Muthala theyyam (crocodile theyam) is a very unique theyam in the theyyam universe, which is performed at Kavus in Kannur district. The Muthala theyyam is performed only very few places. Muthala theyyam belongs to the group of theyyams, which are divine animal. From start to finish, the movement of the Muthala theyyam is like crawling on the ground, reminiscent of a crocodile.
The legend behind the Crocodile theyam is as follows. Priest, who used to worship at Moolakavu(Moola temple/Kavu) in Chetassery, could not reach Moolakavu on the other side of the river because he did not have a canoe or an oar. When priest was worried, a goddess appeared. She asked priest if I should help him to reach the other side. Priest said that if you help me, I will place you on the right side of Chutala God and worship you with rice and a candle. In no time, the goddess turned into a crocodile and swam across to the other side b carrying priest. Moreover, the crocodile waited till the pooja was over and took the priest back and then the crocodile turned into a deva maiden again.
Deva Kanyaka said that you will henceforth be known as Adi Toyatan because you traveled on her back holding her oar. It is believed that this goddess is Tripandaratamma herself and the story of Tripandaratamma, who took the form of a crocodile, is performed as Muthala Theyam.
Patham udyam(10th day of the Malayalam month of Thulam), which marks the beginning of the Theyyam period, a Muthala Theyyam is performed at Poth Kundu Veerabhadra temple in Naduvil, a village Kannur district. Muthalatheyyam is also known as Thripandaratamma.
Muthalatheyyam is worshiped to get salvation of reptiles. The Cosutume of Muthala theyyam is made of Palm leaves. The pattern worn on the back of the crocodile’s head has images of lizards, scorpions, turtles and lizards painted on it. Muthalatheyyam’s face writing comes in the category of Vattakannu.
