Volume II Special Issue IV April 2022

Name of Author : Gopika Unni P

Title of the paper : Realms of Culture and Ecology: An Analysis of Serpent Worship in Kerala

Abstract: Kerala, Indias southernmost state is hailed as the repository of varied cultures, religions, traditions, tales, and myths. Cultural Studies is a remarkable interdisciplinary academic subject that focuses at both the political dynamics of modern culture and the forces that influence them. It deals with the linkages among ethnicity, customs, socioeconomic status, class, race, and gender in general. The cult of serpent worship is deeply ingrained in the lives of the people of Kerala and is a part of the states rich cultural history. Pampinthullal is a ritualistic art associated with snake worship in Kerala. This article entitled Realms of Culture and Ecology An Analysis of Serpent Worship in Kerala analyses the relevance of snake worship as well as the ancient ceremonial art form of Kerala, Sarpamthullal. It also highlights Naga worship in communities like as Nair and Pulluvan, as well as their Naga worship system. In Kerala, serpent worship has manifested in the conservation of the ecosystem and many snake species. In Kerala, one strategy to worship snake gods is to create symmetrically arranged floor drawings, known as Kalams, with bright and colourful powders derived from natural items, which make the serpent designs magnificent. Pambinthullal snake dance is an elaborate ceremonial ceremony that is performed to appease the serpent gods. The Kanni, Thulam, Kumbam, and Medam Malayalam months are used for this ritual. For the snake dance celebration, the Ayilyam Aslesha star on which the serpents birthday falls is considered fortunate. Aside from snake-related songs, particular offerings are made to deities. In the past, it was practised all throughout Kerala. Sarpakalam and Sarpamthullal are two names for the same rite. The worship of snake gods, or Naga, has been carried on in diverse forms in literature, art, architecture, sculpture, folklore, and traditional paintings. Throughout the millennia, this tradition has dominated the religious beliefs of the common people, regardless of religion or caste. Several artefacts relating to snake worship have also been discovered during excavations at other archaeological sites. This article aims to provide an insight on to the eco-centric tradition of Naga cult in Kerala within the prism of Cultural studies. It also scrutinises the implications of rituals related to Nagadosha snake-curse like as Kalamezhuthu, PulluvanPattu, and Sarpamthullal. The belief system of nair and pulluva about Naga worship in central Kerala is also discussed, from archaic to modern times. It also examines the significance of Naga worship and sacred groves Sarpa Kavu in contemporary times.

Keywords : Cultural studies, Ecology, Serpent worship, Sacred groves, Pampinthullal, Sarpamthullal, Kalamezhuthu, Pulluvanpattu, Nagadosha, Sarpa Kavu

DOI :

Page Number : 59-63