Pulimaruthan Theyyam (പുലിമാരുതൻ തെയ്യം) is a unique and rare theyyam part of the annual Thira – Theyyam – Kaliyattam festival mainly in Kannur and Kasaragod districts in Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is associated with Shiva and Goddess Parvati taking the form of tiger and tigress respectively. As per the Puli Maruthan Theyyam story, Pulimaruthan is the son of Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the form of tiger and tigress.
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.
Pulimaruthan Theyyam is annually observed at Pilicode Sree
karakkakkavu Bhagavthi temple (May 4 to May 7).