Karinthiri Nair Theyyam, also known as Karinthiri Kannan Nair Theyyam, is a unique and rare theyyam part of the annual Thira – Kaliyattam festival mainly in Kannur and Kasaragod districts in Kerala. As per a popular story, Karinthiri Nair went to annihilate a tiger that was killing the calves and cows of the ruler of Kurumbranthiri. He was killed by the tiger. As per information, this theyyam is performed along with Puli Theyyams (Tiger theyyams).
It is said that Karinthiri Kannan Nair who went to kill the tiger did not comeback. A worried ruler, prayed to Rajarajeshwari Bhagavathy of Tullur Vanam, his family deity. That night the ruler had a dream in which the Goddess informed the ruler that the tiger or pulikandan was Parameshwaran (Shiva). Pulikandan had killed Karinthiri Kannan Nair and he had become Daivakaru (ദൈവക്കരു). She asked the ruler to give Karinthiri Nair a place near her in her temple (എന്റെ അരികത്ത് ഒരു ദൈവ മന്ദിരം പണിത് അവിടെ കുടിയിരുത്തിയാല് കഷ്ട ദോഷങ്ങള് അകലു). She promised that if he is given a space in her temple, the problems faced by region will be mitigated.
A temple was erected for Karinthiri Nair and his daiva kolam is performed annually in temples.
Karinthiri Nair theyyam is annually performed at Kanhangad Periya Pulli Bhootha Devasthanam, Kasargod Kuttikkol Thamburatti Bhagavathi Temple, Kannur Kuppam Marathakkad Ivar Paradevatha Temple, Taliparamba Mukkunnu Anakkeel Bhagavathy Kshethram, Pilicode Sree karakkakkavu Bhagavathi Kshethram, Kannur Thalavil Maruthiyot Sree Puliyoor Kali Kavu, Kannur Narikode Parammal Parol Bhagavathi Kshethram, Kannur Mathamangalam Sree Puliyoor Kali Kshetram, Kannur Kadannappally Kuttyaattu Puliyoor Kali Temple, Kannur Payyanur Kandoth Kurumba Bhagavathy Kavu, Kannur Mathamangalam Eryam Puliyur Kali Temple, Kannur Pariyaram Kottiyoor Nanmadam Temple, Kannur Mathamangalam Paravoor Puliyoor Kali Temple, Kannur Perumbadavu Eriam Puliyoor Kali Temple, Kanhangad Kizhakkumkara Sree Pullikkarinkali Amma Devasthanam.