BLACK MAGIC IN KERALA

Black magic is very much prevalent in Kerala. Black magic is performed in  many traditional Hindu families of Kerala. Black Magic is believed to be performed with the indulgence of supernatural powers for selfish and evil purposes. Black Magic, Sorcery or Witchcraft is generally practiced by Tantrics by inflicting negative energy into a person's life. Different deities are used in Black Magic performance. Chatan seva is a type of Black Magic done to appease Kuttichathan. This is also known as Vishnumaya. One of the most renowned Vishnumaya Kuttichathan temple is located in Peringottukara Devasthanam in Thrissur, Kerala. The families of Avanangattil Kalari and Kanadi are the experts in Black Magic performance. Mainly Black Magic is performed by astrologers. An expert's comment on Black Magic is quoted here. "Black Magic is a form of energy; it is like electricity. Is electricity divine or evil? When it is used for lighting the house, it is divine. When it is used on an electric chair it is evil."

These sorceres give advertisements through public media to canvas prospective clients. Vashikaran Mantra is one asked by clients and he is made to believe that with the help of mystical supernatural powers his needs shall be fulfilled. Possession of evil spirit in the body of the person seeking remedy is found to be the cause by almost all Tantrics. To tie a cord on some part of the body of the person seeking help is a common method used by almost all. The Tantric prepares the cord with 28 knots on it and tied on the patient after chanting mantras. The chanting is picked as per the birth star of the patient. Different types of Tantric procedures are applied by different practitioners. Dr Alexander Jacob, former DGP, once revealed about a murder case in Malabar region. Despite constant and detailed enquiry police could have no lead to the murder took place under the cover of darkness. Finally the police took the help of some Tantric who invited the spirit of the dead person and asked him who his killer was. The spirit gave the correct answer and subsequently the police arrested the culprit who had admitted the crime with all relevant details. There are many such positive incidents.

Dhoshapani is the symptom of a mental disorder, serious problem or a major crisis caused by the wicked action by enemy through negative powers. This is normally countered  by the remedial action by a magician. Elephant yam, wild onions tied with yarns, writing signs over the egg, banana and black twine etc are used with proper mantras to annihilate the enemy. Thakidezhuthu (writing on the metal foil), Uzhinju matal ( to pass rice and other articles from the top to bottom of the patient), Guruti (mixture of turmeric powder, lemon and flowers with water) etc are the common methods applied to overcome the adversities of the patient. Drawing Sudharsha Chakra with natural colours of rice powder, turmeric powder and lemon, the patient wearing a red clothed is seated over the kalam (floral drawing) near the traditional lamp (nilavilakku) the puja (worship) is normally conducted. The magician then take prearranged lighted lid and run over the body of the patient 21 times. Kaivisham edukkal (to take out the poison), given by the enemy through food, from the body is the another common performance. In the Malabar region, in some cases the patient's tongue is cut and removed. There are also police cases about rape and murder in connection with witchcraft activities.

According to Britannica, Witchcraft, traditionally, the exercise or invocation of alleged supernatural powers to control people or events, practices typically involving sorcery or magic.

KV George

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