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Nagarajan Theyyam – Story – Information

Nagarajan theyyam is a very popular male theyyam performed during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur region of Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is associated with naga or serpent worship in Kerala. As per Nagarajan theyyam story, the deity appeared in the form of a snake before an elderly person in the tharavadu. The deity was given a space of worship and a theyyam is performed annually to get her blessings.

പാല്ക്കടലിന്റെ നടുവിലുള്ള വെള്ളിമാന്‍ കല്ലിന്റെ അരികിലുള്ള മണിനാഗ മണിപ്പവിഴത്തിന്റെ സമീപത്തെ മണിനാഗപ്പുറ്റില്‍ നിന്നാണത്രെ നാഗരാജന്‍ ഉണ്ടായത്.

Sarpabali is performed on the day when the theyyam is performed. Nagarajan theyyam is worshipped to overcome skin related problems, to beget children, to overcome pregnancy related problems and to avoid confrontation with poisonous reptiles and snakes. Special pujas and worshiped are offered to the deity to overcome Naga dosham and to overcome horoscope related problems due to the bad positioning of Rahu and Ketu.

The nagamudi or the headdress of the theyyam is unique. Naga symbols are painted on the body and dress.

The theyyam is annually performed at the Kannur Chalad Kunnathu Bhaavur Karinkali temple from January 1 to January 3.