Karuval Bhagavathy Theyyam is a popular theyyam worshipped in numerous kavu, tharavadu, devasthanam and temples across Kannur district of Kerala during the annual theyyam, thira and kaliyattam festival in north Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is the manifestation of Adi Parashakthi (Mother Goddess. Karuval Bhagavathy theyyam story provides us the vital knowledge that she is a mantra murti and sister of Kuttichathan.
Local story suggests that Karuval Bhagavathy was born to Mahadevan or Shiva and Goddess Parvati, when they had taken the form of Valuvan and Valuvathi. She resided as a Vanadevatha. Later she started entering the body of people and she started performing constructive and destructive activities. The aaroodam or main center of Karukal Bhagavathy is Kattormadom Illam.
Another story is that of Shiva blessing a childless Brahmin couple of Karvirkotta Mathilakam illam with a child. The couple had a girl child who performed numerous miracles through her Shaiva chaithanyam. She later became a daiva karu and came to be known as Karuval Bhagavathy.
Depending of the history of the tharavadu where the theyyam is performed there will be slight changes in her mudi. At Kalkattu Mantra Shala she has a round mudi. She is worshipped as theyyam in 18 mantra shalas in the region.
This theyyam is performed at Varam Azhikodan Cheriyathu Veedu Dharmadeva Kalaristhanam temple, Mattannur Othayoth Kuttisasthappan temple, Mavilayi Moonnampalam Elavana Kallyadan Thekkeveedu Kalari Sthanam temple, Varam Puthussery Chathothu Sree Kalari Devasthanam temple, Irivery Sree Kuttian Kalarikkal Kavu temple, Thulicheri Maavila Nambiancheri kalaristhanam temple, Kannapuram Thekkan Kariyathan Temple, Mattannur Malur Aryaparambu Sree Koottakkalam temple, Kannur Kadambur Poonkavu temple, Malur Sivapuram Sasthappan Kottam, and Kuthuparambu Mambram Kelalur Edappadi Kalari Bhagavathy temple in Kannur districts of Kerala.