Uchitta Bhagavathy
Uchitta Theyyam
AffiliationHinduism
RegionNorth Malabar, Kerala, India

Uchitta Bhagavathy is a regional Hindu goddess worshipped in the North Malabar region in Kerala, India. Uchitta is worshiped and performed as Theyyam form. The main temples of this deity are spread over Kannur and Kasaragod districts in Kerala.

Overview

Uchitta Bhagavathy is a regional Hindu goddess worshipped mainly in the Kannur and Kasaragod districts in Kerala. Uchitta is also known as Adiyeri madathil Uchitta Bhagavathy (meaning Uchitta Bhagavathy of Adiyeri matha) and Vadakkinakathachi.[1] Uchitta Theyyam is performed mainly by the Malaya community of Kerala.[1] Velar community also perform this theyyam.[1]

Uchitta is a goddess much loved by women. Women pray to this goddess for a smooth delivery.[1]

Etymology

It is said that, the goddess got the name Uchitta since she speaks loudly (Uchathil in Malayalam).[1]

Myth

There are different legends behind the origin of each Theyyam. Different stories are in circulation about the origin of Uchitta also.

One belief is that Uchitta was the goddess who was about to be killed by Kamsa, instead of Krishna. It is said that, when Kamsa tried to kill her, she called out loudly that Kamsa's killer (Krishna) was born on earth.[2]

Another legend says that Uchitta was born to Lord Agni (god of fire). An ember that fell from the body of Lord Agni fell on the lotus which is the seat of Lord Brahma and from it a beautiful Goddess with divine lighted body was born and Brahma offered her to Lord Shiva through Lord Kamadeva and later on the request of Goddess Bhumi she came to earth in the form of a human being for the maintenance of the world.[2] It is also said that because she is the daughter of Agni, Uchitta theyyam lies on the fire and plays with the ember.

It is also believed that Uchitta is another form of Goddess Parvati.[2] Another legend says that Uchitta is the daughter of Shiva.[2]

Theyyam

Uchitta Theyyam sitting on the ember

Being the daughter of Agni, the playful Uchitta Theyyam sits on fire, lies down and plays with embers.[1]

Apart from the shrines of Uchitta, Uchitta Bhagavathi Theyyam is also performed as part of the Perumkaliyatta Mahotsavam (major theyyam festival) in many temples in North Malabar.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Santhosh, U. P. "ഉച്ചിട്ട (Uchitta)". Janmabhumi (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "തീയിലും കനലിലും ഇരുന്ന് ഭക്തർക്ക് ദർശനം നൽകും, മാനുഷ ഭാവത്തിൽ സംസാരിക്കും ഉച്ചിട്ട, വീഡിയോ കാണാം". Samayam Malayalam (in Malayalam). The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
  3. ↑ "Fascinating ritual". The Hindu. 2014-02-07. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
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