[Advaita-l] A question for the Keralites (Kolamandala)

[jaldhar at braincells.com]

It is going to be Navaratri soon so I was looking over the Chandi Patha in 
preparation.  The frame story of it is that King Suratha is in sorrow 
because his kingdom was invaded by the "kolAvidhvaMsi"s and he was 
betrayed by his own ministers and relatives which is why he has come to 
Medha Rshi's ashrama for refuge.

Who are these KolAvidhvaMsis?  Shri Bhaskararaya and Shri Nagesh Bhatt 
both say they are a particular jati of kShatriyas but beyond that offer no 
information.  Literally, the word means "enemies of the Kolas"  But then 
who are the Kolas? It is not the famous Tamil dynasty.

I was reading something completely unrelated today when I came accross 
someone saying there is a part of Kerala called Kolamandala named after 
the ruling family who are descended from Ghatotkacha the son of Bhima 
Pandava.  Those who are familiar with the area, are there any connections?
Given the ancient and widespread prevalence of Bhagavati worship in 
Kerala, it might be possible.

-- 
Jaldhar H. Vyas <jaldhar at braincells.com>