Puli Muthappan theyyam is a rare theyyam seen especially in Kasaragod and Kannur region during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival. As per information, this theyyam is associated with Puli or tiger (wild animal belonging to the cat family) and is a manifestation of Shiva in tiger form. As per Puli Muthappan theyyam story, once, Shiva and Goddess Parvati were traveling through the Thullor Forest. Here they happened to see a tiger mating with a female tiger. Shiva and Parvati had amorous feelings and they took the form of Pulikandan and Pulikarinkali (Pullikarinkali) (പുലികണ്ടനും പുലികരിങ്കാളി (പുള്ളികരിങ്കാളി)).
It is believed that Puli Karinkali made a big hole below
Thathenar rock (താതേനാര് കല്ലിന്റെ തായ്മടയില്) and gave birth
to five children – four males and one female. As per some beliefs she gave
birth to five male children.
The female child is popularly known as Puliyoor Kali. The five male children were known as Kandapuli, Kala Puli, Marapuli, Pulimaruthan and Puliyoor Kannan.
The theyyam does perform some ferocious actions. The theyyam is noted for a unique headgear.
Puli Muthappan theyyam is worshipped to overcome fear and
for protection of livestock.
The theyyam symbolically represents the struggle between
human beings and nature.