Koti and Chennayya

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Koti & Chennaya (Circa 1556 A.D to 1591 A.D.) Twin Heroes of Tulu Nadu (Karnataka,India)

Koti and Chennayya (Tulu: Ki mattu Cennayya,) (Circa 1556 A.D to 1591
A.D.) are legendary twin heroes characterized in the Tulu epic of the same name, which is
considered one of the two truly long epics of the Tuluva. The story of these heroes may be taken to
roughly five hundred years back, when reference to Ballads were made in the Tulu Padana. Koti and
Chennayya were born to the Deye Baidethi of the Billava people of Tulu Nadu in the state
of Karnataka. Owing to the brothers heroic deeds, they are worshipped and remembered as
protectors. They died in combat near Yenmoor. Memorial temples called garadi"gymnasiums" have
been built in the name of Koti and Chennayya all over Tulu Nadu. [1] Once in a year festivals
called nema are celebrated in the garadis and village people assemble here to pray for well-being.
The valiant twins are also known as the Karnika Purushas.
Koti Chennayya
Legendary twin heroes known for their martial skills, heroic deeds, discipline and above all strength
of character and respect for truth. These Billava twins were the legendary figures of history who
became famous as warriors. Koti Baidya and Chennaya Baidya were born to Deye Baidethi of
Billava family of historical Tulunadu in the state of Karnataka The story of the Koti Chennayya is that
they were the twin brothers born to Deyi Baidati who saved the life of king Permal or Perumal Ballal
of Padumale though she was nearing labor. The king brought up these twins, as Deyi dies during
child-birth. Sayana Baida the maternal uncle takes the custody of the kids and gives them all the
education and training that fine-tunes them into young men. But everyone considers them a threat
and tries to eliminate them. Finally they take shelter at Layyanoor kingdom. In a battle between
Panda kingdom and Iayyanoor, Permal Ballal of Padumale trickily kills Koti. Chennayya ends his life,
as he could not stand the grief of separation. But before his end Koti takes promise from all the kings
they are Devanna Ballala of Iayyanoor, Temara Ballala of Panja and Permal Ballal of Padumale that
they shall live in peace. They were known to be having tremendous physical strength as well as
being handsome figures. Their social concern which makes them revolt against the caste
discrimination has made them the first warriors for social justice. This combined with their personality
and their strength elevates them to the level of folk heroes. Billava Community were one among the

Socially, Educationally and Religiously downtrodden communities. Being born in Billawa community,
the Koti and Chennaya fought against Social injustice of all and brought about the social status of
the community and were worshipped by all irrespective of caste and religion. They were born in
Padumale of Puttur taluk and died in Emmur of Sullia, where their Adi (Native) Gardi Exists.Their
Samadhi is still there in Emmur.A Memorial (Garodi) to them is still there in Enmur, where they died.
The valiant twins are also known as Karnika purushas. Even till date they are worshiped in garadis
and not at homes which indicated the high esteem they are held in since they fought for the truth.
The story dates back to the 17th & 18th century to a place named Padumale. King Perumala Ballala
ruled the territory. The King desired to build a Lavish Palace the unparalleled beauty of which
would far outlive his lifetime. After a thorough search, he zeroed on Mallaya who was known for his
intelligence & work. Mallaya built a magnificent palace as desired by the King. Being immensely
pleased with the work, the King Perumala Ballala, conferred on him a name Budyanta which
meant an Intelligent & brilliant man. The King made him a minister & slowly Budyanta took over
complete charge of the Kingdom. The King slowly withdrew from the day-to-day affairs & delegated
his power to Budyanta. The wise say Power corrupts.. and Absolute Power corrupts Absolutely.
Budyanta got intoxicated with power & became a dreaded, arrogant & ruthless minister who
oppressed the poor subjects of the land.
The Dream One day, towards noon, Perumala Ballala had a terrifying dream. The King sought
explanation for his dream. Bira Balyaya, the famous soothsayer explained that if he does not
perform rituals which were performed by his ancestors, it would not be good for the land. Perumala
ballala, following the rituals of his ancestors went for hunting. While returning after a successful hunt,
a thorn pierced his foot & nothing could stop the bleeding. On reaching the Palace the King's wound
swelled and the intense pain pushed him to near unconscious statement. No treatment or medicine
could heal his wound or ease his pain. The king then asked for Deyi Baideti to be called. Deyi
Baideti, who specialized in ayurveda was a vaidya by family tradition. Since she was pregnant, the
King arranged to bring her in a royal palanquin (dandige). Before proceeding further, it is important to
know story of Deyi Baideti.
Deyi Baideti Pijinar an issue-less Brahmin, used to go to the seashore every day to offer prayers to
God. One day to his surprise, a bright golden coloured egg-shaped object floated towards him. He
carried the egg-shaped object home. The couple opened it to find a female baby with a glowing
golden skin. Pijinar named her 'Suvarna Kedage'. Suvarna Kedage grew into a beautiful young girl.
She attained puberty at an early age of seven. According to social customs prevailing then, if a girl
attained puberty before her marriage, she was abandoned by the society. Under societal pressure,
the teary eyed Pijina took Suvarna Kedage to Sankamale forest. He removed her gold ornaments
and clothes while she was asleep and left her alone in the forest. Thus she was forced not to return
home. Sayana Baida, a vaidya (Doctor) by profession, was walking through the Sankamale forest in
search of medicinal herbs. On hearing the wailing of Suvarna Kedage, Sayana Baida rushed to the
terrified. His heart filled with pain and compassion for the poor girl. He accepted her as his sister and
took her to his home.
He named Suvarna Kedage after his late sister Deyi. His sister Deyi was married to Kantana Baida
and had a daughter named Kinnidaru. Suvarna Kedage now known as Deyi baideti soon became an
expert in the preparation of ayurvedic medicines. She got married to Kantana Baida but they did not
have marital relations as he looked at her in veneration.
Her prayers to Kemmalaje Nagabrahma yielded and she became pregnant by divine grace while
taking a bath in a lake.
Deyi Baideti treats King - Perumala Ballala Deyi Baideti got the message from the king to treat
her & proceeded to the palace. The suffering Perumala Balalla promised her that he would give
anything she asked, if she could cure him. Deyi started her herbal treatment and slowly the King
recovered to his good health. Knowing that her knowledge of medicine had been put to good use,

Deyi asked for the King's permission to leave and reminded him gently about his promise. The
ungrateful King denied having made any such promise.
Deyi left the palace wondering about changed behaviour of the King. As she stepped out of the
Palace, the Kings wound was torn apart. Immediately he sent his Queen to bring Deyi back. The
Queen pleaded with Deyi to save her husband's life. Softhearted Deyi returned to treat the King once
again. The King felt ashamed at his ungrateful behaviour and requested to be forgiven. Soon the
Kings wounds healed and the kingdom celebrated his rejuvenation.
Birth of the Bravehearts Koti and Chennaya A naming ceremony was arranged and the King
named the twins as Koti(Sun) and Chennaya(Moon). The children's horoscopes predicted that the
boys would bring name and fame to their land. The very next morning of the naming ceremony,
Deyi's soul departed for heavenly abode. Perumala Ballala was taken by grief at sudden demise of
Deyi who came as a God in disguise to save his life. He arranged for a stately funeral. The King
asked Kantana Baida and Sayana Baida to leave Deyi's children in the palace as it would be difficult
for Kantana and Sayana to take care of the newborn twins. The two with a heavy heart acceded to
the Kings request & went home. They looked forward to the day Koti-Chennaya would be big
enough to be taken back home. Koti-Chennaya Childhood The twins became center of attraction
and affection in the Palace. The King played with them and treated them like his own children. They
sat on his lap, they shared food with him, they slept by his side. Their royal qualities impressed the
King very much. The King's growing affection towards the twins made shrewd Budhyanta jealous.
He feared someday the boys would overshadow him and thus he would lose his importance. He
succeeded in inciting the Queen against the boys and the queen started pestering the King to send
the boys back.
Budhyantas plan worked and one day the King called for Sayana Baida and handed over the
custody of the boys to him. Their father Kantana had an untimely death. King ordered Sayana to
send them to Gymnasium and to make them learn archery. He promised Sayana to take care of all
their needs; milk, food and clothing. They left the palace and were warmly welcomed by the baida
community.
Koti and Chennaya loved playing. Once when they were aged around seven, they approached some
children playing with a ball (or palle-a red dry fruit almost flat on both sides). They were Budhyantas
children. Koti-Chennaya requested the boys to include them in the team, but Budyantas arrogant
children refused to allow them because they were from different caste. Koti-Chennaya tried in vain to
make them understand that caste-system had nothing to do with children's play.
Finally Budhyantas children agreed to play on the condition that whoever wins would keep the ball.
Koti-Chennaya won the game but the Budhyantas children refused to part with the ball. The Strongly
built Koti-Chennaya beat them up. Budyantas children started crying loudly. Just then, Budhyanta
who was nearby in the fields, stepped in on hearing the loud cries of his children. Taking his
children's side Budhyanta scolded Koti-Chennaya for snatching the ball. After some exchange of
words, Budhyanta forcibly took the ball away from Koti-Chennaya. Furious, at this act of Budhyanta,
Koti-Chennaya took a vow to take back the ball when they grew up. This incident sowed the seeds
of hatred for Budhyanta in the hearts of young Koti-Chennaya.
Garadi The handsome brothers joined Garadi for extensive training in bodybuilding, archery and
fencing. They soon become very popular for their bravery and skill in armed fights. Koti-Chennaya's
brotherly love for each other made them even stronger. The well-mannered, noble, fearless boys
became talk of the town. Now quite grown-up, Koti-Chennaya had a burning desire to see King
Perumala Ballala.
They visited the King with large number of followers in a procession complete with horses and
musical band. The King received them with great love and affection. Koti-Chennaya presented a gift
to the King. As Budhyanta was not offered a gift he became angry and left the Court in a huff. On the
Kings advice, Koti-Chennaya visited Budhyantas place with a gift. Although his ego was satisfied in
making Koti-Chennaya come to his place with a gift, Budhyanta made them wait for hours. He

ignored their presence. Tired with long waiting and irritated by the lack of respect from Budyanta,
Koti-Chennaya left the place with heavy heart. Their hatred for him became more intense.
End of Evil Budhyanta Koti-Chennaya's fame spread to places for their bravery, nobility and
kindness. Their straightforward words against injustice and oppression gained the hearts of the
common people. Their giant physique and superb archery skills made people bow to them with
respect. Padumale's fame spread due to Koti-Chennaya. The King was quite proud of them.
However Budhyanta turned green with jealousy.
Then came the day when the King decided to give a part of land to Koti-Chennaya for cultivation.
Budhyanta was dismayed to learn that the land given was a part of his land. He could not imagine
sharing the land with Koti-Chennaya. The dark clouds of hatred engulfed his mind.
Kambala is a traditional buffalo race in muddy waters just before the harvesting season. One day
Budhyanta who on his way to an astrologer to get a date for Kambala, passed by Koti-Chennayas
house. Koti asked him to get a date for him too and gave a coconut to be offered to the astrologer.
Budhyanta agreed to his request but broke the coconut halfway down the road to the astrologers
house. Some boys who saw him break the coconut and drink its water, told Koti-Chennaya about the
incident.
When he returned Budhyanta gave Koti-Chennaya a date which fell on the new moon day or
'amawasya. Kambala was never held on amawasya day. Realizing Budhyantas ill intentions, KotiChennaya planned their Kambala on the same day as Budhyantas. They invited everyone to
participate in their Kambala. Those having four buffaloes were requested to send two to them and
the other two to Budhyanta. Those having two buffaloes were free to send the buffaloes to any of
the two Kambalas. On the Kambala day Koti-Chennaya received good response from people but
Budhyantas field had only his own buffaloes. To help him, Koti-Chennya sent four buffaloes to him.
Budhyanta took this as an insult and beat up the buffaloes.
Few days later, the jealous Budhyanta drained the excess water from his field to Koti-Chennaya's
field destroying their crop. Koti went to Budhyanta and demanded an explanation for this act of
cowardice. The arrogant Budhyanta justified himself by saying that he knew cultivation better that
Koti-Chennya. He started to abuse Koti in a filthy language for his audacity to question him- a high
class Minister.
Chennaya who was nearby became furious with anger at Budhyantas insulting words. He went after
Budhyanta with a sword in his hand. Budhyanta ran for his life but Chennaya leapt like a leopard and
pulled him down. Both the brothers attacked evil Budhyanta and killed him. Then recalling their
challenge made to him during a match in their boyhood, they went to Budhyantas house and took
the ball (palle) back.
The news of Budhyantas death spread like wildfire. Most sighed relief at the end of Budhyantas
tyranny. Koti-Chennaya declared that they fought against injustice and were prepared to face the
consequences. Righteous Koti-Chennaya gained more respect from the people oppressed by
Budhyanta. Farewell to Padumale In their next visit to the King Koti-Chennaya asked the King for
the boon he had promised to their mother Deyi Baideti but the King refused to grant the boon.
Enraged Koti-Chennaya announced that they would leave Padumale forever. No amount of pleading
by the King Perumale Ballala could make the dignified brothers turn back. The long journey began.
They set out on foot for a journey, the destination of which was completely unknown. On the way
they reached a river but the boatsman refused to come in the midnight. Trustingtheir Deity
(kuladevata )they walked on water and crossed the river to the horror of the boatsman.
They were tired from long journey. They encountered an old Brahmin man who enquired about their
caste. Koti answered 'We are Billawa by caste' and Chennaya said 'and Brahmins by our deeds'.
Chennaya refused to drink water from the pot offered by the Brahmin and instead drank from his
sword (suriya). The Brahmin was taken aback by the unusual way of drinking water and realized that

he was speaking to extraordinary mortals. The old man turned out to be a fortune-teller. He predicted
Koti-Chennaya a tough time ahead and told them that their names will last forever.
Koti Chennaya in Panje As per uncle Sayana Baida's advice Koti-Chennaya visited Paiya Baida's
house and met their elder sister Kinnidaru there. She was born to Kantanaa Baida and the first Deyi
Baideti and married to Paiya Baida. Tears rolled down Kinnidaru's eyes when Koti-Chennaya
introduced themselves to her as her twin brothers. Her happiness knew no bounds. Koti-Chennaya
stayed there for a few days.
Koti-Channaya remembered their Mother's wish which was made during their birth, to donate to the
place of origin (moolasthana) of their ancestral deity (kuladaiva) Kemmalaje Nagabrahma. They
expressed their desire to Paiya Baida who knew the place well. He gave them exact directions to
reach the place located in a dense forest of Enmooru.
Koti-Chennayas were known for their heroic deeds, well-built body and war skills. People flocked to
meet them when Koti-Chennaya arrived in Panja. These people now saw one more side of the
brothers. Koti-Chennya's humility and respect towards the elders, love for children, their friendly
nature, poise and nobility won the hearts of the villagers. Their magnetic & powerful personality
turned them into natural leaders. People loved them. Distressed people went to their shelter for help.
Chandugidi became anxious about these developments. He feared that Koti-Chennaya's fame would
jeopardize his Ministership someday.
Meanwhile, the King Padumale Ballala was sad and broken since the day Koti-Chennaya had left
Padumale. He missed the boys whom he had fed with his own hands. He wanted to bring them back
at any cost. Out went his spies in search of the lions of Padumale. Some of those spies brought the
good news of Koti-Chennayas whereabouts. Immediately the King sent a message to the Kemara
Ballala, the King of Panja to hand over the brothers to Padumale. Cunning Chandugidi read the
message as an order to arrest or kill the brothers. Although Kemara Ballala had a soft corner for
Koti-Chennaya, Chandugidi succeeded in mis-leading Kemara Ballala and secured the King's
permission to handle the matter on his own.
Meanwhile, Koti-Chennaya wanted to meet the King Kemara Ballala. They expressed their desire to
Paiya Baida. He took them to Chandugidi who promised to arrange a meeting with the King. He
worked out a vicious plan to trap the brothers.
He called in men to build a palace-like structure overnight. It was specially designed to trap KotiChennaya. The structure was called Dindumale. Chandugidi took the brothers near Dindumale. He
then asked Koti & Chennaya to go inside as the king wanted to speak to him in private.
Unsuspecting Koti-Chennaya went inside and got trapped. Chandugidi laughed loudly from outside.
Betrayed by Chandugidi and trapped in total darkness, Koti-Chennya prayed to Kemmalaje
Nagabrahma. Using all their strength Koti-Chennaya managed to break the wall and escaped from
Dindumale. Chandugidi trembled with anger and fear at the news of their escape.
Kempu Kemmalaje Nagabrahmastahana Enmooru province was next to Panja. It was ruled by a
just King - Deva Ballala. A forest named Tuppekallu located in the border was the matter of dispute
between the two provinces. Although the forest belonged to Enmooru, Chandugidi had forcibly
shifted the border-stone to cover the forest area.
After escaping from Dindumale Koti-Chennaya entered Tuppekallu forest and noticed the shifted
border-stone. Realizing the foul play by Panja, Chennaya restored the stone to its original place.
Before entering Enmooru the brothers wished to offer their prayers to Kemmalaje Nagabrahma using
the directions given by Paiya Baida. By the time they reached the temple, the morning ritual (pooja)
was over and the temple doors were shut. Koti-Chennya requested the priest to reopen the doors
but the priest advised them to wait till next morning.
As they had to offer the offering without which they could not proceed further, Koti Chennaya sat
opposite the closed door of the temple and prayed fervently. Miraculously the doors opened by
themselves and the bells started swaying making loud Ghantanada. Tears filled the eyes of Koti-

Chennaya's eyes who thanked the deity for offering a darshan. The priest was shocked to see this
phenomenon. Realizing the intensity of Koti-Chennaya's prayer & devotion which made the deity to
open the doors for Koti-Chennayya, he sought forgiveness from the famed brothers.
Enmooru Deva Ballala's Shelter Koti Chennaya were received with great respect in Enmooru. King
Deva Ballala offered them royal hospitality and a piece of land named 'Aivattoklu'. They had a great
challenge ahead to convert the barren land into productive land. With strong determination, KotiChennaya mobilised young people to work with them to convert the dry land into a green patch.
They introduced new methods of cultivation. Looking at the developments many families shifted to
newly developed land of Koti-Chennya. Koti-Chennaya paid great attention to irrigation projects all
over Enmooru. They constructed new roads for transport. Their enthusiasm spread to the entire
province and motivated the youth. Within a couple of years the agricultural produce in enmooru
increased multifold.
Hunting in Tuppekallu Forest Wild animals used to enter the fields developed by Koti-Chennaya
and destroyed the crops. This became more frequent in the coming days. To end this problem, KotiChennaya decided to hunt them down. Taking the permission of the King they entered the forest with
some men. Chennaya shot a boar with an arrow. A badly hurt boar ran out of Enmooru border and
died in the jungle which belonged to Panja. Chasing the animal Koti-Chennya reached the place with
their men. The people of Panja claimed that the boar was theirs because it was lying in their territory.
Koti -Chennya argued that it belonged to them as they had killed it. A fight broke out and KotiChennaya attacked the Panjas and after defeating them took the dead boar to Enmooru.
Chandugidi turned red with anger on hearing the news. He declared that Panja would avenge the
humiliation. He ordered for the boar to be returned and demanded an apology from Koti-Chennya.
Kemara Ballala sent a letter to Deva Ballala demanding the custody of Koti-Chennya. He warned of
dire consequences on failing to comply with his demands.
Peace loving Deva Ballala was worried about these developments but he could not imagine handing
over Koti-Chennya to the enemy. Sensing his dilemma Koti-Chennaya assured him to take charge of
the situation. Deva Ballala sent a strong reply to Kemara Ballala inviting a war. Kemara Ballala had
never expected such a reply. Now he had no other option but to prepare for war.
Both the sides started preparing for war. Scared of Koti-Chennaya, Kemara Ballala sought the help
of Perumala Ballala who blindly agreed to join Panja in a war against Enmooru. The war started and
a fierce battle left many soldiers dead from both sides. On the seventh day Chennaya and
Chandugidi were facing each other with swords in their hands. After a long fight Chennaya killed
Chandugidi. Enmooru rejoiced at the end of the evil person.
The End of Koti Chennaya Next morning Koti looked serious. He told Chennaya about a bad
dream he had the previous night in which he saw a soldier riding a buffalo going towards the North.
The soldier had applied plenty of oil on his head and his body was covered with blood. Carrying a
sword in his hand the soldier laughed weirdly. The dream was clearly an ill omen. On hearing about
the dream Chennaya suggested that he would lead the army instead of Koti, but fearless Koti did not
agree. He decided to lead the army himself.
After Chandugidi's death Kemara Ballala decided to enter the battlefield. Koti faced Kemara Ballala
in a fierce duel. Swords flashed and a timed attack from Koti dislodged Kemara Ballala's sword from
his hand. Kemara Ballala ran for his life. Koti followed him shouting that he does not kill those who
surrender to him. Just then an arrow pierced Koti from behind.
Koti collapsed and turning around saw Padumale Ballala hiding behind a tree. Koti could not believe
his eyes. Bleeding Koti questioned Padumale Ballala for this act of cowardice. How he could kill the
boy he had fed and played with & how this barbaric act would bring him fame? The King told Koti
that he did not wish to kill him but he did it under the influence of some evil force. Filled with
remorse, he said he did not wish to return to Padumale after killing his beloved Koti. The Broken
Padumala Ballala then pulled the sword to kill himself, but Koti stopped him by pulling the sword

from the King with his trembling hand. Koti advised the King not to kill himself and to end the war. He
requested him to extend his friendship to Enmooru.
When Chennaya saw his brother die he could not control himself. The pain and agony of losing his
loving twin brother was too immense to bear. Chennaya smashed his head against a yellow rock
(manjol paade). Koti-Chennaya gave up their life. The tragic death of Koti-Chennaya pained a million
hearts. It is believed that Koti-Chennaya did not take rebirth and they still help and protect those who
believe in them.
Contents
[hide]

1 In modern culture

2 See also

3 Footnotes

4 References

5 External links

In modern culture[edit]

A movie based on the lives of Koti and Chennaya was made in Kannada and Tulu
languages as Koti Chennayya Tulu film (1973)

as Koti Chennayya Tulu film (1973) .[2]

A project to make a TV serial in Kannada language based on Koti Chennaya is under

making.[3]

Over the years, the epic has become a standard theme (called prasanga) for Yakshaganas.

See also[edit]

Aati kalenja

Yakshagana

Footnotes[edit]
1.

Jump up^ "Gardi - The Billawa Temple". Online webpage of Billava Balaga. Billava Balaga,
Dubai. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-07-13.

2.

Jump up^ "'Koti Chennayya'Tulu film completes shooting". Online webpage of India Glitz.
India Glitz. Retrieved 2007-07-13.

3.

Jump up^ "'Koti Chennaya' being Made into Serial in Kannada". Online webpage of Daiji
World. Daiji World. Retrieved 2007-07-13.