Pullikarinkali Theyyam is a unique and very popular theyyam part of the annual Thira – theyyam – Kaliyattam festival in several temples, kavu, tharavadu and sacred places mainly in Kannur and Kasaragod districts in Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is of Goddess Parvati. As per Pullikarinkali 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 headgear of Pullikarinkali Theyyam varies from temple to
temple. The body paint and dress is also different from temple to temple.