Bali Theyam is a Theyam belonging to the group of Man based story theyyam. Bali Theiyam is also called Nedu Bali Theiyam. Bali Theyam is perfromed to the mighty monkey king Bali himself in the story of Ramayana.
Varuna, the charioteer of Lord Surya, had a desire to go to the world of gods and see the art perform by Devathas(angels). He tranformed to the form of a woman and came to the world of gods and saw the art of Devathas. The Dava king Devendran was attracted to Arunan, who had a feminine appearance. Devandran and Aruna, who had a female form, had intercourse and two sons were born to them. That son is Mar, Bali and Sugriva.
Bali was invincible and extremely strong, and no one could defeat Bali in a hand-to-hand fight. Even the mighty demon king Ravana could not defeat Bali. But during the battle with Bali Sugriva actually Sri Rama killed Bali from hiding with an arrow. It is believed that Bali, who was killed by Lord Rama, later became God’s son. It is believed that King Bali Vaduka, who became God’s calf, is Vanu in Vaduka Fort. Bali met Vishwa Karma, who was the chief of Mannummal. Bali, who was well-versed in Vishwa karma, went with him to Eramam Mannummal and remained there. Later, in Morazha, Kuruntazha and North Kovil, Bali became the clan god of Vishwakarma community.
Bali Theiyam presents the same story of Bali from the Ramayana including the battle of Sugriva Bali. Apart from the beautiful appearance, the long tail and monkey-like movements are the hallmarks of the Bali Theyyam. Bali Theyyam has a lot of patience.
Bali is the clan god of Nankuvarna community. Asari, Mushari, Kollan, Thattan and Chempodi communities originated from Vishva Karma, the chief architect of the world of gods. They are known as Pancha Kamalar. Apart from the Chempodis, the other four communities are also called Nankuvarnakar.
