Daivathar Theyyam is the theyyam of Bhagavan Sri Rama and is a popular theyyam during the annual theyyam, kaliyattam and thira festival in Kannur region of Kerala. As per information, the kolam wears hair made from gold. Daivathar Theyyam is that of Sri Rama returning from Lanka after killing Ravana along with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman. The main offering by devotees to Daivathar theyyam is Villattom. Bows are offered to the theyyam. The theyyam plays with the bows and later throws it to the helpers. Another important offering is bananas. A unique aspect of the theyyam is that Daivathar Theyyam does not speak a single word during the entire appearance. The most important Daivathar theyyam is performed at the Andaloor Kavu near Thalassery. As this is a very important theyyam, it is usually performed by Peruvannan – the head of Vannan community. Other important temples were the Daivathar theyyam are performed include Kannur Mattannur Kolaari Meleveedu temple, Kannur Sreekandapur...

Chudalakali Theyyam is ferocious form of Mother Goddess Shakti performed during the annual theyyam – kaliyattam – thira festival in Kannur and Kasaragod region of Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is a sankalpam of Goddess Bhadrakali. Chudala Kali theyyam story is that of her appearing from the third eye of Shiva to annihilate demon Darika. It is believed that she resides in cremation grounds. Chudalakali is propitiated for peace and prosperity. She is also worshiped to achieve success over enemies. It is widely believed that prayers to her helps in curing even the most incurable diseases. Chudalakali theyyam is performed usually at midnight or early morning. Her theyyam is noted for a unique headgear.

Pattar Theyyam is a rare theyyam that is performed during the thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur district, Kerala. As per information, the theyyam is performed at the Annur Thekkekkara Chuvatta Valiyaveedu Panayakkat Bhagavathy Kavu temple. The story of Pattar theyyam is associated with this tharavadu. Around 100 years ago, a lady of Arayil Chuvatta Tharavadu at Annur near Payyanur was married to a Pattar or Brahmin. After marriage the Pattar, went for business to a distant place. When Pattar did not return, the elders of the family forced the lady to get remarried. She married another man and settled in the house. After couple of years, Pattar returned and was shocked to see that his wife got remarried. Saddened and ashamed, Pattar committed suicide by hanging on a banyan tree in front of the house. As the Pattar had an unnatural death in front of the house, to avoid any kind of difficulties to family and family members, the family started to perform the theyyam of Pattar. The ...

Ottakolam is a powerful theyyam that is performed during the annual Kaliyattam and thira festival in certain temples and kavu in Kannur and Kasargod regions of Kerala. As per information, the Ottakolam is performed by Bhagavan Vishnu (Narasimha Moorthi). The story of Ottakolam is associated with jealousy of Agni or fire god. Bhagavan Vishnu took the avatar of Narasimha and annihilated demon Hiranyakashipu. All living beings in the universe including Devas showered praise on Bhagavan Vishnu for killing the demon. They were all dancing in joy. Rishi chanted the name of Narayana. The 14 worlds reverberated with Narayana Mantra. Agni, the fire god, did not participate in the celebrations. He also announced that killing of Hiranyakashipu was nothing great and it could have been done by anyone and it need not be celebrated. Bhagavan Vishnu got angry at Agni. To kill the pride of Agni, Vishnu jumped into a sacrificial pit. He then got hold of Agni and thrashed him. Bhagavan Vishnu turned ...

Kuttichathan Theyyam is widely performed during the Theyyam festivals in temples and Kavu in Kannur and Kasargod districts of Kerala. As per ancient history, Kuttichathan was worshipped by 18 Brahmin families. He had magical powers and was very powerful. Kuttichathan Theyyam Story The origin of Kuttichathan Theyyam is traced to Kalakattu family famous for black magic and other Tantric rituals. As per local belief, Kuttichathan was born to Shiva and Goddess Parvati who took the form of Valluvan and Valluvathi. They gave the child to the Namboothiri of Kalakattu family. But the child did not follow Brahmin tradition. He performed all kinds of non-Brahmanical actions. Kuttichathan was brilliant in studies but never listened to his teacher. One day the teacher physically punished him. In anger Kuttichathan killed the teacher and left the place. Later he took up the job grazing the cattle of his house. But one day he killed an ox and drank its blood. Kalakattu Namboothiri who came t...

Munambu Kadavu Arayil Chonnamma temple is located at Munambu near Koyyam in Kannur district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Chonnamma and other related deities commonly worshipped in sacred places in the region. The annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival is held for three days in Malayalam Kumbha Masam – Kumbham 5 to Kumbham 7 (February 17 to Feb 19). The temple has Chathura Sreekovil – square sanctum sanctorum – for various deities. Some deities are worshipped under trees and atop square platforms. Sankranti in every month is of great importance here. The important theyyams that can be witnessed at Munambu Kadavu Arayil Chonnamma temple are Chonnamma Bhagavathi theyyam, Dharma Daivam, Karan theyyam, Puliyoor Kannan theyyam and Thai Paradevatha theyyam.

Onatharu Theyyam is a rare theyyam seen only during the Onam festival period in North Kerala especially in Kannur, Kasaragod and other nearby regions. As per information, this is a male theyyam. As per Onathar Theyyam story he is Bhagavan Vishnu who appears to bless devotees and, in some regions, he is King Bali who visits his subjects. In Kanhangad and Nileshwar region of Kasaragod district, Onathar symbolizes Bhagwan Vishnu. The theyyam is seen as Gopala Krishna nor child form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. However, in certain other regions, Onathaar represents King Mahabali. In these regions, Onathaar arrives on the days of Uthradam and Thiruvonam. Men or boys of Vanna community adorn this theyyam. The theyyam has a unique headgear with a three-headed serpent on it. In certain localities, Onathar theyyam comes to homes from the day of Atham to Thiruvonam. ‘Onavillu’ and ‘Ottachenda’ are played when the theyyam arrives and Onatharu moves to the rhythm of these. Onathar theyyam dresse...

Edavungal Gulikan theyyam kolam ( ഇടുവുങ്കാല്‍ ഗുളികന്‍ ) is a rare theyyam performed during the theyyam – kaliyattam – thira festival in Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala. As per information, Edavungal Gulikan is one among the several types of Gulikan theyyams performed in the tharavadu, kavu and temples in North Kerala. The story of Edavungal Gulikan theyyam is associated with Shiva annihilating Yama, the god of death, to protect Saint Markandeshwara, the ardent devotee of Shiva. With Yama disappeared from the universe there was no death. This caused immense problems in nature. When Shiva realized the mistake, he gave birth to Edavungal Gulikan from the left thumb. He pressed the left thumb of his leg down and Edavungal Gulikan appeared holding Trishul and pasha or rope to tie souls. It is believed that Edavungal Gulikan keeps a track of all the good and bad deeds of a person. The theyyam has a ferocious mask and the body is covered in tender coconut leaves. The theyyam ho...

Ummitta Gulikan theyyam is a rare theyyam and is performed in few sacred places, kavu, tharavadu and temples in Kannur and Kasaragod region of Kerala during the annual thira theyyam and kaliyattam festival. As per information, Ummitta Gulikan does the job of Yama, the Hindu god of death. Ummittagulikan Theyyam story is that of Shiva rescuing Young Markandeya Rishi from the clutches of Yama. In the process, Shiva opens his third eye and burns down Yama into ashes. It is believed that the theyyam shows antics like a mad person. With no death, there was total chaos in the universe. Saints and Devas approached Shiva for a solution, Shiva then produced a divine being by pressing down his left thumb on the ground. This divine being was given the role of Yama and he came to be known as Gulikan. Shiva gave Gulikan a trishul (rident) and kalapasham (rope of death). It is believed that there are 12 different forms of Gulikan and Ummitta Gulikan is one among them. The deity is worshipped to...

Kezhakkekara Gulikan theyyam ( കിഴക്കേക്കര ഗുളികന്‍ ) is a rare theyyam and is performed in few sacred places, kavu, tharavadu and temples in Kannur and Kasaragod region of Kerala during the annual thira theyyam and kaliyattam festival. As per information, Kezhakkekara Gulikan does the job of Yama, the Hindu god of death. Kezhakkekara Gulikan Theyyam story is that of Shiva rescuing Young Markandeya Rishi from the clutches of Yama. In the process, Shiva opens his third eye and burns down Yama into ashes. It is believed that the theyyam shows antics like a mad person. With no death, there was total chaos in the universe. Saints and Devas approached Shiva for a solution, Shiva then produced a divine being by pressing down his left thumb on the ground. This divine being was given the role of Yama and he came to be known as Gulikan. Shiva gave Gulikan a trishul (rident) and kalapasham (rope of death). It is believed that there are 12 different forms of Gulikan and Kezhakkekara Gulikan ...

Pullanthattu Bhagavathi Theyyam kolam ( പൂളന്താറ്റ് ഭഗവതി തെയ്യം   കോലം ) is a rare theyyam performed in numerous kavu, tharavadu, temples and sacred places in Kannur and Kasaragod regions of Kerala. As per information, Pullanthattu Bhagavathy is the fierce manifestation of Goddess Bhagavathi who has just annihilated demon Darika. As per Pullanthattu Bhagavathi 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 a tharavadu and found a place of worship. She blesses devotees in this form. Pullanthattu Bhagavathy Theyyam is worshipped to overcome health issues, peace, prosperity and desire fulfillment. It is widely believed that she ...

Kumbhakkodi Chamundi theyyam ( കുമ്പക്കൊടി ചാമുണ്ഡി തെയ്യം ) is a ferocious theyyam performed in few holy places in Kasaragod and Kannur region of Kerala during annual Kaliyattam thira festival. As per information, Kumbhakkodi Chamundi this is a ferocious Mother Goddess form (Goddess Bhagavathy) especially of one who has annihilated Chanda and Munda who was given a place to satisfy her so that she will not harm people, their property and livestock. Kumbhakodi Chamundi theyyam story is that of her causing disturbance in a region with her supernatural powers and blood thirstiness. She is given a proper place in a kavu and a theyyam is annually performed so that she will not harm people and other living beings.  It is also believed that Mahadeva Shiva performed a yajna and from it appeared seven different types of Chamundi that was deputed to help Goddess Kali in fighting against the demons. These seven Chamundi are worshipped under different names in various sacred places in Kannur...

Kareendran Daivam theyyam ( കരീന്ദ്രന്‍ ദൈവം ) is a unique and rare theyyam performed during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in Kasaragod region of Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is associated with Shiva and Goddess Parvati taking the form of tiger and tigress respectively and give birth to five children. The story of Kareendran Daivam is associated with this incident. This theyyam can be witnessed at Mora Shree Ivar Bhagavathi temple at Pernadka in Kasaragod district on March 8 or March 9. The vellattam of Kareendran Daivam kickstarts the annual festival in the temple.

ബാലി ദൈവം തെയ്യം . മഹാബലവാനായ കിഷ് ‌ കിന് ‌ ധാ രാജാവ് ‌ ബാലി തന്നെയാണ് ‌ നിടുബാലിയന്‍ തെയ്യമായി കെട്ടിയാടിക്കപ്പെട്ടുന്നത് ‌. അരുണ സ് ‌ ത്രീയില്‍ ദേവേന്ദ്രന്റെ മകനായി പിറന്നവനാണു ബാലി . തന്നോടു നേരിട്ട് ‌ യുദ്ധം ചെയ്യുന്ന എതിരാളിയുടെ പകുതി ശക് ‌ തി തന്നിലേക്ക് ‌ വന്നു ചേരുമെന്നു വരം നേടിയ ബാലിയെ വെല്ലാന്‍ പോന്നൊരാൾ ഭൂമീയിലുണ്ടായിരുന്നില്ല . മഹിഷവേഷം പുണ്ടുവന്ന അസുരൻ്റെ ശിരസ്സ് ‌ കരം കൊണ്ട് ‌ പറിച്ചെറിഞ്ഞപ്പോള്‍ അത് ‌ ചെന്നു വീണ മാതംഗാശ്രമത്തിലെ മഹർഷി ആ മലയില്‍ ചെന്നാല്‍ തല പൊട്ടിത്തെറിക്കുമെന്ന് ബാലിയെ ശപിച്ചു . അങ്ങനെ ബാലികേറാ മലയുണ്ടായി . ബാലിവൃത്താന്തമറിഞ്ഞ് ‌ ബാലിയുമായി പോരിനു വന്ന രാവണനെ തന്റെ വാലില്‍ പന്തീരാണ്ടു കൊല്ലം കെട്ടിയിട്ട് ‌ ഈരേഴുലകവും ബാലി കാണിക്കുന്നു . സ്വന്തം സഹോദരനായ സുഗ്രീവനുമായുള്ള പോരിനിടയില്‍ ശ്രീരാമബാണമേറ്റാണ് ‌ ബാലി മരിക്കുന്നത് ‌. രാമഭക് ‌ തനായ തന്നെ വധിക്കുന്നതെന്തിനാണെന്നു ചോദിച്ച ബാലിക്ക് ലോകമുള്ളിടത്തോളം കാലം ഭൂമിയില്‍ വാഴ് ‌ ത്തപ്പെടുമെന്ന് ‌ ഭഗവാന്‍ അനുഗ്രഹം നല്‍കി . മോക്ഷം നേടി ദൈവക്കര...

Vadakkevalappil Chamundi theyyam ( വടക്കേവളപ്പില്‍ ചാമുണ്ഡി തെയ്യം ) is a ferocious theyyam performed in few holy places in Kasaragod and Kannur region of Kerala during annual Kaliyattam thira festival. As per information, Vadakke Valappil Chamundi this is a ferocious Mother Goddess form (Goddess Bhagavathy) especially of one who has annihilated Chanda and Munda who was given a place to satisfy her so that she will not harm people, their property and livestock. Vadakkevalappil Chamundi theyyam story is that of her causing disturbance in a region with her supernatural powers and blood thirstiness. She is given a proper place in a kavu and a theyyam is annually performed so that she will not harm people and other living beings. It is also believed that Mahadeva Shiva performed a yajna and from it appeared seven different types of Chamundi that was deputed to help Goddess Kali in fighting against the demons. These seven Chamundi are worshipped under different names in various sacred plac...

Vennakkal Bhagavathy Theyyam kolam is a rare theyyam seen during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur region of Kerala. As per information this is a fierce manifestation of Goddess Bhagavathy. As per Vennakkal Bhagavathy theyyam story, the Goddess after annihilating the demons makes her presence felt in a tharavadu. The elderly member of the tharavadu gives the Goddess a place of worship. To keep the Goddess in a peaceful state and to get her blessings a theyyam is performed annually. Vennakkal Bhagavathy Theyyam kolam is annually performed on March 29 at Maloor Erattengal Vennakkal Bhagavathy temple in Kannur district, Kerala.

Malaveerathi theyyam is a rare theyyam performed during the annual theyya thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur and Kasaragod region of Kerala. As per information, Mala Veerathi is a female theyyam and is a hunter deity and belongs to the Adivasi or forest dwelling community. This is one among the Maladaiva theyyam kolangal. As per Malaveerathi theyyam story, she performed selfless sacrifice while defending against evil forces. She got killed and became a daivakkar. To honor her sacrifice and to get her blessings a theyyam is performed annually. Malaveerathi Theyyam is performed at Karuvacheri Kuttyattu Sree Thondachan Devasthanam Temple near Payyanur on April 21 noon time (Medam 8). It is a very rare theyyam and is seen along with Malaveeran, Bhagavati, Pottan theyyam etc.

Kumberamoorthi Theyyam is a very rare theyyam seen during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur region of Kerala. As per information the theyyam is part of Maladaivangal or the deities that reside in the forested mountains, they have various kinds of magical powers and can be used for both good and evil purposes. The story of Kumbera Moorthi is that of the semi divine appearing in various guise in the region. He creates havoc by disturbing the peace of the region. Agriculture and livestock are affected due to his actions. He is then given a place of worship. To keep them calm and to get his blessings a theyyam is performed annually. Kumberamoorth theyyam kolam is performed at Karuvacheri Kuttyattu Sree Thondachan Devasthanam Temple near Payyanur on April 21 noon (Medam 8).

Malaveeran theyyam is a rare theyyam performed during the annual theyya thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur and Kasaragod region of Kerala. As per information, Mala Veeran is a hunter deity and belongs to the Adivasi or forest dwelling community. This is one among the Maladaiva theyyam kolangal. As per Malaveeran theyyam story, he performed selfless sacrifice while defending against evil forces. He became a daivakkaru and gets killed. To honor his sacrifice and to get his blessings a theyyam is performed annually. Malaveeran Theyyam is performed at Karuvacheri Kuttyattu Sree Thondachan Devasthanam Temple near Payyanur on April 21 noon time (Medam 8). It is a very rare theyyam and is seen along with Malaveerathi, Pottan theyyam etc.

Kottilettukooottam Mantra Moorthy Theyyam is a very rare theyyam seen during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur region of Kerala. As per information these are Mantra Moorthigal, they have various kinds of magical powers and can be used for both good and evil purposes. The story of Kottilettukooottam Mantra Moorthigal theyyam is that of the semi divine appearing in various guise in the region. He creates havoc by disturbing the peace of the region. Agriculture and livestock are affected due to his actions. He is then given a place of worship. To keep them calm and to get his blessings a theyyam is performed annually. Kottilettukooottam Mantra Moorthi is performed at Karuvacheri Kuttyattu Sree Thondachan Devasthanam Temple near Payyanur on April 21 early morning hours (Medam 8).