• Story of Vallarakkan/Sasta

    The story of Vallarakkan serves as a prelude to the Birth of Sasta (Hari-Hara), rich with multiple tales from classical Hindu Mythology. The narrative revolves around the conflict between Vallarakkan, a devoted demon, and Lord Siva. In his unwavering dedication, Vallarakkan undertakes a rigorous penance, hanging upside down for twelve years from a gleaming sword, which earns him a visit to Kailasa and a powerful boon from Siva himself— the ability to destroy anyone merely by pointing his thumb at them. Yet, tricked by Narada, he becomes enraged, seeking revenge on Siva. Seeking help from Krishna, Siva is saved by Mohini, who cleverly uses Vallarakkan's own boon to defeat him. Through its storytelling, the narrative weaves together various threads of classical Hindu Mythology, providing an account of devotion, deception, and divine intervention. A few selected episodes from the story are presented in the following section.

    Track Information : Vallarakkan's Kingdom
    Performer(s) : Punkani & Group, Kuntal, Kanyakumari dist.
    Collection : Stuart Blackburn
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    Marriage of Muttupattan

    Muttuppattan, a Brahmin, defies societal norms and falls in love with two Cakkiliyar (ex-untouchable caste) women, Pummakkal and Tummakkal. Determined to marry them, he willingly abandons his caste, becoming a Cakkiliya himself. Despite their unconventional union, tragedy strikes on their wedding night when Muttuppattan is summoned to confront cattle raiders and meets his untimely end. This tale of cross-caste love and a violent demise is a standard death story performed in the middle slot of a bow song festival. Its widespread popularity and humorous undertones have given rise to an alternative version, focusing on the blissful marriage event, eschewing caste conflict and death, and transforming it into a heartwarming birth story.

    Track Information : Performers making fun of contemporary film songs
    Performer(s) : K. Patmanabhan & group
    Collection : Stuart Blackburn
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