--> Skip to main content


Cheriyapayam Sri Karinchamundi Muthappan Temple – Theyyam Thira Kaliyattam Festival - Several Rare Theyyams

By

Cheriyapayam Sri Karinchamundi Muthappan temple is located at Thomarakkadu near Udayagiri in Kannur district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Muthappa, Karimchamundi and numerous other deities. The annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival is held for three days in Malayalam Vrischika Masam – Vrichikam 25 to Vrichikam 27 (December 11 to December 13). The annual festival is famous for some very rare theyyams.


The important theyyams that can be witnessed at Cheriyapayam Sri Karinchamundi Muthappan temple are Kari Cchamundi theyyam, Mootha Chamundi, Ilaya Chamundi, Muthappan, Manikya Bhagavathy theyyam, Karinkali, Chengalan theyyam, Pulli Bhagavathi, Anthithira, Padi Malatheyyathar, Karuvanjali Theyyathar an d Manjakkatu Devan. (കരിഞ്ചാമുണ്ഡി, മൂത്ത ചാമുണ്ഡി, ഇളയ ചാമുണ്ഡി, മുത്തപ്പൻ, മാണിക്യ ഭഗവതി, കരിങ്കാളി, ചെങ്ങാലൻ തെയ്യം, പുള്ളി ഭഗവതി, അന്തിത്തിറ വെള്ളാട്ടം, പാടി മലതെയ്യത്താർ, കരുവഞ്ഞാലി തെയ്യത്താർ, മഞ്ഞക്കാട്ട് ദേവൻ)

The temple has a chathura sreekovil or square sanctum sanctorum for the main deity. The roof of the shrine is decorated with traditional motifs. There are other small square sanctums in the temple compound. Certain deities are worshipped atop square platforms and under trees. The important pujas and rituals are observed on Sankranti day as per Malayalam calendar.