MUCHILOTTU BHAGAVATHI (Pages 53-57) by Mr. Unnikrishnan Atiyodi in THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST / ISSN: 2350-1499 (Online); 2350-0751 (Print)

Life in North Malabar is inextricably linked with the mythical performance called Theyyam. Often a tragic hero or an epic hero or even a martyr is the theme of the performance. Muchilottu Bhagavathi is a a martyr who gave up her life when the Brahmin society ostracized her. Her erudition caused panic among the scholars. Stories were concocted against her, and her character itself was under scanner. Questions related to carnal pleasure were fired at this virgin who could answer them well. But the interpretation was that she was no more a virgin, otherwise she could not have the knowledge to answer these questions. She became a sacrificial victim. That is the heart breaking story.ife in North Malabar is inextricably linked with the mythical performance called Theyyam. Often a tragic hero or an epic hero or even a martyr is the theme of the performance. Muchilottu Bhagavathi is a a martyr who gave up her life when the Brahmin society ostracized her. Her erudition caused panic among the scholars. Stories were concocted against her, and her character itself was under scanner. Questions related to carnal pleasure were fired at this virgin who could answer them well. But the interpretation was that she was no more a virgin, otherwise she could not have the knowledge to answer these questions. She became a sacrificial victim. That is the heart breaking story.Keywords: North Malabar, mythical performance, Theyyam, tragic hero, epic hero, martyr, Brahmin society, carnal pleasure, sacrificial victim.