Thai Paradevatha Theyyam is a very popular theyyam performed in numerous kavu, tharavadu, temples and sacred places in Kannur and Kasaragod regions of Kerala. As per information, Thai Paradevatha is the fierce manifestation of Goddess Bhagavathi who has just annihilated demon Darika. As per Thai Paradevata theyyam story, this is the eight-arm form of Goddess Bhagavathy. She has just chopped the head of Darikasuran and she is performing Tandava dance. The entire universe is trembling and earth will be soon shattered into two pieces. Shiva tries to stop the dance of Goddess Devi by lying on her path. To save earth, Shiva forms the bed for Goddess to dance. It is believed that she appeared in this form in Kola Swaroopam and found a place of worship. She blesses devotees in this form.
She is the main deity of Kolathiri King and for this reason this theyyam finds prominence. She is also known by numerous other names including Thiruvarkattu Bhagavathi, Bhadrakali, Kalariyal Bhagavathy and Kolaswaroopathingal Thai.
It is widely believed that she appeared from the third eye
of Shiva. Some believe that she is a manifestation of Goddess Parvati.
Different regions and different communities have different
names for this manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti.