THE HEALING POWER OF AN INDIAN FLOOR
As the world emerges from a period of isolation , some people are becoming increasingly spiritual . Those looking to tap into their inner flame would do well to explore the world of Kalamezuthu , writes Yadhukrishnan Prasad .
Kalamezuthu is an Indian art form inspired by nature , often bringing a pantheon of gods and goddesses together under Indian culture . However , unlike art forms , it is down at your feet , not at eye level . “ This could be the only art form in the world that protects an individual both physically as well as mentally ,” said Damodaran Prabhakaran , a 59-year-old Kalamezuthu artist who has been drawing the art for over ten years in different temples across Kerala . Kalamezuthu is amongst those ancient religious art forms still prevalent in Kerala and practiced as part of the Hindu faith at temples . However , Kalamezuthu is mainly performed in Ayyappa , Bhadrakali , and Naga temples , because they are some of the gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion . This handmade drawing is designed by using multilayers of colourful powders — commonly put together by an expert . Also , in certain circumstances , it has been drawn in front of houses . Kalamezuthu is also known as dust art because it should only be sketched on the floor .
Kalamezuthu Origination
There are three different steps included while performing Kalamezuthu . Once the drawing of the picture is completed , a song will be sung . It is known as Kalam Pattu . Along with the music , a dance form called kalam Thullal is also performed . “ Unlike other art forms , Kalamezuthu has a different respect among the people , as it is purely religious-oriented ,” said Prabhakaran .
Nature is one of the key reasons behind the origin of the art form , Kalamezuthu . In Hinduism , nature is believed to be the first mother of every individual . In this respect , mother nature is often referred to as a goddess . It has been worshipped as Adhiparasakthi , a premedical or compelling force . “ There are three faces for mother nature in Hinduism : Saraswathi , Lakshmi , and Durga . The goddess Saraswathi is worshipped to get good knowledge . Lakshmi is for beauty and luck , and Durga is for protection from diseases ,” explained Prabhakaran .
He also mentioned that there is also a fourth face for mother nature , called “ Mahakali ”. The form of Mahakali is to protect people from the evil spirit . In the history of the Hindu religion , Mahakali has the scariest outfit . It was through the worship of goddess Mahakali that Kalamezuthu was originated .
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ISSUE 14 SLEUTH 00 21