Theyyam (Malayalam: തെയ്യം) or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu area (consisting of present-day Kasargod, Kannur Districts, Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad and Vadakara & Koyilandy Taluks of Kozhikode of Kerala state. As a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all the castes and classes of the Hindu religion in this region. The performers of Theyyam belong to the indigenous tribal community, and have an important position in Theyyam. This is unique, since only in Kerala, do both the upper-caste Brahmins and lower-caste tribals share an important position in a major form of worship. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of Devam or God. People of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from this Theyyam. A similar custom is followed in the Tulu Nadu region of neighbouring Karnataka known as Bhuta Kola.
Theyyam from Payyannur kavu
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Bali Theyyam
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Various Types of Theyyem
Though one cannot imagine the exact figure of Theyyam, there are approximately 400 types of theyyam. Details about some of the Theyyam are narrated below:Guligan
Guligan Theyyam is worshipped as the Lord Shiva. In every Kaliyattam, the performance of Guligan Theyyam is inevitable. Among the Guligan Kavus, the most famous and most powerful one is situated at Nileshwar popularly known as the Benkanakavu [Venganakavu]. This Benganakavu is situated at the nerve centre of Nileshwar.
The 'Kanhiram' tree with the supposed weapons of Guligan and Padinhare Chamundeswari, in the premises of Benkanakavu, is believed to shower blessings on thousands of devotees in and around Kasaragod district. Devotees from Tulunadu to the Valapattanam river pay their respects to the Kavu for its immense power. The mysterious lamp of the Kanhiram tree that surrounds the tree is brightly lit up on every Tuesday and Friday after 10 pm. The prosperity of the people in the neighbouring places is believed to be on account of the presence of the God Guligan in Benkanakavu. The adjacent Koroth Nair Tharavadu, Kazhakakkar, and Kolakkar, together organize the Theyyam festival in the Benanakavu once every two years.It is also performed in other temples. In Kozhikode near Nadapuram, a temple named Pattare Paradevatha Kshethram also performs gulikan theyyam annually at midnight on March 12.
Vishnumoorthi
An inevitable constituent in a majority of the Kaliyattams is the performance of the Vishnumoorthi Theyyam. And its performance includes complicated rites and rituals. The peculiar drum-beats can be heard up to a distance of 2 km from where the performance of the Vishnumoorthi Theyyam takes place. The enactment involving the Narasimha Avatara of Lord Vishnu by the Koladhari especially thrills the devotees and the spectators as a result of the body movements involved in it.
The most popular part of the Vaishnava Theyyam is the depiction of Vishnumoorthi. It is associated with Nileshwar and Mangalore. It tells the story of Palanthai Kannan, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Palanthai Kannan, a native of Nileshwar in his boyhood, tried to pick mangoes from a mango tree owned by Kuruvat Nair. Without considering his age or the thirst for food, Kuruvat Nair and his bodyguards beat him and drove away from Nileshwar. After that incident, Palanthai Kannan went to Mangalore and took shelter in a Vishnu temple there. When there, he obtained the blessings of Lord Vishnu and years later, he returned to his homeland, Nileshwar. On the way, Palanthai Kannan stayed one day in Moolapally in the house of a black smith [now near the railway line] and rested in the Kanakkappalli Anikkil Tharavadu [situated near the Nileshwar bus stand, on the Koroth - N.H. Road, and once up on a time famous as a center of martial arts and education]. Then he proceeded to Kundon Kadavu and leaving his Olakkuda [umbrella] and Churika [shield], went to Kadalikulam [a pond near Nileshwar Market junction] for taking bath. Within a short time the news of the arrival of Palanthai Kannan spread in the all across Nileshwar. Hearing the news, Kuruvat Nair and his men came to the Kadalikulam and killed Palanthai Kannan. The God Vishnu who accompanied his ardent devotee Palanthai Kannan was provoked and destroyed the Kuruvat tharavad. That time onwards, he became known as the Vishnumoorthi and began to reside in Vaikundeswara Temple, Kottappuram, Nileshwar. And this Theyyakolam is dancing all major maniyani (Yadava's Tharavadu, Theeyya (Ezhava) and Nair Tharavadu). This kolam was worn by Malayan in special community. This Theyyakolam is dancing Edakkad Nadal, the Chalil Vishnu Moorthy temple, Nambiar family Chalil Veluva is following the same Theyakolam in Chalil Vishnumoorthy in Edakkad, Nadal every year in February.
Vishnumoorthi in Ottakolams
In Ottakolams, [meaning only one Theyyam] Vishnumoorthi Theyyam enters into the pyre and returns amongst the midst of the devotees [known as Agnipravesam]. It is repeated several times and its is believed that performing this act 104 times helped the Koladhari to became a Panikker. In April 2008, Ottakkolam was performed in a grand manner in Velu Vayal Ottakkuthiru, Nileshwar with the presence of thousands of devotees after a gap of 47 years. It is associated with Veethuveppu [a rite related to agriculture]. Four people take kayar [rope] from Vishnumoorthi and become Kayattukar. Their duty is to protect agricultural land from cattle. With the kayar [rope] and vadi [rod] they roam the area from Karyamkode to Thalachai and catch them with the kayar or drive them away using the vadi.
Sree Muthappan Theyyam
While other Theyyams are seasonal (the season lasting October to May), the Muthappan Theyyam is performed round the year. Muthappan temples are present in hundreds of places in North Malabar. Each of them tells a story of its own. Among the Muthappan temples, Kunnathur Padi and Parassini Kadavu have attained the most fame. The rituals in the Muthappan temples are done by the Thiyya community of malabar.
Story of Sree Muthappan Madappura, Nileshwar
Several Muthappan Temples are seen in different parts of Kannur and Kasaragod districts. This shows the popularity of the God in the minds of the people of North Malabar. The Sree Muthappan Temple near National Highway No 17 in Nileshwar has a rich heritage. It seems to convey the philosophical, devotional and educational importance of Nileshwar. There is an interesting story regarding the construction of this Muthappan Temple. It is related to a certain Koroth Raman Nair, famous as Ezuthachan (expert in teaching). He had a practice of drinking madhu (taken from coconut tree with out mixing any intoxicant, fresh and good for health popularly called as 'neera'). Before drinking it, he would pour some drops of in front of a jack fruit tree by saying it is for God Muthappan. After his death, the natives faced a lot of disturbances. They obtained the services of an astrologer on the issue. He concluded that as a result of the regular practice of giving madhu to Muthappan the God had started residing there and demanded the continued offer of liquor. The death of Sree Raman Nair had resulted in liquor not being served any more to the God and this had provoked Him to create trouble. So a temple was erected at the spot by the local people. This temple developed as a famous pilgrim center, and daily hundreds of people visit it. There is a strong belief that the God will cure all diseases and will give prosperity to His devotees. The devotees get Payakutti from the temple and it continues to develop as a great pilgrim center like the Sree Muthappan temple at Parassini Kadavu. Around 100 Muthappan Vellattams are held each year in the Madappura as offerings from the devotees.
Padarkulangara Bhagavathy
Worshipped in several Kavus as a mighty Goddess. This Theyyam was last performed in the Nileshwar Ankakalari Padarkulangara Bhagavathy Temple on 23 December 2008. The lengthy crown and ornaments of the Bhagavathy seem to add to her divine appearance. In the famous Koroth tharavad in Nileshwar the Padarkulangara Bagavathi Theyyam has been performed every year by the famous theyyam artist Suresh Babu Anjoottan.
The same has been performed in Muchilott Kavu, in Payyanur.
Puliyur Kali
Performed in Karakkakavu, near Cheruvathur every three years. It is also performed in Kunathur Maadam near to Udinur. In all Muchilotu Kavu this kolam is performed with Kannangattu Bhagavathy and Muchilottu Bhagavathy. Thekkum Kara Karnamoorthy performs this kolam in Kunathur Maadam, which is the places for Payyadakkathu Tharavadu. This goddess is believed to be the daughter of Pullikarim Kali.
Pullikarim Kali
Pullikarimkali is performed in Karakkakavu, near Cheruvathur once every three years and at Koovapratthu Kavu Kavinisseri (in Cherukunnu) every two years. The Theyyam here is worshipped as the Goddess Parvathi. This theyyam is also performed in Koormba Bhagavathi Kavu, Kandoth and Sri Udayapuram Kavu, Paravanthatta, Payyanur.
Pulikandan
Pullikaringali is a goddess which is worshipped in Kasaragod and Kannur district. It is the avathara of Parvathi. She originated to kill Kalakandasura. Ayirathiri is the important function related to Pullikaringali, we can see Pullikaringali Amma in Aivar Paradevatha Sthanangal of Malabar. Periya Sree Pulibhootha Devasthanam, Kizhakkam kara Pullikkaringali Devasthanam, Kasaragod Pulikkunnu, Kodavanchi Kulathur are the important temples where Pullikaringali Amma.
Marapuli
Marapuli Theyyam is considered the son of Pulikandan and Pullikarimkali.
Kandapuli
This Theyyam is considered the son of Pulikandan and Pullikarimkali. It is performed in the early morning at about 3 am.
Pulimaruthan
Pulimaruthan Theyyam is considered the son of Pulikandan and Pullikarimkali. One among the Iver Theyyams, Pulimaruthan is worshiped in different Kavus [temples] by the devotees.
Karinthiri Nair
This Theyyam is associated with the Pulidaivangal.
Puthiya Bhagavathy
When Lord Shiva got smallpox, Rishis started a homa and Puthiya Bhagavathi is appeared from homakunda, she cures Shiva's disease and sent to Earth. Puthiya Bhagavathi is accompanied by Padakulngara Veeran and Veerakali in the performance. Puthiya Bhagavathi is the main deity of many shrines in Kannur including Thalikavu situated in Kannur. Puthiya Bhagavathy is performed in Koovapratthu Kaavu Kavinisseri and in the Morazha Koorumba Kaavu in Pazhangottu, Matul, Thavam. Edakalam very near Chuzhali there is a famous Puthiya Bhagavathy Kavu this kavu has a history of more than five hundred years. It belongs to Edakalavan Koroth family. Kaliyattam performs vrichikam 27 every year.Pazhaya Parmbath Puthiya Bhagavathi Temple at Kanhirathara belongs to Maniy ani caste is one of the Kavu were Puthiya Bhagavathi is performed. April 17 to 19 is the time of Kaliyattam here
Kuttikol Thamburatti Theyyam
Kanathur near Kasaragod, the yearly Kuttikol Thamburatti Theyyam is celebrated by thousands of devotees. The venue is the Pazhayzparambath Puthiya Bhagavathy Kshethram, and the Theyyam is celebrated as a part of the Kaliyatta Maholsavam here. In 2008 it was organized on April 16, 17 and 18. This Theyyam is also conducted at Kanhirathara, Chirakkal, Kannur District, and the deities in the Theyyam here are Paruthi Veeran, Veerali, Bhadrakali, Vishnumoorthi, Gulikan and Vairabhan Uchitta.
Elayor Theyyam
Celebrated yearly at Kanathur near Kasargod.
Muthur Theyyam
Celebrated yearly at Kanathur near Kasargod.
Vannathan
There is an interesting fact about the performance of Vannathan Theyyam. This Theyyam is performed in only one temple, the Karakkakavu Temple that is in Kasaragod district and is done so in memory of a Kolakkaran [Theyyam artist] who died while staging Theyyam in the famous Karakkakavu.
Chuzhali Bhagavathy
Chuzhali Bhagavathy is located in Chuzhali, a place near Taliparamba. But in the Chuzhali Bhagavathy Temple no Theyyam performance is held. Here Brahmins serve as priests.
Chuzhali Bhagavathi temple is not a kavu. Chuzhali Devaswom is the term used to identify the temple community. The "Vigraham" of Bhagavathi was brought to Chuzhali and hidden in some fields. Some kids when playing, tried to clean the place using a broom, and found the ground bleeding, and got scared and informed elders. They found the "vigraham" and the temple was built there itself.
Kannangat Bhagavathy
Every year, Kannangat Bhagavathy Theyyam is performed in the Kannangat Bhagavathy Temple, Payyannur. In several Muchilot Kavus, the Kannangat Bhagavathy Theyyam was performed along with the Muchilot Bhagavathy Theyyam. There are 11 Kannangattu Temples in Kannur district, and they are all located in the Payyannur area:-- Adi Kotti Kannangattu Temple, near Payyannur Railway Station.
- Payyannur Sree Kokkanisheri Kannagattu Temple.
- Kandangali Karalikkara Kannangattu Temple, near the Municipal HSS, Payyannur.
- Ramanthali Thamarathuruthi Kannangattu Temple, in Ramanthali, 6 km from Payyannur.
- Kankol Kannangattu Temple, 10 km from Payyannur.
- Alapadamba Kannangattu Temple, near Mathil.
- Vellora Kannangattu Temple.
- Edanadu Kannangattu Temple, in Edat, 2 km from Payyannur.
- Kuttor Kannangattu Temple.
- Peringom Kannangattu Temple, near the CRPF camp, Peringom.
- Kizhakke Allakadu Kannangattu Temple.
Kodoth Chamundi
Performed once every two years in the main Kodoth Tharavadu house, Varikkulam, and every year in another Kodoth Tharavadu house. As per traditions, Chamundi Devi (an incarnation or form of Bhagavathy - the Supreme Goddess or the Mother Goddess) is accompanied by the first Kodoth Karanavar Chandrasekhara Gurukkal from Vanneri (near Guruvayur). Traditions hold that She helped him defeat the Bellakka Dynasty in battle. After that, he constructed a new Sambradayam called 'Varikkulam', and the Goddess is believed to have asked him to build a Palliyara at Parakulangara, Varikkulam. This place was selected by the Goddess as per Thrikkannayalappan's (Lord Shiva) instructions. Gurukkal built the first Kodoth Tharavadu very near to Parakulangara, at Varikkulam which is known as the Moolasthanam of Kodoth Tharavadu, and then started celebrating Kaliyattam every year beginning from Medam 21. This is the first place where Goddess Chamundi is believed to have shown her presence, and later she is believed to have extended her presence to many other Nair Tharavadus, subsequently resulting in their starting to conduct Kaliyattam as well every year.Agni Kandakarnan
Agni Kandakarnan is a theyyam performed at Swmaimadam in Kannu Veedu Kapadapuarm, Valiyaparamapa Kasaragod in Kerala. It is different Theyyam having heavy torches around the waist of the Kolam. This Theyyam is performed in the early morning in the Temple. It is also performed in Pattare Sree Paradevatha Kshethram in Kozhikode district on march 12th at the same time.
Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi
The very name itself is indicative of the story behind the origin of Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi. Moovalam means - three men and Kuzhi means - well. So Moovalamkuzhi translates into a well with a depth of the height of three men. The God worshiped here is the main deity of the temples of the weaver caste of North Malabar. The Theyyam season here begins every year with the performance of Moovalam Kuzhi Chamundi and the associated Theyyams on the 10th and the 11th of the Malayalam month of Thulam [1st half of October] in the famous Anjoottabalam Verar Kavu, Nileshwar.
Palot Daivam
Performed yearly in the Palot Kavus [temples] in Nileshwar Vadayanthur Kazhakam, Kunhimangalam Malyot Palot Kavu, Azhikode Palot Kavu, Keecheri Palot Kavu etc. The Theyyam is considered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu [Matsya Avatara].
Dandinganath Bhagavathy
Performed yearly in the Koroth Tharavadu, Nileshwar. Aracanut leaf with paintings in decoration is the unique feature of Dandiganath Bhagavathy Theyyam.
Padarkulangara Bhagavathy
The Padarkulangara Bhagavathy Theyyam attracts devotees owing to the fascinating paintings on the face of the Koladhari. The person with the title of Anjootan has the right to perform as Padarkulangara Bhagavathy in the Koroth Tharavadu and the Mannanpurath Kavu Kalasam Festival.
Padamadakki Bhagavathy
The origin of Padamadakki Thamburatti is related to the battle between the resident, ruling Nileshwar Raja and an invading force from the Karnataka region. The strength of the Karnataka forces frightened the Nileshwar Raja's Nair soldiers under the command of the Kalari experts, the Koroth Nairs. They prayed to the Koroth Nāga Bhagavathy, Kuttichathans [Sasthappan] and Bhairavan. The Gods acknowledged the appeals of the devotees and sent Padamadakki Bhagavathy. It is believed that upon seeing the Padamadakki Bhagavathy, the invading troops became unconscious and the Goddess thus averted a battle. Yearly, the Padamadakki Bhagavathy Theyyam is being performed in the Karoth temple in Kunhimangalam Panchayath in memory of the incident.
Manakkott Amma
There is an interesting story behind the performance of Manakott Amma Theyyam. In the countryside of Nileshwar there existed a powerful Nair Tharavadu (household) known as Manakkott. Here lived a beautiful and educated woman. She wanted to challenge the caste rigidities and untouchability prevailing in the area. While she was carrying a child, she broke the caste law by drinking water from a pot made of aracanut leaf being used by an outcast. The incident provoked the Tharavadu Karanavar (head) and he murdered the woman. The murder of a pregnant woman created a lot of problems in the Tharavadu and it finally ceased to exist. Gradually the natives realised that the assassinated woman must have emerged as a Goddess who they called Manakkott Amma. Yearly, the Theyyam here is being performed in the Vairajathan Temple, Malappacherry, Nileshwar in the month of April.
[edit] Karim Chamundi
Performed in the regions of Perumba river. Earlier the Theyyam festival of Karim Chamundi required the sacrifice of a goat. With dark coloured face paintings the Theyyam performed at midnight is frightening. Women and children are not permitted to watch the Karim Chamundi Theyyam.
Muthala Theyyam
Performed every year in the month of October in Naduvil in Kannur District. From the beginning to the end the Theyyam drags into the ground.[citation needed] Devotees worship this deity to cure diseases.
Elleduth Bhagavathy
Performed in Visakandan Kshethram, Kolachery, Kannur every year on the 10th day of Thulam month in the Malayalam calendar.
Adukunnath Bhagavathy
Performed at Adukunnath Tharavadu Temple, Koroth near Payyannur.
Narambil Bhagavathy
Narambil Bhagavathy originated from the famous Rayaramangalam Temple.
For more details on this topic, see Cherupuzha (Kannur).
Chembilot Bhagavathy
It tells the story of a Brahmin who came from Chembilot, a place near Kannur to Chandera, in Kasaragod district. That man started his livelihood as a priest in the temple in Chandera. After several years of serving the God he got His blessings. Then he left Chandera handing over the priestly rights to Olavara Theeyan. The Brahmin has since been worshiped as Chembilot Bhagavathy by the natives.
Pulichon
Performed in the Kurunthil Kottaram, Karivellur yearly. It is the seat of a group of Pothuvals.
Vellarangara Bhagavathy
Worshipped by the Pothuval community of Thayineri, Annur, Vellur and Karivellur.
Mayyakkal Bhagavathy
With lighted torches around the stomach, the Mayyakal Bhagavathy Theyyam created a sensation in Mayyal in Kasaragod district on 30 March 2008.
Koroth Naga Bhagavathy
It is more like a Thira than a Theyyam. But all the rituals and the devotion of the devotees establish that Koroth Naga Bagavathy is more than a theyyam. No picture of the theyyam is available because of the strict vigilance of the devotees. In this high tech society also people feared to take the photo of the Theyyam. The Koroth Naga Bhagavathy Temple situated in the middle of a forest. It is protected by walls and in the centre is built the Nagathara. Praying for the cure of diseases and for having children, thousands throng this place and pray to the deity. The Ayiyur Koroth Tharavadu Bhagavathy Temple is locally famous as an important centre of Nagaradhana [snake-worship]. Kumbam 3rd is observed as the day of the main Theyyam festival in the Koroth Naga Bagavathi temple, Ayiyur. Years ago, Puja in this Temple was performed by the Koroth Namboothiris of Chovva near Kannur. The Koroth Namboothiris were mentioned in the story of Vishnumoorthi Temple, Cheemeni. Ayillam day is famous for the Sarpabali in the Temple. Lakhs of people from different parts of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu annually assemble here to on this religious occasion. Various factors contributed to the disintegration of Koroth Tharavadu into several small groups. They helped the Rajas of Wayanadu, the Kozhikode Zamorin, the Kolathiris and others. The word Koroth derives from 'Ko' meaning King and 'Othikkan' meaning regulators.
Myths around the Koroth Tharavadu: There is a long recorded history surrounding the Nair Tharavadu of Koroth. Firstly, it is necessary to know about Nairs. The nair equal the word knights in the ancient feudal system of Europe. The Tharavad name Koroth is popular in Kerala. They were years ago acted as chieftains in a large area and arranged Kalaripayattu and other martial arts and supplied soldiers to the Zamorins, Kolathiris and Nileshwar rajas. They sometimes acted as king makers. The name derived from Ko means King and Othikan means regulator. Based on Ayiyur the political conditions influenced them to move north wards up to the Chandragiri river. They feared to cross Chandragirui river because of losing their caste. The establishment of Kolathunad and Nileshwar raja vamsam related to this migration. Likewise the theyyattams also spread to the north and gradually influenced by the Tulu culture. Originally the male members of the Koroth tharavad related to Kalaripayattu and the famous Lokararkavu. The influence of Kalaripayattu was present in theyyattams. Disintegrating from the origin land the members of the Tharavad settled in different parts of north Malabar like koroth near Payyanur, Nileshwar, Taliparamba, Pallur near Tellicherry, mahe, Vadakara etc. The branches of the koroth Tharavad influenced the social, religious, cultural and economic condition of north Malabar for the last 5 centuries. While residing in different parts, they continued the practice of Nagaradhana [Ayillyam][snake worship], worshipping God Shiva, Vishnu large number of other gods and goddesses. They organised theyyam festival. In all branches they worshiped bairavan, Kuttichathan and Karnor theyyams. Their history also related Tacholi Othenan and other martial heroes of North Malabar.
Branches of Koroth Tharavad: From the original home Ayiyur the Koroth Tharavad disintegrated and settled in different parts of Kannur, Kozikode and Kasaragod districts. The tharavad name koroth is popular in kerala. Koroth tharavad [group of families] at Koyipra is situated near Taliparamba. Koroth tharavad [group of families] at Nileshwar is famous as per the story of Mannampurath bagavathi and also got fame in the origin of Nileshwar Muthappan Madappura, defending of Tippu Sulthan according to the myth of Nechitholedutho Nayammare, and annual Kaliyattams [theyyam festival]. Karnor Bairavan, Dharmadaivam, Kuttichattan, Rakta chamundi, Vishnumoorthi, Dandiganath bagavathi, Padarkulangara bagavathi, Gulikan, Bhootham were performed in the annual kaliyattams. The koyyodan koroth Tharavad at Pallur, near Thallisseri is famous for the grand theyyam festival in the month of Makaram. As many as 40 kuttichathan theyyams come out together to give blessings to the devotees. Thousands of people assemble there to watch the marvellous divine performance of the theyya kolams. On 31 January 2008 at 1pm 38 kuttichattan theyyams were performed their divinity as a part of devotees vayipad. More than ninety kuttichattans are planned but because of the absence of Koladarikal the number reduced to 38. The remaining kuutichathans performed in 2009 corresponding the malayalam month of Makaram 16 [as per the malabar calendar]. The main karmi of Koyyodan temple visited regularly in the Kalakkattillam near Koroth [a place near Payyanur]on the day of Krim Kuttichathan Theyyam. The illam is considered as the root of Kuttichathan Theyyam. The presence of Koroth families [Kodakkal Koroth remains there] years ago gave the name Koroth to the place. Kodakkal Koroth tharavad members played a great role in regulating the history of Payyanur and the neighbouring places for the last three centuries. In Nileshwar the Nairs belongings to Koroth family helped the rajas of Nileshwar in several campaigns against the neighbouring rulers. Another branch of the Tharavad is known as pommeleri koroth. There are Mundayadan koroth near Kannur and Koyipra Koroth tharavad near Taliparamba. The puthalath koroth in Mahe earns fame as the centre of famous puthalath thira and the association with leaders including Mahatma Gandhi.
Kuttichathan
Also known as Sasthappan, Kuttichathan Theyyam attracts thousands of devotees. At Pallor Koroth Tharavadu, several Kuttichathan Theyyams come together to give blessings to devotees. In 2008 around 40 Kuttichathan Theyyams were performed in the presence of several people. In 2009, 47 Kuttichathan Theyyams were performed at the Koroth Tharavadu in Pallur. Here, a revolutionary step with regard to traditions was taken for the first time by the Tharavadu authorities, when they prohibited liquor within the premises of the temple.It is also performed in pattare sree paradevatha temple in kozhikode district
Padinhare Chamundi
Performed in the Malayalam month of Medam with a gap of two years. The festival was last held on 15 and 16 April 2008, in the Chamundi Kavu situated near the Nileshwar bus stand at Koroth-N.H 17 Road.
Vettakorumakan
Performed in several Nair Tharavadus between Payyannur and Kannur.
Mavila Chamundi
It took place at mavila tharavad in kasaragod/kannur. There are number of mavila-nambiar tharavadu. Alakkat mavila-pazhavathil mavila puthiyaveetil, chemnat mavila, mavila chathoth, mavila puthyaveetil, mavila etc. are major mavila tharavadu's. mavila kottam at thaliparamba was once a ritual place of mavila nambiars. mavila tharavadu was one of the richest landlord famiiy in malabar.
Urpazhassi
Performed in several Nair Tharavadus from Payyannur and Kannur. On Dhanu 21 at Sree Vettakkorumakan Temple, Blathur
[edit] Kudiveeran
Thiyya caste gave a special attention on worshipping their ancestors as theyyams. There is a saying "thiyyan moothal theyyam" means when a thiyyan grows old he becomes theyyam. The persons who were experts in martial practise is worshipped as 'Kudiveeran'('kudi' means house and 'veeran' means a martial hero). The performance of this theyyam needs some martial or 'Kalari' skills.
Veerabadran
Yearly two veerabadran theyyams performed in the famous ashtamachal bagavathy temple in Payyanur.
Vishakandan
Performed in several temples. Believed to cure diseases.
Kandanar Kelan
Regularly, the Kandanar Kelan Theyyam is performed as a part of the Vayanat Kulavan Theyyamket Utsavam. There was an interesting ritual in olden days. Hundreds of hunters would go to the nearby forest and capture large numbers of animals. The hunted animals were cut into pieces in front of the Kandanar Kelan Theyyam. The Marapilarkal ritual attracts thousands of people. The Theyyam then would leap over a huge pyre.
Vayanat Kulavan
Lord Shiva created 'Divyan' to collect the devine drink from palm tree. One day he have drunk the madhu which was kept for Shiva, his eyes were fallen in to the pot. Lord shiva gave him a couple of stuff eyes and sent him to earth. Thiyyas consider Vayantttu Kulavan as their 'Thondachan'(elder member of the family). The Vayanat Kulavan Theyyam is performed in an elaborate manner in Kasaragod district. In 2008, the Vayanat Kulavan Theyyamket Mahotsavam was held in a certain Pattayil Tharavadu. It will always be remembered as a huge step in the direction of communal harmony. Hindus and Muslims both participated in the arrangements for the festival with great enthusiasm.
Kunhiraman Gurukkal
kunhiraman Gurukkal born to a Thiyya family in Kootali near kannur. Kolath thampuran became jelousy on his abilities and killed him. After his murder Thampuran bescame mad and as an astrological remady Gurukkal is worshipped as a thyyam. A more than three-meter-long knife is used by the Kunhiraman Gurikkal [gurukkal] Theyyam. The Theyyam is staged in association with the Kathivanur Veeran Theyyam festival.
[edit] Kathivanur Veeran
KathivannurVeeran is performed on the memory of a great warrior named mandhappan. He was born to a Thiyya family in Mangad near Thaliparamba. Kumarachan of Methalliyillam and his wife Chakkiyamma had no children. The couples made offerings to Chuzhali goddess and Mandhappan was born. Even though he became a grownup youth he was not ready to leave his habit of playing silly games. Kumarachan became disappointed and asked Mandhappan to giveup his habits and to do some job. But Mandhan continued his anarchist way of life, by refusing to do any job. Oneday Kumarachan broke Mandhan's bow and arrow and threw it out. This incident made Mandhappan very angry, he left his native and went to coorg, where his uncle residing. There he got a warm welcome and uncle gave half of his properties to Mandhan. On his aunts advice Mandhappan started a business of oil there. One day he saw a girl taking bath in the river, she was Chemmarathi being attracted with her beauty Mandhan married her. At that time kutakas started a war against malayalans. Mandhan and his friends participated in that war and defeated kutakas. But unfortunately he have lost one of his finger and ring on it, Mandhan returned to the battle field to get back his ring, enemies saw him coming alone and killed him. Chemmarathi killed herself by jumping in to mandhappan's funeral pyre. For the performance of Kathivanur Veeran great excellence is needed in the martial art of Kalaripayattu.
Munnayareeshwaran
In the north east part of Kerala, on the border with Karike District, Karnataka, there is a place called Kizhakke Kovilakam / Manjadukkam Kovilakam / Tulurvanath Kovilakam, the seat of Katoor Nairs. Katoor Nairs had adhikara over 64000 hectares of land covering from Karike to Odayanchal in the South. Katoor Nairs actually belong to the Ballal community of Sullia, who had to flee to Tulurvanam for fear of conversion to Jainism. The main seat of Kalari payattu, Munnayareeshwaran is the son of Katoor Kanna Ballal, an exponent of Tulunadan system of Kalari. Munnayareeshwaran is the Ketti kolam (Theyyam form) of Chandu Nair, who became a Deewan of Kizhakke Kovilakam under the rule of Katoor Nairs.
Katoor Narayanan Nambiar was the last Managing trustee and ruler of Karike Tulunad , Manjandukkam Kovilakam Temple. There after Katoor Thampan Nair, his eldest nephew is running the activities of Manjadukkam. Manjadukkam Kovilakam follows matrilineal system of transfer of succession.
The temple stands in utter dilapidated state, thanks to the infighting between the sons of Katoor Narayanan Nambiar and the rightful heirs, the nephews.
It is saddening to note that a long and time tested parampara of Shakti worship is slowly loosing its fight to survival.
Performed every year in the famous Madiyan Koolom Temple, Kanhangad.
Performed each year in the famous Madiyan Koolom Temple, Kanhangad. Cheese is regularly served as an offering to the deities in addition to cows being sluaghtered.[citation needed]
Manjalamma
Performed yearly in the famous Madiyan Koolom Temple, Kanhangad Performed yearly in Kelambathu Tharavadu Kottam, Blathur, Kannur on 23rd Makaram.
Thoovakkari Muthappan
Thoovakkari Muthappan Theyyam is performed in the Palliyath Matappura of Palathayi.
Agni Kandakarnan
Puthiya Bhagavathi
Kuttichathan
Vasoori mala
Agni Kandakarnan
Puthiya Bhagavathi
Kuttichathan
Peruvannan
gud concepts...pls..try to malayalam posts
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