It is important to note that Theri Pattu lyrics are rarely documented in formal literature due to their explicit nature. They are passed down through oral tradition.
While the exact lyrics vary because they are passed down through oral traditions, the songs generally revolve around specific themes: Kodungallur Theri Pattu Lyrics
During the festival, traditional social hierarchies are suspended. The use of "forbidden" language was a way for marginalized groups to assert their presence before the deity. It is important to note that Theri Pattu
| Malayalam (Transliterated) | English Translation | | :--- | :--- | | Ayiram kambulla eyni kodamithu | Brought a bamboo with a thousand shoots and pushed it into Devi’s 'wetland'. | | Kodungalloor ammade punje thalli | [Pushed it into] the Goddess of Kodungallur's wetland. | | Valla theripaatum pachayil padanum | Sing some obscene songs, | | Allengil ammakku kopamanu | If not, the Mother (Devi) will be angry. | The use of "forbidden" language was a way
The Kodungallur Theri Pattu lyrics are inseparable from the festival in which they are sung: the annual at the Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple (also known as the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple) in Thrissur district, Kerala. This temple, one of the oldest in India, is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, a fierce form of Mahakali.
Devyey sharanam sharanamentamo Devyey sharanam sharanamentamo Thaanaaro thannaaro thana thaanaaro thannaaro Thaanaaro thannaaro thana thaanaaro thannaaro Thaanaaro thakkam thenthinnaaro thaanaaro Thaanaaro thakkam thenthinnaaro Kodungallooramme varamarulu... (Oh Mother of Kodungallur, grant your blessings...)