Koodan Gurunathan theyyam is a rare theyyam performed during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in the Kannur region of North Kerala. As per information, Koodan Gurunathan is a historical character who lived in the region and fought against all forms of inequalities. Koodan Gurunathan theyyam story is that of him getting several orders passed by the local ruler for the welfare and equality of people.
Koodan Gurunathan was born to in Mavilayi Manikunnu Tharavadu to Chakki and Thekkkum Vazhum Swamiyar. The child was named Rayaran. He became an expert warrior and equally proficient Ayurveda, Jyothisham and back magic. He was an ardent devotee of Bhairava and learned many magical powers.
As young man, he raised his voice against all forms of inequalities prevalent in the region. Some people of the region who did not like the revolutionary behavior of Koodan Gurunathan complained to the local ruler Kolathiri who ruled from the Valapattanam fort. The ruler asked Koodan Gurunathan to report to him immediately. On the way, the ruler had put several obstacles to test the strength of Koodan. He was able to overcome all the obstacles. Even inside the fort he was numerous life threatening attacks but he overcome all of them. As final test, the ruler asked Koodan Gurunathan to recapture Bekkalam which was attacked and captured by Bhamani Sulthans.
Koodan Gurunathan agreed but in return asked the ruler to stop all kinds of inequalities in the Valapattanam fort. He wanted all people to be treated as equal and all people of the region should be allowed in the fort with same respect.
Koodan Gurunathan returned victorious after driving away the army of Bhamani Sulthans from Bekkalam.
The ruler was impressed by Koodan Gurunathan and asked him to show his skills before him. He mesmerized the crowd with his skills and gained the respect of the people. He also shot an arrow at a particular place; even 12 elephants together could not pull it out.
The request to remove all kinds of inequality from region by Koodan Gurunathan was agreed by the ruler. The ruler also gave permission for various castes to participate equally in all festivals. They are also given the permission to perform theyyam kolam of Panchamoorthis.
After performing numerous miracles and helping in the downtrodden, Koodan Gurunathan attained Samadhi at the ripe age of 28.
Koodan Gurunathan Theyyam is annually performed from February 25 to Feb 27 at Kannur Mavilayi Mundayod Sree Koodan Gurukkanmmar Kavu temple and from February 18 to February 20 at the Kuthuparamba Kirachi Koodan Gurukkanmar Kshethram.