good is more. Group
Salguni, why are you feeling so hurt? A woman has to have a man. She herself has chosen a person suited to her. A good choice, indeed. Hasn't Kavalam she run away with Panikkar / 155
Salguni
Narayana
a useless One man man He
murderer? He
Another Third Salguni Singers
is not an ordinary murderer, Salguni. killed a cruel landlord, Mekkanthala. Still, a murder is a murder.
man
That apart, we have to think of a father's sorrow too. bad I am a good men. Yet, a bad Kannippoo. Ramunni. man, who man keeps his distance from
ran away with his daughter, He is none other than the murderer,
Salguni
My whole being, from the tips of my fingers to the ends of my hair is seething to take revenge on him. Salguni, are you hinting that you have not done any bad deeds? I do not remember But, after all, I am Policeman, to have a human any till now. being. All right, man or a bad man? done
Policeman Salguni
Policeman
are you a good For the time being, I am a good man. So I shall stand by you. We have to catch Ramunni. He is indeed a bad man.
Mother Singer Mother
(Comes forward out of the group, seething with anger) This is his mother, Ramunni's mother. Yes. I am Ramunni's mother. No one, even the policeman, can change me from being his mother. My Ramunni is not a bad man. How dare you all call him as an incorrigibly bad man? Here some people are preening about like good men. I know them. Who is a good man here? Can any of these men be termed good? I too have been listening, for some time, to this talk on good and bad men. I have brought up my son well.
Salguni Mother
is a god-fearing Teyyam dancer. Is that why, old woman, he stole my Kannippoo's heart? will never do such things. He is ob for taking part a penance in preparation serving in the Teyyam dance. At such a time, he will My son not even look at a woman. A penance to it that to commit he himself a murder. is trans What penance? We shall see Literature : 205
He
Policeman 156 / Indian
into a Teyyam. not think I will spare your son. I am not only a good man, but a proud one too. If necessary, formed Do I can, Ramunni son, commit murder also. the spoilt good fortune of the village, the purity of the Teyyam Ramunni did not have been done. He will reap like your
spoilt what should the result.
I am a mother. Remember such
that, before you concoct a song on my son. What I want to do is not compose songs but aim at his strategic nerve center and give him where have you beating. Old woman, him and the hidden? Tell the truth. kept girl we will have to use our own techniques. Or, Then we won't hidden even consider woman. I haven't here when that you are a a solid
him anywhere. He will come it is time for him to dress up as a
Teyyam. If this bad Teyyam dancer touches and pollutes my daughter, she too will turn out to be bad. She will succumb a good man's woman. Don't bring to evil ways. daughter Think of her fate, turning out to be a bad for her and
cry, Salguni. her back.
We will search
except the mother searches for her. (Everyone, Daivathar wears his costume and climbs on the kept for him. In between him front of the stage, the singer pretends river) Here is a river flowing. Hey, preserver Do you see that river? (Policeman Everyone river) We shall and (Everyone Going, walks, looking goes and looks about at stool and the to see a of Law!
for the river. the flow of the
trace the flow of the river backwards goes behind the singer) going, going, what do Kavalam Narayana
find its source. we see (Sees Oh! Oh! This river of tears has emerged Panikkar / 157
Daivathar)
from the eyes of Daivathar. ration like a volcano breaks into wave
The pain of sepa the rock and bursts
upon wave of this river of tears. Years pass by, yet, the river of tears repeats the story of this eternal sorrow Daivathar Salguni Singer : : : (weeping) Such one has felt. an intense despair, till today no
Now, now, what about my sorrow, this Salguni's sorrow is a father's sorrow. The sorrow of a husband. everyone. of Daivathar It is an intense is not just the sorrow sorrow shared by I can of the
Salguni Singers
: :
Any private sorrow is intense. Therefore, say my sorrow is more intense. Daivathar's public too. private sorrow, is the sorrow
(This sentence is repeated by the Policeman, Mother and Salguni. They change their costumes and join the chorus) The flow beginning from those tears grows into the river of the country. Poonkanni, kidnapped by Paranki is the sorrow of our village. She is of the Earth. Her sorrow is the the Daughter Earth's sorrow who is there to search and bring back the Daughter of the Earth?
is there?" the crowd repeats : The group ("Who chooses one person who acts as Beppooran: he comes forward and bows to the audience. Beppooran is a monkey with a tail) Singer Beppooran Singer Beppooran Singer Beppooran : : : : : : Hey! Beppooran! Yes, I am Beppooran. What sort of a name name? Why, don't you like it? You may take it as the name given by my father. Couldn't he think of a better name? Your father? to one's ask that question anyone father? Besides, our names are given to us at a time which we don't even clearly remember. At that time, we can only lie down and listen to whatever name is given to us. How can Your name sounds alright to me. I said what : 205
is that? Beppooran,
your
Singer 158 / Indian
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I said simply; just like that. Even without a name, will recognize people you. (The group laughs) This guy with a tail, dances) (Sings. Beppooran Beppooran. Beppooran stood in front of Daivathar monkey of name and This from a good family, fame over all lands
with hands folded, this Beppooran. (Ankakkaran comes forward from the group wearing his costumes, and stands in front of Daivathar. Beppooran bows to Daivathar. The group goes behind the stage and stands with their backs to the audience.) searched for you every Lord, I, Beppooran, where. You are the Teacher of Teachers I yearned to see. Without Who knows the essence the Mother that Devi, of your story? of Gods besides
you, you seem to me a river of tears overflowing its shores. I start in a trice, to find a beyond solution to your pang of separation. I, Ankakkaran, ready to fight, am telling you, end is near. He, who stole Paranki's Beppooran, another
and boasts about man's possession it, that ship of his with sails, and him, with all wealth will be sunk to the deep his plundered sea. To kill Paranki, this monkey's Paranki, beware, your end Poonkanni strength is enough. is near.
is wilting in the pain of separation. Give my message of love to her Beppooran. Tell her, she will soon have the joy of union with me. This will is starting. In one messenger cover this ocean of illusion? swift leap I
(Beppooran climbs on a stool, leaps and reaches the ship with the sails, Daivathar and Ankakkaran join the singers) A ship covering miles, as swift as the wind a ship that has travelled over the seven seas. It is the small island where one two wave the unconquered pirate lives wave, one wave that turns to two to three and upon wave, then to four the ocean Narayana churns Panikkar / 159
Kavalam
Beppooran
island fighting the waves is this ship with sails. Where should I go in this island the narrow ways are a puzzle a cris-cross garland of threads, I the small feel I have been caught Where is Paranki? in the haze of labyrinth.
Singer Beppooran Singer
Must I say? Paranki? Oh, yes. So, are you a friend or an enemy? me a friend. Consider say. But, let no one hear. When I think of his cruelty, how can I remain his friend? (to himself) Then say. He is inside, in the a king's depths of the ship, sleeping A king's sleep? Whose king is he? So I will King of pirates. An expert pillaging. Is there a trick to lead sleep. and I will
Beppooran Singer Beppooran Singer Beppooran
: : : : :
in plundering
Paranki
to the straight
path? Even though it is improper on my part, 1 shall the trick to you. divulge To begin with, just How can it be improper? take me through the narrow path. Once I reach his bedroom, to do. I shall manage to do what I came
Singer
(Holding
Beppooran's
hand and leading through the to do what to use you have to do unethical methods
winding paths) You won't be able that soon. the belt You he to sever Paranki's
have
head. First, you have to remove his waist. That is wears around
possible only when he sleeps. After that, even if he wakes up, you can confront him. Beat him in fight and kill him. His strength is in his belt. (Hides
Paranki
Paranki enters from the other side and follows her. They walk through the group) Poonkanni, you did not secretly run away with me. I stole you and brought you here. With your unsurpassed beauty let my ship with sails become : 205
Beppooran among the chorus members) (From one side Poonkanni enters fearfully and loalks through the narroiv path. Ramunni, in the guise of
160 / Indian
Literature
a Heaven Come
Poonkanni and tries to capture her. The group gets up, steps in and stops him) If you do not submit to my desire I will, through magic and physical prowess conquer your heart and make you mine. (Approaches
all that belongs to this Paranki near me, my beloved.
is yours.
(Unleashes his magical power. The crowd acts like the flames of fire and stops him once again) My body and my heart are mine, mine only, which no one can Is there anyone possess. who cannot
be conquered by as he is unleash (acts though my magical powers? ing his magical powers. The group once again acts as fire surrounding Poonkanni. Paranki jumps back as though struck by lightning) Oh! Oh! Fire! Fire! fire! You think you have out Unapproachable smarted my magical powers. For the time being I admit prolonged presence. (Poonkanni runs away. Paranki is engrossed in his in his amorous play sat down to possess penance penance) Paranki thwarted defeat
to you. But I will return after a spell of penance. Get away from my
an intense to do penance, Poonkanni but the tone of the penance is spoilt. (By and by Paranki feels tired and falls asleep) His concentration has shifted to his sleep. Paranki sleeps sleep. forgetting everything (Paranki sleeps) else, a deep, deep
(holding Beppooran's hands) As his snoring reaches high finish the work don't be afraid. If you remove the belt, the rest will be easy. (Beppooran takes off Paranki's belt. Paranki wakes up from his sleep and gets up suddenly. Beppooran hits him with the belt. Paranki fights with Beppooran. Singers circle Paranki and Beppooran crushes Paranki's with a curtain. Poonkanni behind the curtain render him helpless. neck. Two people enter and Beppooran stand
and disappear along with the movement of the curtain. The group covers Paranki Kavalam Narayana Panikkar / 161
who has fallen dead. Later, the people holding the curtain come in front ofParanki and stand covering him. Behind the curtain, the headgear of Paranki chamundi Teyyam can be seen coming up. The roaring of Paraki Chamunidi Ramunni's disappears. the curtain) Mother Singers Mother can be heard. The headgear mother appears in front of
It is time to prepare for the Teyyam dance, the time for Paranki Chamundi Teyyam. But where is the person to perform the Teyyam? : He will come now. Paranki Chamundi dress up as the perform Teyyam. has been the traditional right He and will come,
This performance of this family. If he does not perform this Teyyam dance, the good times of the village will come to an end. Singers : If that is so, let the Teyyam A pandal with a roof the roof with festoons stuck and torches dance commence.
garlands to stems. plantain glowing raw sugar, rice, fluffed rice, pancake, off the evil eye the gods, let them propitiate be done with blood, small coins for the priest. Let flowers - champak, jasmine, red techi all arranged on a plantain leaf, Drum beats, victory calls and women's the other the small The eyes ululation resonant brass noises, holding burning cotton wicks. plates sugar cane, a black The rituals to ward cock.
Singer
from behind the curtain the song sung by the singer) a perfect circle and square Drawing and within it, seen by the human eyes smelt by the human nose : 205
dressed as Paranki Chamundi Teyyam enters dancing and keeping the rhythm to the drum beat. He repeats
in wonder. of people opening with the decorates (The group palmyra fronds. stage The singer beats the drum and sings. Ramunni
162 / Indian
Literature
offering honey and and divine beings, with the inner aside the life and Leaving I come The As T
flesh to men the soul, and soul
self and
body from today onwards I swear by my teacher. who remain inside The T who Paranki wearing I have come I, wearing covering appears Chamundi's outside
life-spirit. the human
is pure. is not me, not me,
all the costumes
Teyyam and jewellry
as myself the helmet and
myself with a giving body to the blue-black out of my free will, times, my offerings and bless As I leave, I untie the gear when I perform, I tie it again receive blood, Save me from bad
the earrings the blue-black cloth soul
me.
water, honey, meat for everything that is offered in prayer and all that I am destined to suffer I stand Drawing a witness the circle before and you. the square world as my house
thinking of the whole here stands Paranki Chamundi.
{Singing the above song, Paranki Chamundi emerges from behind the curtain. The group sings and dances to the tune of the song and stands on the right side
of the stage with their backs to the audience. After the dance, Paranki Chamundi Teyyam roars. The
group turns, each holding a stick in hand. Salguni and the Policeman wear their costumes. The Police Policeman Paranki Teyyam: : approaches with the handcuffs.) There is Ramunni (The group repeats what he says) I was killed the country plundered ran away with the woman I am Ramunni, I am Ramunni 1 am also Paranki Chamundi and Kavalam Narayana I, who I desired
Panikkar
/ 163
Paranki Paranki
who
died
and
woke
up
as
Chamundi
(Policeman holds the handcuffs up and approaches to arrest Ramunni) Law cannot watch this act passively. Ramunni has to be handcuffed. Salguni : Ramunni, bad name Law breaker
people done to me. (Salguni and
you Teyyam dancer, who brought a to the village. Here I come, with the of the village to punish you for the harm
The Teyyam disappears behind the curtain. The group appears in front of the curtain from both sides) Group : Teyyateyyam, Teyyateyyam, Teyyateyyam. Generations create the Teyyams
the villagers from one side and the policeman from the other side approach the Teyyam. Salguni and followers hit the Teyyam from behind.
(The Teyyam takes off all his costumes from behind the curtain and comes in front as an ordinary actor.
The people who hold the curtain leave it aside and join the group) Singers : There, from behind that curtain emerges, the Teyyam of the Teyyam dancer. All dead people are elevated as Teyyams it is made
a Teyyam itself lives and dies into a Teyyam's Teyyam. When you die and live you are a Teyyam, the reverse, you live and die but when you are a Teyyam, The criminal is beaten to death Later, he is made then also by the people; into a Teyyam. Then, that Teyyam is also killed to be made into a Teyyateyyam all this happens because Evil is a form of human of his evil nature. weakness; when a criminal appears in the garb of a Teyyam and is taken in procession, it is a warning do not do what Those or bad 164 / Indian Literature : 205 who deeds shouldn't be done. deeds
perform good all want to be Teyyams.
Thus, Man,
man human
enjoys being,
creating
the tradition
of
a combination
Teyyams of good and evil.
Even when a Teyyam is created for an evil reason let us praise good deeds and finish this dance (Darkness spreads) performance.
Kavalam
Narayana
Panikkar
/ 165

Panikkar, K. - "Teyyateyyam" Once A God-Dancer, Now A God-Head

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Sahitya Akademi

Teyyateyyam, Teyyateyyam, Ramunni enacting the role

questions; a person then see him transformed

into the forest

Yes, I am almost Here is Ramunni, dressed

the pirate he who travels

in his sailing ship

he gathers to plunder and Chorus (Song) : From reduce

strength the world it to an empty of Portugal, shell

the winds, Paranki

of the Earth me, I beg

then converted it with

going to keep the bundle I finish you off

however cannot and

suppress a whole group solid as a wall There place

of people united, constructed. hide. There is no

is no place to run and to run and hide

Singer 148 / Indian

to a white shouldn't Who's

pumpkin be talking Daivathar?

and eyes? You like that. It is Daivathar.

Don't try your usual tactics on Daivathar

and destroying plundering and Ankakkaran. Besides,

with his might?

Whoever I shall Oh! even

opposes fight and You and

me, kill. are moving my hands away, to embrace

Singer 150 / Indian

Paranki, Literature : 205

matter, not just song

is not the kind

Teyyam Tatha the grains of rice,

(looks at Mekkanthala) Never read the unwritten Never Who

Mekkanthala Ramunni Mekkanthala

think you can have Mekkanthala? You You think we are

the waves Mekkanthala Ramunrii Mekkanthala : : : You dare

Asking me, what his cheek) (Ramunni and Mekkanthala

beings (Goes off from the stage. Mekkanthala a show of stubbornness)

Kannippoo Mekkanthala Kannippoo

to cut? "will at least be a Harvest of

Happiness." Yes, eventually harvest.

it will turn out to be a happy

Kannippoo Ramunni 154 / Indian

This vast world

kept guard. to be a prison of fear. world, with

To me, it seems to be such a small no place to hide. : 205

Kannippoo Ramunni Both

Ramunni Kannippoo Ramunni Kannippoo

sorrow. in the hunter's

Generations away the role

father is a good is more. Group

a useless One man man He

Another Third Salguni Singers

Mother Singer Mother

Policeman 156 / Indian

spoilt what should the result.

I am a mother. Remember such

him anywhere. He will come it is time for him to dress up as a

cry, Salguni. her back.

for the river. the flow of the

The pain of sepa the rock and bursts

Singer 158 / Indian

Singer Beppooran Singer