Panayakkat Bhagavathy Theyyam is a powerful Shakteya theyyam performed during the annual theyyam – thira festival in Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala. As per information, Panayakkat Bhagavathy is based on Goddess Bhadrakali. The Panayakkat Bhagavathy Theyyam story is associated with Goddess Bhadrakali appearing from the third eye of Shiva. Yet another story has it that on hearing about the death of Goddess Sati at Daksha Yajna, Shiva threw his hair down and from it appeared Goddess Bhadrakali.
Panayakkat Bhagavathy Theyyam is a ferocious and angry theyyam. But she is also kind to her devotees and she fulfils the desires of her children and protects them. Her terrible form is symbolic of the fury of Mother Nature.
This theyyam loves her children but also at the same time she is merciless towards those who practice adharma.
Panayakkat Bhagavathy theyyam is performed in Payyanur Kankol Kalari Bhagavathy Temple, Annur Thekkekkara Chuvatta Valiyaveedu Panayakkat Bhagavathy Kavu, Payyannur Vellur kozhuthumpadi Kshethram, Kannur Kankol Sree Panayakat Bhagavathy Kshetram, Kannur Kankol Kunnumbrath Mavila Tharavadu Devasthanam, Kannur Payyannur Kankole Pothuval Thekkedath Tharavadu Devasthanam, Payyannur Kokkanisseri Kandambath Ara Vellarkkulangara Temple and Cheruvathur Kodakkad Panayakkattu Bhagavathi Temple.