Kalamezhuthu - Pictorial Drawing
Hindu Ritual of Kalamezhuthu - Pictorial Drawing - Sri Sankara Narayana Dharma Kshetram Pulingome, Kerala
Kalamezhuthu is unique form of this art found only in Kerala. The kalam is a unique drawing also called dhulee chithram or powder drawing. The artist uses the floor as his canvas. Kalamezhuthu pattu is performed as part of the rituals to worship and propitiate gods like Kaali, Ayyappan or Vettakkorumakan. Here it is essentially a temple art. The patterns to be drawn and the colours chosen are traditionally stipulated, and the tradition is strictly adhered to. Kalams are drawn in connection with the worship of Devi, Naga and Sastha. Certain variations of the rituals are found in Tantric rituals too. In each case the patterns, minutest details, dimensions and colour choice are mandatory and not arbitrary. The patterns vary considerably depending on the occasion, but rarely by the choice of the artist. Even the order of creation is laid down.
The drawing is done directly with the hand, that is, without using any tools whatsoever. The powders used are all natural (Vegetable or Mineral or combined). The usual items used are: Rice (white), Turmeric (yellow), Charcoal from paddy husk (black), blend of Turmeric powder and Lime (red) and powdered leaves (green). Although several leaves are found suitable, the most commonly used are those of Albizzia lebbek.
Pulingome is a village in Kannur District of Kerala state, south India. The famous Kottathalachi Mount is in this village. There is a Cross and a small shrine at the top of the hill. From Good Friday onwards there is way of the cross offers taking by many. Pulingome is a village located Cherupuzha panchayath in Kannur district in northern Kerala. It is 73 kilometers away from Kannur and 33 km from Payyanur. Located between the western ghats and Karnataka forest, Pulingome has a beautiful landscape.Nearest in Kasaragod District Palavayal village.
The name Pulingome is believed to be originated from a huge tamarind tree (Puli) located at the riverside on the way to nearby village Palavayal. Pulingome was under the rule of “Mushika Dynasty” of Ezhimala during the Sangha Age. Later, this became part of “Kolathunadu” under “Chirakkal Dynasty”. Pulingome had a well established society and a rich culture all through its history. The ancient, Sree Sankaranarayan temple here is believed to be set up by “Parasuram”. The Pulingome Makham where two holy men of Islam, were buried some 1300 year ago and the remaining of a temple in the Karnataka forest near the border are examples of Pulingome’s cultural heritage. Later with the invasion of Tippu these regions were brought under Mysore kingdom and after Tippu’s death the region was under British rule.
Read MoreKalamezhuthu is unique form of this art found only in Kerala. The kalam is a unique drawing also called dhulee chithram or powder drawing. The artist uses the floor as his canvas. Kalamezhuthu pattu is performed as part of the rituals to worship and propitiate gods like Kaali, Ayyappan or Vettakkorumakan. Here it is essentially a temple art. The patterns to be drawn and the colours chosen are traditionally stipulated, and the tradition is strictly adhered to. Kalams are drawn in connection with the worship of Devi, Naga and Sastha. Certain variations of the rituals are found in Tantric rituals too. In each case the patterns, minutest details, dimensions and colour choice are mandatory and not arbitrary. The patterns vary considerably depending on the occasion, but rarely by the choice of the artist. Even the order of creation is laid down.
The drawing is done directly with the hand, that is, without using any tools whatsoever. The powders used are all natural (Vegetable or Mineral or combined). The usual items used are: Rice (white), Turmeric (yellow), Charcoal from paddy husk (black), blend of Turmeric powder and Lime (red) and powdered leaves (green). Although several leaves are found suitable, the most commonly used are those of Albizzia lebbek.
Pulingome is a village in Kannur District of Kerala state, south India. The famous Kottathalachi Mount is in this village. There is a Cross and a small shrine at the top of the hill. From Good Friday onwards there is way of the cross offers taking by many. Pulingome is a village located Cherupuzha panchayath in Kannur district in northern Kerala. It is 73 kilometers away from Kannur and 33 km from Payyanur. Located between the western ghats and Karnataka forest, Pulingome has a beautiful landscape.Nearest in Kasaragod District Palavayal village.
The name Pulingome is believed to be originated from a huge tamarind tree (Puli) located at the riverside on the way to nearby village Palavayal. Pulingome was under the rule of “Mushika Dynasty” of Ezhimala during the Sangha Age. Later, this became part of “Kolathunadu” under “Chirakkal Dynasty”. Pulingome had a well established society and a rich culture all through its history. The ancient, Sree Sankaranarayan temple here is believed to be set up by “Parasuram”. The Pulingome Makham where two holy men of Islam, were buried some 1300 year ago and the remaining of a temple in the Karnataka forest near the border are examples of Pulingome’s cultural heritage. Later with the invasion of Tippu these regions were brought under Mysore kingdom and after Tippu’s death the region was under British rule.
