Pulikandan is a famous theyyam performed during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in numerous kavu, tharavadu, temples and sacred places in Kannur and Kasaragod region of Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is a manifestation of Mahadeva Shiva. As per Puli Kandan theyyam story, one day Shiva and Goddess Parvati were traveling through the Thulur forest. Here they happened to see tiger and tigress making love. The divine couple took the form tiger, Pulikandan, and tigress, Pullikarinkali, and mated in the forest. Later, Pulli Karinkali gave birth to five children.
Pulikandan theyyam has a unique headgear and appearance of a tiger. The theyyam performs various tiger like movements to scare people.
This theyyam is worshipped to overcome fear of animals,
darkness and to defeat enemies.
This theyyam is performed in maximum sacred place during the
annual theyyam season.