Kodungallur Bharani Theri Pattu Lyrics Malayalam Verified Official

The song begins by addressing the Kavilamma (Mother of the Grove).

Malayalam:

ഉണ്ണിക്കണ്ണാൻ വീരനേറ്റി നീലീമല കാട്ടാനേ കോടുങ്ങല്ലൂരമ്മേ നിനക്കെന്തു കോപം തണ്ണീർ തണ്ണീർ വിളിച്ചു വരും തച്ചോളി കുഞ്ഞാളൻ കണ്ടില്ലേ കണ്ണാ നിന്റെ കാളിംഗ വണ്ണാൻ

Phonetic & Meaning:

In the vibrant and often intense landscape of Kerala’s temple festivals, there is one event that defies all conventional notions of worship. It is loud, aggressive, profane, and yet, deeply sacred. This is the Kodungallur Bharani, held at the ancient Sree Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple in Thrissur district. At the heart of this tumultuous seven-day festival lies a unique ritualistic art form known as Theri Pattu (also spelled Theri Paattu or Theeripattu).

Devotees and seekers of authentic Malayalam lyrics often search for the exact, "verified" versions of these songs. Unlike the polished bhajans or fixed sankeertanams, Theri Pattu is fluid, raw, and improvisational. This article provides a verified guide to the lyrics, their meaning, historical context, and the correct way to understand this powerful tradition.

തേരിൽ കയറി വരുന്ന കാളി പേരിൽ പറയും തെറി പാട്ട്
(tēril kayaṟi varunna kāḷi — pēril paṟayuṁ teṟi pāṭṭu)

Kali who comes riding the chariot — by name, it’s called the Theri song.

പുലയന്റെ പാട്ട് കേൾക്കാതെ കാളി പുലയനെ തിന്നും തെരുതെരെ (pulayanṟe pāṭṭu kēḷkkāte kāḷi — pulayane tinnuṁ terutere)

If Kali does not hear the Pulaya’s song, she will eat the Pulaya alive, in fury. kodungallur bharani theri pattu lyrics malayalam verified

(This last line is ritually inverted — the song is sung precisely so she won’t harm them.)

The performance begins with a call to the Paramashivan (Lord Shiva) and then directly addresses the Goddess as Bhagavathi, Kali, or Kurumba. Here is a core section of the verified lyrics.

Verse 1: The Invocation (Aarambham)

(Malayalam)

അമ്മേ അമ്മേ കൊടുങ്ങല്ലൂരമ്മേ

ശിവ ശിവ എന്നു വിളിച്ചാലുമമ്മേ

തേരി പാട്ടിന് കാലം ആയല്ലോ

പൊൻ തുടക്ക് കിണ്ണം വെട്ടും കാലമായല്ലോ

Meaning: Mother, Mother, Kodungallur Mother. Even if I call out "Shiva, Shiva," oh Mother, it is time for the Theri song. It is time to strike the golden cymbal on your golden thigh. The song begins by addressing the Kavilamma (Mother

Verse 2: The "Abuse" (The Theri Content)

This is where the ritual anger manifests. The singer accuses the Goddess of promiscuity and wild behavior.

(Malayalam)

കണ്ടില്ലേ കണ്ടില്ലേ കൊടുങ്ങല്ലൂരമ്മയെ

കണ്ടില്ലേ എന്റെ കണ്ണാ... കോലം കെട്ടി നടക്കുന്നത്

വെറുതെ വെറുതെ വെടിയത്തി നീ വെറുതെ

കുറ്റം പറയാന് വന്നതല്ല കാണാൻ വന്നതാ

Meaning: "Didn't you see, didn't you see, the Kodungallur Mother? Look at her, my dear, parading around in disguise. You are a wanton woman for no reason. I didn't come to blame you; I came to see you."

Verse 3: The Refrain Against Darika (Mythological context) Phonetic & Meaning: In the vibrant and often

(Malayalam)

ദാരികൻ തന് വീട്ടിൽ മണ്ണ് വാരിക്കൂട്ടുന്നു

കുറുമ്പ ഭഗവതിക്ക് കുലവിളക്ക് വേണം

തളയ്ക്ക് തളയ്ക്ക് രക്തം കൊണ്ട് കുളി നടത്തുന്നു

Meaning: "Scooping mud from Darika's house (symbolizing destroying his home). The Kurumba Bhagavathi needs a ceremonial lamp. From courtyard to courtyard, she bathes in blood."

No single “master copy” exists, but these are authoritative:

Warning: Most websites claiming “Theri Pattu lyrics” are incomplete, censored, or mistakenly mix in Bharanippattu (temple hymns). Theri Pattu is not the same as the classical Bharanippattu sung by upper castes.

In recent decades, the Theri Pattu has faced scrutiny. As the temple administration becomes more "Sanskritized" and aligned with middle-class morality, there have been attempts to curb the vulgarity of the songs. Police barricades and restrictions on the Kavu Theendal (polluting the sanctuary) ritual have increased.

This creates a tension between cultural heritage and modern decorum. Critics argue that the songs are misogynistic and archaic. Defenders argue that sanitizing the ritual strips it of its subaltern history and its unique function as a release valve for social tension.