Chuvanna Gulikan theyyam is a rare theyyam performed during the theyyam – kaliyattam – thira festival in Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala. As per information, Chuvanna Gulikan is one among the eight Gulikan theyyams performed in the tharavadu, kavu and temples in North Kerala. The story of Chuvanna Gulikan theyyam is associated with Shiva annihilating Yama, the god of death, to protect Saint Markandeshwara, the ardent devotee of Shiva.
With Yama disappeared from the universe there was no death. This caused immense problems in nature. When Shiva realized the mistake he gave birth to Chuvanna Gulikan from the left thumb. He pressed the left thumb down and Gulikan appeared holding Trishul and pasha or rope to tie souls. It is believed that Gulikan keeps a track of all the good and bad deeds of a person.
The name Chuvanna gulikan due to the reddish body hue.
Chuvanna Gulikan theyyam is performed at Elayavur Vadakke Veettil kavu temple and at Vadakkan Makkool Bhagavathi Temple at Cheruvanchery on January 8 and January9 .