Karuwal Bhagavathy is the most important Theyam of the Mantra murtis. According to legend, Karuval Bhagavathy is the elder sister of Shastappan (Kuttichhathan), the Mantra Murthy theyyam, who originated in Parvati Parameshwara. Karuwal Bhagavathy is the goddess worshiped by eighteen Mantra families along with Shastappan Theiyyam.
In the past, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati used to incarnate on earth in the guise of Valluva(a community). Thus, two children were born to Shiva Parvati, the incarnation of Valluva, Kuttichatan as a male child and Karuval Bhagwati as a female child. Lord Shiva did not take children born on earth to Kailash. The baby boy Sastappan was given to his pious bullock, who was suffering from grief without the luck of a child. The baby girl was named Karuwal Bhavati because she was born on the Karuwal mountain. Karuval Bhagavathy is a deity in the forest itself. Goddess Karuwal traveled to many places in the mountains and performed miracles. Later Karuwal Bhagwati performed as Theyyam in various mantra halls.
Another legend about Karuwal Bhagwati Theyyam is related to a Brahmin family named Kattummad Illam in Kannur district. Although he had all the glory and wealth, he was not fortunate enough to have children. There were temples and pujas where the Lord and his wife, who were devotees of Shiva, did not pray for child luck. Lord Shiva was pleased with the couple’s prayers and a baby girl was born to them. The girl who was brimming with Shaiva spirit showed many miracles when she was growing up, later she became the child of God and worshiped the Goddess as Karuval Bhagavathy in Malanadu. Kattum Mad Illam is the abode of Karuwal Bhagwati. Karuwal Bhagwati’s Theyyam has a marked difference in appearance at various places.
