A Comparison Between Shamans of Himachal Pradesh and Velichappadu in Kerala
Shamanic traditions in India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, have played a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of these regions. In Himachal Pradesh, shamans are commonly referred to as ‘Gur’, ‘Mali’, or ‘Ghanita’, while in Kerala, they are known as ‘Velichappadu’ (literally, the revealer of light). Despite the geographical and cultural distance between these two regions, both traditions hold deep spiritual significance and share certain similarities, though their practices, roles, and status differ in many ways.
1. Role and Significance
Shamans of Himachal Pradesh: The Gur, Mali, or Ghanita in Himachal Pradesh serve as mediators between the divine and the human world. They enter trances during festivals or rituals, believed to be possessed by local deities such as Devtas or Devis, who communicate through them. Their primary role involves healing, protection, and offering divine advice to villagers. These shamans also play a significant role in driving away evil spirits, diagnosing illnesses, and foreseeing future events.
Velichappadu in Kerala: The Velichappadu, also a medium, acts as a mouthpiece for the deity, usually associated with local temples, particularly Bhagavathy (the Mother Goddess). During temple festivals and rituals, the Velichappadu undergoes possession, dances ecstatically, wields a sword, and makes predictions. Their role is primarily within the religious sphere, participating in temple festivals, foretelling the future, and offering guidance from the deity to the worshippers.
2. Key Differences
Nature of Possession:
- In Himachal Pradesh, the Gur is often possessed by local deities or even benevolent spirits. This possession is closely tied to festivals, village fairs, and seasonal rituals.
- In Kerala, the Velichappadu is possessed primarily by temple deities, most commonly the Goddess Bhagavathy, with the possession being a more formalized part of temple worship and festivals.
Connection to Organized Religion:
- In Himachal Pradesh, shamans exist somewhat outside the realm of institutionalized religion, functioning more as village healers and diviners, though they are deeply intertwined with local temple rituals.
- In Kerala, the Velichappadu operates within the more organized temple structure, especially during annual festivals like Pooram and Vela. Their presence is integral to temple rituals, and they function more under the guidance of temple priests and authorities.
Gender:
- In Himachal Pradesh, shamans are often male, though there are exceptions where women act as mediums.
- The role of Velichappadu in Kerala is traditionally male, although there are instances of female Velichappadus in certain temples.
3. Similarities
Trance and Possession: Both in Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, the central aspect of the shaman's role is possession by a deity or spirit. In both cases, the medium undergoes a transformation during festivals or sacred occasions, entering a state of trance and embodying the divine will.
Healing and Protection: Both shamans in Himachal and Velichappadus in Kerala are believed to possess powers of healing, not just in a physical sense but also in terms of spiritual ailments. They offer solutions to family, health, and financial problems through divine intervention.
Divine Intermediaries: Both traditions believe that their shamans are intermediaries who help ordinary people connect with the divine world. They communicate divine messages, foretell future events, and offer insights from the gods.
4. Modern-Day Relevance
Shamans in Himachal Pradesh: Despite the spread of modern medicine and science, many rural communities still rely on shamans for traditional healing practices and guidance. However, as modernization encroaches, the younger generation often views these practices with skepticism, though they still play a role during major festivals and cultural celebrations.
Velichappadu in Kerala: The role of the Velichappadu remains integral in many temples, especially during festivals. Even in modern times, their position is respected, though younger generations, influenced by modern education and rationalism, often question the necessity of such rituals. However, the Velichappadu continues to be revered during temple festivals, where their presence is seen as a necessary part of the divine experience.
5. Current Status
Shamans in Himachal Pradesh: The practice continues, but it is facing challenges due to the rise of scientific reasoning and the influence of mainstream religions. In many villages, these shamans still command great respect, though their influence is waning in urban areas. There is also a shift from pure traditional shamanism to a more hybrid form, blending folk practices with modern healthcare.
Velichappadu in Kerala: The tradition continues to thrive in certain regions, particularly during temple festivals. However, the rise of rationalist movements in Kerala, such as the Skeptic and Atheist movements, has led to a decline in the everyday influence of Velichappadus outside of religious contexts. Despite this, they remain a crucial element in the festivals of major temples.
6. Worship and Prayers
Shamans of Himachal Pradesh: The prayers and rituals often involve invoking local deities, offering sacrifices (usually goats or chickens), and using objects like tridents (trishul), drums, or bells to ward off evil spirits. Shamans might perform individual or collective rituals for the well-being of the community or specific individuals.
Velichappadu in Kerala: The Velichappadu performs rituals in the context of temple worship. They engage in prayers, offerings (such as rice, coconuts, and fruits), and wielding a sword to ward off evil forces. Their role in worship is highly ritualized and tied to the temple's rhythm of festivals.
7. Influence in Day-to-Day Life
Shamans in Himachal Pradesh: In rural areas, the Gur or Mali may still be consulted for everyday issues such as agricultural problems, health concerns, or even marital conflicts. Their influence on daily life remains significant, though declining due to modern influences.
Velichappadu in Kerala: The Velichappadu is more festival-oriented, and their influence in day-to-day life is limited outside religious events. People consult them during specific temple rituals rather than for everyday personal issues.
8. Lesser-Known Facts
Himachal Pradesh: A lesser-known fact is that some shamans of Himachal are believed to possess the ability to communicate with nature spirits or Nag Devtas (serpent gods). This adds a mystical dimension to their role, connecting the spiritual realm with the natural environment.
Kerala: In some temples, the Velichappadu is also involved in rituals for pacifying Bhootas (spirits or ghosts). They are sometimes responsible for driving out spirits believed to cause harm or illnesses.
9. How the Modern Generation Views Them
In Himachal Pradesh: The younger generation, especially in more urbanized and educated settings, often views these shamans with a mixture of respect and skepticism. Many see the tradition as an important part of cultural heritage, but not necessarily relevant to modern life.
In Kerala: The younger generation is similarly divided. While many respect the Velichappadu as a symbol of the region's cultural and religious identity, others are more critical, seeing the role as outdated and incompatible with modern scientific understandings.
10. Future of the Deities and Shamans
In Himachal Pradesh: The future of the shamanic tradition may be at risk of decline as modernity and rationality grow in influence. However, efforts to preserve cultural heritage may help retain these practices during festivals and in remote rural areas.
In Kerala: The future of the Velichappadu is likely to remain strong in temple settings, though its influence outside the religious sphere may continue to diminish. As Kerala's temple festivals continue to attract large crowds, the Velichappadu will likely remain a significant, though increasingly ceremonial, figure.
Both the shamans of Himachal Pradesh and the Velichappadu of Kerala represent ancient traditions of spiritual mediation. While modernization challenges their everyday relevance, their roles in cultural and religious practices remain significant. These figures offer a fascinating glimpse into how communities interact with the divine and cope with existential concerns, serving as custodians of tradition even as they face the pressures of a rapidly changing world.