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Myths of Malabar

Malabar is unique in its endless list of supernatural beings like Odiyan, Chathan, Kutti-Chathan, Muthappan, Yakshi, Gandharvan etc. People simple minded as they are still believe very much in the powers of these beings and the persons who invoke these spirits. Here in this article some of these spirits and their features are mentioned. There are regional variations regarding these myths and stories are passed over from one generation to the other getting subjected to wide evolutions.

Odiyan

Odiyan is a bit undesirable character; he is deceitful and treacherous; he can get in to the body of targeted people and make them do very heinous things. Odiyan is black in color; wanders during nights, attacks people from behind. He leaves them dead on way-side to be found by people in the next morning. There are ‘experts’ who keep Odiayans under their custody and trade his services to their clients. People approach these sorcerers; pay hefty fee for the magic performances to invoke Odiyan. Most often; the purpose of these magical acts is to do some damages to their personal enemies or competitors in business. It is said that these traditional sorcerers often do the job themselves for real Odiayan (or get some goons to do it) and put the blame on Odiyan; just a trade secret!

Chathan and Kutti-Chathan

Chathan who rewards people who curries his favor! He punishes those who fall in to his bad book. Numerous wizards work 24 hours hunting as well as patronizing these beings. ‘Chathan Seva Madoms’ (houses where Chathan is worshiped) are still abundant in this part of this land. Where the job of pleasing Chathan and there by gaining wealth and health to the patrons is undertaken. When faced with crises; many approach Chathan Seva Madom for a remedy! Kuttichathan is yet another being that is similar to Chathan but smaller in size but more mischievous; word kutti-chathan itself means baby chathan. Worshippers of Chathan keep an oil-lamp burning for 24 hours in a special room that is considered sacred by these worshipers.

A super-star saga

The word Yakshi is often translated as fairy in English; but that is not right as the myth of Yakshi is far different from European fairy. The similarity exists only in their charm in appearance. Yakshi is really an extremely terrible creature with kettle-black complexion; wide open eyes, long canines and long protruding tongue that spill blood. During her rendezvous she acquires the shape of an enchanting lady wearing white sari and white blouse. Her rich hair is not done and let to flow free in the night breeze. Her feet do not touch the ground even when she walks or stands.

Welcome to my palace

She lives upon a way side palm tree, eats human flesh and drinks only human blood! Her body radiates fragrance of Indian devil-tree flowers (Alstonia scholaris; popularly called Yakshippala). During dark and lonely nights she sings melodious songs; spreads the floral perfume and entices a lonely traveler for a stay in her beautiful palace. Her charm and smile is that no one will resist. The poor traveler expecting some love after sumptuous dinner follows her to her palace (what appears to be the palace is originally the palm tree on which she dwells).

It so happens that in the next morning people finds only nails and hairs of that unfortunate traveler who sought some pleasure. As such sights are common on that location they simply presume Yakshi would have had her supper previous night! Kalliankattu Neeli was the super-star among all Yakshis of Malabar and there are no dearth for books, folklores and even films about her.

Valiant never taste of death but once.

There are some escape routs for travelers as Yakshis are afraid of iron knife and leave who are armed with iron. Even now there are many dare-devil Malabar heroes who never forget to take a pocket-knife while set for a night trip! Numerous creatures like fairies, Nereid, nymph, dryads, spooks and ghosts of Scotland and Ireland can never match the Yakshi’s record in cold blooded man-hunt. It still remains a mystery what happened to the victim before his death; that is whether he received the ‘pleasure’ he sought before reaching her dinner table or not. The author is interested to hear that whether there are any similar myths in any other part of the world. The ‘brave men of Malabar’ still carrying iron knife is the certificate of merit Yakshi holds, wishing a happy journey to all who travel alone!

Gandharva; the romantic

Gandharva is the male version of Yakshi; he too is nocturnal but never kills or drinks blood for a living. He can acquire any shape of his choice or become invisible. Like Omar Khayyam; Gandharva is fond of good quality alcohol and beautiful maidens. During his sexcapades through the night sky; if any beautiful girl happens to come in his sight; he lands there without delay. He is a specialist in the art of morphing and appears as a handsome youth before the girl. He entices the girl telling all imaginary stories, through sweet songs and the body perfume he emanates.

In short the innocent girl is entrapped and they go on meeting under a nearby devil-tree. Several nights are spent in real pleasure; the Casanova vanishes before sunrise. On one fine night the affair ends as he does not appear. The poor girl got addicted to this affair is put in to utter desperation; she has already lost her chastity and now it is her sanity at stake. The real curse with the poor girl is that thereafter she becomes unfit for a normal married life.

Beware ladies of Malabar!

Gandharvas are originally servants to Devas (demi-gods) in heaven; while serving those thankless masters; at times some occupational hazards invite the wrath of the masters; that end up getting the poor Gandharvas expelled from heaven to earth; with a curse ‘go to earth and live the life of a human being’. And he set for his tryst with destiny; beware ladies of Malabar; Gandharvas still roam in the night sky; never get spotted by one of them. There is no escape from a Gandharva as he is not afraid of a pocket knife. It is safe to stay indoors and leave these Casanovas to their fate!

Grandma – Hitchcock!

There are many spirits and sorcerers to frighten Malabar-minds; if Hitchcock did it for decades and Steven Spielberg keeps on frightening human minds; why these poor spirits can’t frighten people of Malabar. After all they want only real terror and demand no hefty fee like Spielberg! People are also benefited as they don’t have to buy a movie ticket to get frightened; just spent some happy time with the grand old lady of the house and let her unroll her baggage of tales; that is all. Wishing a happy time for all spirits and spooks those enthrall Malabar. May the sex-appeal of Yakshis grow day by day and the vigor and strength of Gandharvas remain strong as ever.