Kothamuri Theyyam or Kothamuriyattam was a ritual Theyyam art form that existed in Kerala, especially in the Kolathur region. This Theyyam is performed in the Malayalam month of Thulam after the first harvest. Kothamuri is a Theyyam that goes from house to house like the Mari Theyyam and the Aadi Vedan Theyyam. Kothamuri, which was…
In ancient times, the local kings used to divide their territories by dividing their borders for administrative convenience. Such small local kingdoms are called swaroopam. The main swaroopams of North Kerala are Allada swaroopam, Kola swaroopam and Kottayam swaroopam. The old name of Kola swaroopam was Mushika Vansam. Later, for administrative convenience, Kola swaroopam was…
Pulichamundi is a Theyyam that belongs to the group of Theyyams where humans become gods after death. Pulichamundi is a Theyyam that is worshipped in the Tulu nadu and in the hill villages of Kasaragod district. Pulichamundi is usually the sub-deity of the main deity in the Kavus. The legend of Pulichamundi is as follows….
The origin story of each Chamundi Theyyam is related to the killing of the evil demons Chandamundasura, Shumbhanishumbha, and Raktabeejasura in the myth. Padinjare Chamundi is one of the seven deities who emerged from the Homa Kund of Mahadev to slay the demons. Apart from Western Chamundi, the other deities who emerged from the Homa…
Theiyams and Kavus have an inextricable connection with the life and culture of North Kerala. North Kerala has a large number of kavus and tharavads who weave different kinds of theyyas. But in general there are certain practices and rituals followed for centuries to start, continue and conclude theyam. Kodiyila vangal Kodiyila vangal (offering in…
The places where Theyam is performed are generally known as kavu. Although Naga kavu can be found anywhere in Kerala, Theyya kavus are found only in North Kerala. kavus are important places of people’s life and culture in North Kerala. Theyams and other rituals that take place in kavus are closely related to the life…
Although a very ancient ritual art, not many authentic books have been written about theyas. Word-of-mouth knowledge exists even among people who are extremely fond of Theiyas. However, many of the books that exist today are the result of intense research and hard work by their respective authors. These books are a great resource for…
Padar Kulangara Bhagavathy Theyyam is an important Theyam belonging to the group of Mother Gods. Padar Kulangara Bhagwati, a fierce idol, clings to the concept of Kali, the daughter of Shiva. The legend behind this Theyyam is that Bhagwati, born from Lord Shiva’s bonfire, cured Shiva’s smallpox and later came to earth to take care…
Vishnu Murthy or Narasimha Murthy is a very famous Theyam in North Kerala. Vishnu Murthi Teyam is actually Narasimha Murthy himself, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who took birth to kill the evil Asura king Hiranya Kasipu. The Vishnu Murthy Theyam is also performed in a slightly more intense form as Thechamundi or Ottakolam…
Panchuruli is an extremely fierce deity derived from the concepts of Mother God. Even though there are few places where Panchuruli Theiyam is made in Malanad, Panchuruli has the first place among theya lovers. Panchuruli Theyam stands out for its characteristic weaving and very elegant embellishments. At the time when Shumbha Nishumbhan, the evil asuras…
Naga(Snake) worship is very important in Indian worship. Like Mother Gods worship, Theyyam also have a dominant place in Naga worship. It is believed that Naga worship is good for disease cure, child benefit and past birth sin moksha. Even in Kavus(temple) where Naga deities are not associated with them, there is a naga position…
Pulimaruthan Theyam is a Theyam belonging to the group of divine animal forms. In the past, Parvathi and Paramasiva took birth as a tiger and lived on earth as a couple. The names of the animal couple were Pulikandan and Pulikaringali. Pulikandan and Pulikkarinkali gave birth to six tiger cubs. The six tiger gods were…
Marappuli Theyam is a Theyam belonging to the group of divine animal forms. In the past, Parvathi and Paramasiva took birth as a tiger and lived on earth as a couple. The names of the animal couple were Pulikandan and Pulikaringali. A cave was made under the Tatanar stone in the Tulu forest and the…
Kativannur veeran or mandappan is a very prominent theyam with amazing mythology and exquisite performance. There are various types of Theyyas in various categories such as mother gods, maidens, snake gods, those who lost their lives as victims of brutality of the ruling class, living heroes and mythological characters. Kativannur Veeran is a good example…
Dhuma Bhagavathy is an important Theyam among the Mantra Murthys. Dhuma Bhagavatiyam is mainly performed in Brahmin Illams. Dhooma Bhagavathym is worn with a very fierce look with fireballs on his hair and waist. Dhuma Bhagavathy is the first of the seven deities born from Lord Shiva’s Homa place. The name Dhuma Bhagwati came from…
Kalapuli Theyam is a Theyam belonging to the group of divine animal forms. In the past, Parvathi and Paramasiva took birth as a tiger and lived on earth as a couple. The names of the animal couple were Pulikandan and Pulikaringali. A cave was made under the Tatanar stone in the Tulu forest and the…
Perumpuzhayachan God is the main worship idol of the Valluva community in northern Kerala. Perumpuzhayachan belongs to the group of Theyyas who became gods after death. In many places in Kannur Kasaragod districts, Perumpuzhayachan Theiyam is being performed. The legend of Perumpuzhayachan is like this. Lord Vishnu was worshiped by Kankala Deva and Varika Devi,…
This goddess is also known as Kundora Chamundi, Kundadi Chamundi and Kundur Chamundi. Kundora Chamundi is a goddess belonging to the group of war deities. Kundora Chamundi is found in North Kerala between Chandragiri river and Valapatanam river. It is believed that Kundora Chamundi is the goddess who is the goddess of the country and…
Thayi Paradevatha or the Valiya Thamburatti is the supreme goddess of the mother deities. In North Kerala Thayi Paradevata Theyyam performed in most of the Kavus(Temples). Thayi Paradevata is one of the six Theyyas who originated from Lord Shiva’s third eye. Thayi Paradevata is the fierce goddess who killed Dharikasura, who had the strength of…
Theyam, Kannikkorumakan (Son of virgin), belongs to the group of forrest Gods. Kannikkorumakan Theyam is performed to the story of the archer who lived. Kannikkorumakan Theyyam is also known as Manicheri God and Vaidyanathan Dhanvanthari God. A girl named Akkam who was the sister of the king of Pithruwadi Kota was kidnapped by robbers at…
Gulikan is a very important Theyam that is performed all over North Kerala. The origin of Gulikan is related to the story of Markandeya, a devotee of Lord Shiva. The monk Mrigandu, a devotee of Lord Shiva, prayed to Lord Shiva and did penance for a child. Lord Shiva appeared and blessed Mrigandu to give…
Devakkooth is the only theyam that is performed by women. Devakkooth also known as Valli Theyam. Although most of the Theyas in the Theya universe are female deities, including mother deities, naga deities, maidens, and village deities, they are all performed by men. The fact that it is the woman who weaves the devakooth among…
Pulachamundi is a Theyam with fierce look, who belongs to the group of mother gods. Pula Chamundi Theyyam is performed only in very rare places. The origin of the name Chamundi is derived from the meaning of Goddess Kali who killed the evil and powerful Asura brothers named Chandan and Mundan. Shumbha Nishumbhan, who had…
Vairajathan Theyyam is the most important among the Theyyas who belong to the category of warriors. Vairajathan Theyyam also has the name Veerabhadra. Vairajathan or Veerabhadra is the God born out of God Shiva’s anger to kill Daksha. The legend about the birth of Vairajata Theyyam is as follows. One day Shiva’s wife Sati defied…
Vedan Theyyam is a Theyyam that goes from house to house to elminate pain and disease in Malayalam month of Karkatakam. This Karkataka Theiya is also called Aadivedan because it consists of two Theya kolams, Aadi, which is the concept of Sri Parvati, and Vedan, which is actually the concept of Lord Shiva. The plot…
Maritheyyams are the Theyams who go to houses in the surrounding areas of Madai Kavu(temple) in Kannur district on the sixteenth day of the Malayalam month of Karkataka (28th day in some places) . Marikalian, Mamarikalian, Marikalachi, Mamayakalachi, Marikulian and Mamayakulian are togather known as Mari Theiyams. The most popular Theyyam Mari Theyyams, which are…
Pottan Theyyam is one of the most important Theyyam that is performed in North Kerala. Pottan Theyyam is very different from other Theyyams in terms of plot, method of performing and ceremonies. The plot of Pottan Theyyam is the story of a divine named Alankaran who born in Pulaya community , considered as lower untouchable…
Velutha Bhootha is a Theyam that belongs to the group of Bhootha Theyams. There are different types of Bhootha(demon) Theyams, such as demons associated with God Shiva, forest demons associated with hunting, and ghosts of human beings who have died. The Velutha Bhootham is a demon associated with God Shiva. There are demons associated with…
Wayanatu Kulavan is the main idol of worship of the Thiya community in North Kerala. First Theya Wayanatu Kulavan is also known as Thondachan. Thondachan means the oldest person. Vayanattu Kulavan is actually a deity who emerged from Lord Shiva’s left thigh. Madhu (Toddy) used to come out of the coconut trees in the Madhuvanam…
Pulimaranja Thondachan or Kari Gurukkal is the main idol of the Pulaya community. Pulimaranja Thondachan Theyam belongs to the group of distinguished persons who became gods after death. In North Malabar, Thondachan means grandfather. Many tribal cultures used to worship their ancestors. The Pulaya community is a community that gives great importance to ancestors. A…
Karinchamundi is the most fury looking Theyyam among the Theyyams in northern Kerala. Karinjamundi is mainly performed in the hilly areas of Kannur district. Karinjamundi Theyam, which is extremely brutal in appearance, demeanor and rituals, is sure to strike fear into the tender hearted. It is believed that Karinjamundi is the goddess who defeated Mahishasura,…
Theechamundi or Ottakolam is a very popular theyam that is performed in North Kerala. Theechamundi Theyam is an extremely rigorous ritual that requires extreme physical fitness and mental strength. Theechamundi Theyam is actually Narasimha Murthy himself, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu who took birth to kill the evil demon king Hiranya Kasipu. Theechamundi is…
Kakkara Bhagavathy is a Rudra deity who was born from the three eyes of Lord Parameswara to kill Darikasura. The Aruda location of this Bhagwati is Kakkarakao in Kakkara district of Kannur district. Kakakara Bhagavathy is also known as Kalkura Bhagavathy. Kakkara Bhagavathy, who had completed her incarnation, then drank Kalakat Illattu Kuti and became…
Karintiri Nair is a Theyyam who belongs to the group of hero who became gods after death. Karinthiri Nair as Theyam is about a heroic young man named Karinthiri Nair who was born in Parvati Parameshwaramsa and was killed by the tiger gods and later turned into a divine calf. In the past, Parvati Parameswaran…
Uchitta Bhagavathy is the main Theyam in the category of Mantra Murti. Uchitta Bhagavathy is a Theyam with a humorous nature who speaks and behaves in a very funny manner. Uchitta Bhagwati’s abode is Adiyeri Illum(Home), a prominent magical Illam. Uchitta Bhagwati is also known as Adiyeri Madathil Uchitta Amma. Apart from Adiyeri, Uchitta Bhagavathy…
Vannathi Bhagwati belongs to the group of Theyyams who became gods after death. This theyam is also known as Vannathi pothi. Pothi is the short form of Bhagavathy(Godess). Being an ancient ritual art, many of the rituals associated with Theyyams are associated with local communities. The Vannan community is a community that has a very…
The Kurathi concept of Deity has been present since ancient times. Kurathi is mentioned in many folk songs and arts throughout Kerala. Although there are many variants like Pulli Kurathi, Malankurathi, Seva Kurathi, Kunhar Kurathi, Southern Kurathi and Northern Kurathi, it is believed that Kurathi is actually an incarnation of Goddess Shri Parvati. In Tulu…
Kannangat Bhagavathy Theyam, who is the chief among the mother deities is the clan deity of the Maniyani (Yadava) community. It is Lord Sri Krishna’s sister Yogamaya Devi is performed as Kannangat theyyam. Muchilotu Bhagwati’s best friend Kannangat Bhagwati has a lot of similarities with Muchilotu Bhagwati in looks and acting. Kannangat Bhagavathy Theyam performing…
In the conceptions of God in North Kerala, Muthappan God has the most important place. There is not a single land in Kannur district that does not perform great Muthappan theyyam. There are innumerable Muttappan Madappuras(Muthappan temple is known as Madappura) in North Kerala. This is how the story of Muthappan begins. Iyenkara was a…
Thottumkara Bhagavathy Theyam is an important Theyam belonging to the category of Mother Gods. Thotumkara Bhagwati is a woman who was killed by the brutality by the ruling class and later reincarnated as a God. Thottumkara Bhagwati, which is very beautiful in appearance, has a very rough movements. This is the legend of Thotumkara Bhagavathy….
In the past, it was believed that the gods were the ones who caused diseases and cure diseases. Because of that, the gods who cause disease and the gods who cure disease were worshiped at that time. Vasurimala is an evil deity belonging to the category of disease-causing deities. The legend of the Vasurimala god…
Pulyoor Kali Theyam is a Theyam belonging to the group of divine animal forms. In the past, Parvati and Paramashiva took birth as a tiger and lived on earth as a couple. The names of the animal couple were Pulikandan and Pulikaringali. A cave was made under the Tatanar stone in the Tulu forest and…
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…
This Theyam is known as Vettaikakaran, Vettakkarumakan and Vettakarumakan. However, the name Vettayakorumakan is more popular. In the Mahabharata, there is a story of Lord Shiva giving Pashupatastra, a devine weapon to Arjuna in Vanaparvam chapter. It is the background of this story that is the basis of the genesis of the legend of Vettaikkorumakan,…
Shasthappan Theyam belongs to the group of Mantramurtis. Shasthappan Theyam is also known as Kutti Shasthan and Kuttichathan. Shasthappan is the idol worshiped by eighteen Brahmin families. It is believed that Kutti Shasthan is a fierce idol who brings prosperity to those who pray and misery to those who criticize. The plot of Shastappan Theyam…
Makkam is the most important Theyam in the concept of Mother God. This theyam is also known as Kadankot Makkam, Makkavum Makkalum and Makapoti. Although it is a very popular theyya, Makkam is performed only in relatively few places. The plot of the play Makkam is about some painful events and death in the life…
Sri Bhootha is a Theyam that belongs to the group of Bhootha(Demob) Theyams. There are different types of Bhootha(demon) Theyams, such as demons associated with God Shiva, forest demons associated with hunting, and ghosts of human beings who have died. The Sri Bhootham is a demon associated with God Shiva. There are demons associated with…
Thuluveeran is the chief among the Theyyas who came to the Malanadu from Thulu Nadu. Thuluveeran Theyam is performed only in very few places. Thuluveeran Theyyam belongs to the group of heroes who became gods after death. Thuluveeran Theyyam is based in the region near Udupi in Karnataka. Anjutan category in Vela community have the…
Puthiya Bhagwati is also called Puthyoti. Puthiya Bhagavathy is a very elegant theyam that is seen in many places of northern Kerala, especially in Kola Swarupa. In ancient times, it was thought that the gods were the ones who caused disease and eliminate disease. Puthiya Bhagavathy is the deity created by Lord Shiva to eliminate…
Muchilot Bhagwati’s Theyya Kolam is the most prominent in Theyyam universe. Muchilotu Bhagavathy is the deity of the Vanya community. The Brahmins of Perinchelloor (present-day Taliparamba) in North Kerala were exceptionally learned. There was no one to rival them in Vedic science. Even the Brahmins from different villages used to come to Perinchellor to engage…
In the past, it was believed that the gods were the ones who caused diseases and cure diseases. Because of that, the gods who cause disease and the gods who cure disease were worshiped at that time. Kandakarnan is one of the Gods who cure diseases. Kandakarnan is also known as Agnikandakarnan. The story of…
Many Theyya concepts are based on stories of the oppressed and marginalized. There are various types of Theyyas, such as those who lost their lives as a victim of extreme cruelty, living heroes, mythological characters, mother gods and snake gods. Vishakandan Theyyam is the Theyyam who was killed due to the brutality of the upper…
Born as an orphan boy in the forest, a very clever farmer who fought against the soil and the mountains and cultivated hundreds of crops, finally burned to death in the same forest. The genesis of Kandanar Kelan is based on the tragic end of the life of a farmer named Kelan and his divine…
The origin of the name Chamundi is derived from the meaning of Goddess who killed the evil and powerful Asura brothers named Chandan and Mundan. Shumbha Nishumbhan, who had received the boon from Lord Brahma that only women could kill him, was destroying all the three worlds, while Chandamundan was their servant and joined in…
The concept of Kalichan Theyyam is associated with agricultural culture. Kalichan Theyyam is worshiped for prosperity and protection of agriculture and livestock. Kalichan Theyyam is mainly cultivated in different parts of Kasaragod district. The temple where Kalichan Theyyam performed is called Kalichamaram. Kalichan Oot is the main function of Kalichamaram. Kalichan oot is a ceremony…
Bhairavan Theyam is a Theyam belonging to the group of male theyyam. Bhairava is actually Lord Shiva who appeared as a beggar to atone for the sin of beheading Lord Brahma. The legend behind Bhairavan Theyyam is as follows. One day in Kailasa, there was a dispute between Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva over…
Kandapuli Theyam is a Theyam belonging to the group of divine animal forms. In the past, Parvathi and Paramasiva took birth as a tiger and lived on earth as a couple. The names of the animal couple were Pulikandan and Pulikaringali. A cave was made under the Tatanar stone in the Tulu forest and the…
Raktachamundi is a Theyyam who is the most important of the Mother Gods in the Theyyam universe. Raktachamundi is the clan god of the Moovari community. Rakta Chamundi is performed in most of the caves between Valapattanam river in the south and Kumbala in the north. Rakta Chamundi is also performed with Vishnu Murthy in…
Chuliyar Bhagavathy is one of the most important Theyam in Kerala. Belonging to war deities, this goddess is also known as Chuliar Bhagavathy and Shuliar Bhagavathy. Chuliyar Bhagavathy is actually a goddess created by Lord Shiva from his third eyes to kill Karthavirasura who came down to burn the granary of Trikkannadappan. The goddess who…
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…
Puliyur Kannan Theyam is a Theyam belonging to the group of divine animal forms. In the past, Parvathi and Paramasiva took birth as a tiger and lived on earth as a couple. The names of the animal couple were Pulikandan and Pulikaringali. A cave was made under the Tatanar stone in the Tulu forest and…
Talachamayam is said to include the hair on the forehead, ears and neck. Kuruthola, Indian Coral wood, oat, silver etc. are the main materials used to make head ornaments. The hairstyles of different Theiyas also vary. A silver headdress is generally worn by all Theiyas. A turban with 21 petals is worn on the forehead.
Chest makeups are the grooming of the neck and chest. ornament consisting of many necklaces, neck ornaments made with decorations on top of layers of coral wood, and ornaments made of palam are important in chest makeups. Apart from this, there are chest makesups with cotton and paintings.
Just like the foot makeups, the hand makeups are placed on top of red paintings over hand. Makeups that extend from the shoulder to fingernails are called hand makeups. Bracelet, Hand cover, Finger cover are main hand makeups. Metals, leather, and cloth are the most common materials used for hand makeups. The pointed nails are…
The feet are painted red and anklet is worn on top of the feet. After wearing the anklet on the leg, it is customary to tie it to the fingers with a strong thread. This is done so that the anklet do not slip off the feet while taking dance steps to the lively rhythms….
Apart from costumes and ornaments, body painting (mekkezhuthu) is also very important in theyyam makeups. body painting is the drawing of pictures on the body with colours in a specially arranged manner for the respective theyyams. Green, yellow, white, red and black are the main colors used for body painting. Colors are made using rice…
Face painting is a beautiful art of painting done on the faces of the theyyam with dark dyes. Face painting is a form of grooming that requires a lot of skill. Red, black, green, white and yellow colors are mainly used for face writing. A brush for painting is made by crushing the rind of…
Dark red and white and black striped fabrics. Finished and painted palm are mainly used for Theyam attire. Some Theyyas wear different shapes and size attire on top of a frame that made up of bambo or areka woods. This also keeps Theyya distinctly different from the normal human form that stands apart from its…
The hair worn on the head is called Mudichamaya. The Theiyachamaya is completed with the Tirumudi which is worn last after all the other groomings. After coming out of the makeup place, Theyam puts on his hair after sitting on a pedestal. Chendamelas get excited when the tirumudi ceremony takes place. Each Theyyam has a…
In the past, during the time of the local kings, their territories were divided by demarcation for administrative convenience, and such places are called swarupams. Theyam mainly existed in such fourteen swarupas. Each swarupa had a clan god of that swarupa, like the ancestral clan god. Kola swarup, Nidiyiruppu swarup, Thekkan Kutti swarup, Vadakkan Kutti…
Pathamudayam(Sunrise on the 10th day of Malayalam month Thulam ) is a very important day as far as northern Kerala is concerned. In the agricultural culture of North Kerala, in pathamudayam the second crop is brought down after the first harvest .This day is also known as Thulapath Theyatam begins on the 10th day of…
Elathu is a ritual that is performed in Kavus (Temples where theyyam performed). Elathu is a ritual where the Velichappadan (Kind of priest) visit all the houses of the village before the festivities like Kaliyattam. Elath is the short form of the word Ezhunnallath. The main purpose of Elathu is to announce the arrival of…
Vellatam is another form of Totam ceremony which is very important in Theyyam. Like Thotam, Vellatam comes down before the main Theyam comes down. Thotam is a song about the upcoming Theyyam and related stories. But Vellatam is a very simple form of a theyyam that perform before that main Theyyam to be performed. That’s…
Thotam is a very important ceremony that cannot be left out in Theyyam. It is also called Ilam kolam. Thotam means song of praise. The lyrics of the Thotam song are done in olden days. In addition to the praise, each Theiyat’s totam will mainly include the mythology of that Theyyam, heroic deeds, characteristics, swarupas,…
Tulunad is a region of land situated on the western side of the Western Ghats, on the south side of the Kalyanapuram river flowing through the northern part of Udupi district in present-day Karnataka state and on the north side of Chandragiri river in Kasaragod district in present-day Kerala state. Tulu language is the mother…