Kathivanur Veeran

Kathivanur Veeran
KathivannurVeeran is performed on the memory of a great warrior named mandhappan. He was born to a Thiyya family in Mangad near Thaliparamba. Kumarachan of Methalliyillam and his wife Chakkiyamma had no children. The couples made offerings to Chuzhali goddess and Mandhappan was born. Even though he became a grownup youth he was not ready to leave his habit of playing silly games. Kumarachan became disappointed and asked Mandhappan to giveup his habits and to do some job. But Mandhan continued his anarchist way of life, by refusing to do any job. Oneday Kumarachan broke Mandhan's bow and arrow and threw it out. This incident made Mandhappan very angry, he left his native and went to coorg, where his uncle residing. There he got a warm welcome and uncle gave half of his properties to Mandhan. On his aunts advice Mandhappan started a business of oil there. One day he saw a girl taking bath in the river, she was Chemmarathi being attracted with her beauty Mandhan married her. At that time kutakas started a war against malayalans. Mandhan and his friends participated in that war and defeated kutakas. But unfortunately he have lost one of his finger and ring on it, Mandhan returned to the battle field to get back his ring, enemies saw him coming alone and killed him. Chemmarathi killed herself by jumping in to mandhappan's funeral pyre. For the performance of Kathivanur Veeran great excellence is needed in the martial art of Kalaripayattu.

Vayanat Kulavan

Vayanat Kulavan
Vayanatt kulavan can be considered as one of the most furious and acrobatic theyyams which are performed. Theyyam is usually performed with a bit of holy alcohol called Toddy. Vayanatt Kulavan is believed to be originated when Lord Shiva and Parvathi took the form of Hunters. The tale of origin is associated with Lord Shiva and Parvathy. Once they were travelling through forest called madhuvanam. Lord Shiva used to intake the toddy that used to drip from the trees (During those days, toddy used to drip from the bottom of the trees). Parvathy disliked this habit. One day when Shiva went for the intake, he found that the toddy which used to drip from the bottom had gone upwards. This agitated him. Shiva became furious. This trick was, in fact, done by Parvathy Devi. In order to fetch the toddy, Shiva created a divine person, by tapping on his thigh. This divine person is considered as the son of Shiva, That is Vayanatu kulavan. Vayanat Kulavan brought toddy to Shiva. Lord Shiva had warned him not to drink the toddy ("madhu"/intoxicating divine nectar) that Lord Shiva had stored in the forest. Vayanat Kulavan could not control his greed and looked into the vat of "madhu". When he did so he was blinded in both eyes. Later Lord Shiva gave him two silver eyes. Therefore the Theyyam of Vayanat Kulavan performs what is known as the "Manangi aattam" where the performer wears a pair of silver eyes.In the "Manangi aattam" the theyyam holds a lighted bunch of coconut fronds and performs a slow dance, bending over and waving the light in front of his eyes as if looking for a way. This ritual is performed in the wee hours of the morning and is simply beautiful. This theyyam generally has white hair and a big white and red hairdress. The Vayanat Kulavan theyyam is held yearly at the Nambiar Makkuni Tharawad at Azhikode and the Nambiar tharavad, Vediyera Chandroth of Kuttiyatoor, Kannur. The Vayanat Kulavan Theyyam is also performed in an elaborate manner in Kasaragod district. Thiyyas consider Vayantttu Kulavan as their 'Thondachan' (elder member of the family). In 2008 the Vayanat Kulavan Theyyamket Mahotsavam was held in a certain Pattayil Tharavadu. It will always be remembered as a huge step in the direction of communal harmony. Hindus and Muslims both participated in the arrangements for the festival with great enthusiasm.

Manakkott Amma

Manakkott Amma
Manakott was a powerful Nair tharavadu (household in Nileswar. Once there lived a woman who restrained herself from the stringent rules of caste system that existed at that time. She was educated and wanted to challenge the system. While she was carrying a child, she broke the caste law by drinking water from a pot made of areca nut leaf being used by an outcast. Annoyed by this incident the head of the family killed her. The murder of a pregnant woman created a lot of problems in the Tharavadu and it finally ceased to exist. Later the villagers came to the conclusion that the assassinated woman must have emerged as a Goddess who they called Manakkott Amma. Her Theyyam is performed every year in the Vairajathan Temple, Malappacherry in Nileshwar in the month of April.

Perum Kaliyattam

Perum KaliyattamIn some Kavus the Theyyam festival is conducted at intervals of 12 or more years. These kinds of festivals are known as Perumkaliyattam. In 2008, Perumkaliyattams were celebrated in temples such as Ramanthali Muchilot Kavu, Kalayikode Muchilot Kavu and Mandur Padinjatta Thiruvarkat Bhagavathy Temple. From 19 to 24 February 2008 Perumkaliyattam was held in Kenamangalam Kazhakam, Pallikkera near Nileshwar.

Padikutti Amma

Padikutti AmmaPadikuttiyamma is believed to be the mother of God Muthappan. She is believed to have taken care of Muthappan for years. She was given the status of goddess when Muthappan became god. The Theyyam Padikutti Amma has been performed in the famous Palaprath Temple, at Kodallur. Kodallur is a place near Parassini Kadavu that attained fame as a result of the performances of the Padikutti Amma Theyyam in the Malayalam month of Meenam every year. Sree Padikkutti Mahadevi Temple is a famous temple of Padikutti Amma at Eruvessi.

Guligan

GuliganGulikan is a local form of the Hindu god of death, called Yama. Gulikan in Hindu scriptures are credited as the most important warrior of lord Shiva. The intricate and fascinating dance steps of Gulikan stands apart from that of the other Theyyams. It is generally believed that everyone including the gods are afraid to look at Gulikan. On one occasion, Shiva was walking with his wife Parvati who expressed to Shiva her fear of looking at Gulikan. In a rage, Shiva turned to Gulikan and threw him to the ground. This is sometimes enacted during the performance of a Gulikan theyyam. In every Kaliyattam, the performance of Guligan Theyyam is inevitable. Among the Guligan Kavus, the most famous and most powerful one is situated at Nileshwar popularly known as the Benkanakavu [Venganakavu]. The prosperity of the people in the neighbouring places is believed to be on account of the presence of the God Guligan in Benkanakavu.

Vishnumoorthi

Vishnumoorthi The performance of Vishnumoorthi Theyyam includes complicated rites and rituals. It is the most popular part of the Vaishnava Theyyam. The reverberations of the drumbeats can be heard from very far distances.

This fascinating piece narrates the story of Palanthai Kannan, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. The Vishnumoorthi Theyyam in ottakkolam (only one kolam) enters the pyre. The act is called Agnipravesham. The devotees stand around him with prayers. Four people take kayar [rope] from Vishnumoorthi and become Kayattukar. Their duty is to protect agricultural land from cattle. With the kayar [rope] and vadi [rod] they roam the area from Karyamkode to Thalachai and catch cattle with the rope or drive them away using the rod.

CHOLIYAR BHAGAVATHI

Chooliyar Bhagavathi is an aspect of the powerful goddess Bhadrakali, the goddess who killed the demon Darikan.

GULIKAN

Gulikan is a god of many moods. Depending on his perceived character, which can be different in different shrines, he may be conceived of either as an unpredictable god, demanding wary respect, or as a prankster.

PALOTTU DAIVAM

Palottu Daivam represents Lord Vishnu's second incarnation in the matsya, fish form. His myth tells of two local men finding Vishnu's golden crown floating close to the nearby seashore and the resulting decision to honor the god with a Theyyam.

Bhairavan Theyyam

         Bhairavan theyyam is associated with Yogis.Bhairavan is believed to have originated from Lord Shiva. But once, this Shiva's creation disturbed the Devas and Shiva cursed him to become a tree. This tree was called Dhamana Tree. Later Shiva himself freed him from curse and was incarnated.
Another history of Bhairavan is that it was created by Shiva for finishing the pride and ego of Bhrahma.Usually Bhairavan theyyam is performed by artists from Malayan Caste, Paanan Caste and Pulaya Caste.The Bhairavan theyyam performed by Paanan caste has a different Story. Its associated with a historical story from the Tamil literature. Once there was a society called Cheruthandan Madam.Cheeralan was a long awaited kid for his parents. He was a boon given to his parents after numerous prayers.But there was an agreement between his parents and the God that, the kid has to be offered for the Pooja and "Cooked" and served as food for the Yogis when he become 7 years old. As per the rule, the parents offered him for the Pooja and eight Bhairavans originated from the fire in which Cheeralan was offered.
Another Variation in the story is that, Cheeralan was made into different dishes/curry and offered to Yogi. Before having the dishes, Yogis enquired, where is Cheeralan. Parents depicted the whole story. Yogis asked mother of Cheeralan to serve them the food and call Cheeralan by looking at the dishes. Thus yogi Bhairavan and Aadhi Bhairavan took birth. Theyyam of Bhairavan is a treat to watch, with its glass studded headgear. Another significance of this theyyam is its typical eye coverings.

Kuttichathan Theyyam

Kuttichathan is a widely acclaimed theyyam throughout Kerala.
Kuttichathan is the theyyam of Bhrahmin caste. Kuttichathan theyyam is considered to be originated for Lord Shiva in Vishnu Maaya. Though there are lot of chathans known, three of them are prominent and standout from the rest. They are Karim Kuttichathan, Poo Kuttichathan and Thee Kuttichathan.
Karim Kuttichathan is believed to be part of Vishnu and Thee Kuttichathan part of Lord Shiva.
Its widely believed that Kuttichathan would carryout any kind of wish to those who make chathan happy through continuous prayer from the heart.
The naughty character and the famour Chathan Throw(Chathan Er) is also widely popular.
There were lot of black magicians even in Kerala who were blessed and assisted by Kuttichathan.
There was a very famous Bhrahman society in a place called Porakunn near to Payyannur in Kannur District of Kerala. It was called Kaala katt Mana.
Kuttichathan theyyam is deeply associated with Kaalakatt Mana and thus its also known by the name Kaalakatt Kuttichathan.
The childless couple in Kaalakatt family was blessed with kid which they called Kuttichathan. Its considered that Lord Shiva and Parvathy, once became valluvan and valluvathy and the kid was born for them during that time.
He started displaying characters not characteristics of Bhrahmin kid when he grew up.
Extremely quick to grasp and never obeyed any of the teachers.
One of the teachers who go angry at Kuttichathan was immediately killed by Kuttichathan. He left the school right on that day.Once he even killed a cow and drank its blood. His activities were so out of control that the elders in Kaalakatt family one day killed Kuttichathan. But Kuttichathan didnt die.They made him into 390 small pieces and put him into 21 different fire created for Homa.
But to their dismay, lot of Kuttichathan got generated from each of the fire.
Each of the Kuttichathan performed fire dance and burnt Kaala Katt Illam and all the related areas of Kaala katt Illam. Chathan took its destructuve form and created a lot of havoc in the area. Namboodiri and others in society decided to consider chathan as devine and perform him in the form of Theyyam. Thus Kuttichathan became a theyyam. Eminent artist called Chala Perumalayan was the first one to perform Kuttichathan as theyyam.
Kuttichathan is performed every year in Kaala kaatt Illam. Another place where Kuttichathan is performed is Chaalora, in kannur district of Kerala.
There are lot of tales that mentions the strength of Chathan.
Once an elder in Kaala Katt Illam who was a Namboodiri, went to Calicut and there he thought about getting some coconut oil for his temple. He went to a Sett's shop and asked for some coconut oil. Sett asked if he has a vessel to take home the coconut oil. Namboodiri said that the only thing he has bought with him is his towel. Sett in a mocking tone said, then take coconut oil in that.
Namboodiri prayed Chathan and agreed to this. Sett started pouring oil and not a single drop seeped through. Meanwhile the oil vessel in Chalora illam got filled with coconut oil. Thus sett was defeated.
Kuttichathan is considered to do anything who pray him. But for those who do not do the prayers in a proper way, the effect would be reverse.
Lines in the Thottam of Kuttichathan also emphasis this fact that Kuttichathan originated from Homa Kunda. But the Thottam mentions that chathan is not as problematic as its usually believed.

Sree Muthappan and Dogs

Sree Muthappan and Dogs

Sree Muthappan is always accompanied by a dog. Dogs are considered sacred here and one can see dogs in large numbers in and around the temple.
You can see two bronze carved dogs at the entrance of the temple to symbolise the trustworthiness of bodyguards of God. When the prasad is ready it is first served to a dog that is always ready inside the temple.

Local legends enhance the importance of dogs to Sree Muthappan, one such story is as follows:
A few years back temple authorities decided to reduce the number of dogs inside the temple, they took some dogs and puppies away. Surprisingly from that very day, the performer of the Sree Muthappan Theyyam was unable to perform (it is said that the sprit of Sree Muthappan enters his body and the performer becomes God till the theyyam performance is finished). Since the dogs was taken away from the temple, Sree Muthappan does not enter the theyyam performer’s body. Knowing this, the Dogs were bought back to the temple. From that day onwards theyyam performance was as usual.

Another Story

Another Story

As a boy, Muthappan was rebellious. He was a great hunter and would skin the animals that he killed and wear their skins as clothes. One day, he came across a coconut tree that was being tapped for toddy, the liquor fermented from coconut sap. He climbed the tree and emptied the jar that was holding the toddy. When the toddy tapper returned and saw Muthappan, he immediately challenged him. Muthappan turned the man to stone for daring to address such a powerful god in this manner. During performances of Muthappan theyyam, the performer consumes the toddy liquor and passes it around to the spectators. Hence, Muthappan “breaks” the temple rules by allowing alcohol into temple grounds.

Story of Muthappan

Story of Muthappan

The Naduvazhi (landlord) Ayyankara Illath Vazhunnavar was unhappy as he had no child. His wife Padikutty Antharjanam was a devotee of Lord Shiva. She offered several things as sacrifice to the God Shiva. One day in her dream she saw the Lord. The very next day while she was returning after a bath from a near by river saw a pretty child lying in a flower bed. She took the child home and brought him up as her own son.
The boy used to visit the jungle near by their house (mana)for hunting with his bow and arrows. He would take food with the poor and with the backward communities. As these acts were against the Namboothiri way of life, his parents earnestly requested him to stop this practice. But the boy turned a deaf ear to their warnings. Ayyankara Vazhunavar became very disappointed.
One day the boy went to his parents and shown his parents his divine form (visvaroopam) with bow and arrow and fiery eyes. His parents understood that the boy was not an ordinary child but a God. They prostrated in front of him and ‘He’ blessed them.
The God started journey from Ayyankara. The natural beauty of the Kunnathoor stopped him from his journey. He was attracted by the toddy of palm trees.

Chandhan (name of a toddy tapper who was illiterate and uncivilized knew of his toddy being stolen from his palm trees every day. So he thought of guarding his palm trees. While he was keeping guard at night, an old man was found stealing toddy from his palms. He got very angry and tried to shoot the old man using his bow and arrow. While he was about to aim an arrow at him, he fell unconscious.
Chandan’s wife who came there seeking for her husband saw him lying unconscious. She cried broken heartedly. When she looked up she saw an old man at the top of the palm tree, she called “MUTHAPPA ” (as if addressed to a grandfather, Muthappan means grand father in Malayalam language). She earnestly prayed to God to save her husband. Before long chandhan regained consciousness.
She offered boiled grams, slices of coconut, burnt fish and toddy to the Muthappan (Even today in Sree Muthappan temples the divotees are being offered boiled grams and slices of coconut). She sought benediction from him. Muthappa choose Kunnathoor as his residence at the request of Chandhan, this is the famous Kunnathoor padi.
After spending some years at Kunnathoor Sree Muhtappa decided to get more favorable place as his residence so that he could fulfill his aim of reincarnation. He shot an arrow up ward from Kunnathoor. The shaft reached at Parassini where the famous Parassini Temple resides now. The arrow which was emitting glow from the Theertha (sacred water ) near the temple was received with evotion and placed on the altar of the temple. Since then lord Muthappan is considered as residing at Parassinikkadavu.

Sree Muthappan Theyyam

Sree Muthappan is a Hindu deity worshipped commonly in Kannur district of north Kerala state, South India . Muthappan and Thiruvappan, are considered to be a manifestation of Shiva and Vishnu , and hence Muthappan wholly represents the idea of Brahman , the unity of God, as expressed in the Vedas .
Worship of Muthappan is unique, in that it does not follow the Sattvic (Brahminical) form of worship, as in other Hindu temples. The main mode of worship is not via idol worship, but via a ritual enactment of Muthappan, performed daily at the Parassini Kadavu temple. Fish is used as an offering to Muthappan, and people of all castes, religions and nationalities are permitted to enter the temple and take part in the worship.
Muthappan is also the principal deity in the ritualistic Theyyam dance ( Muthappan Theyyam ) performed in the famous Parassinikkadavu temple . The ritual performers of Muthappan Theyyam belong to the tribal community of Kerala. It is unique because in Kerala both the upper-caste Brahmins, and the lower-caste tribals, both have a significant contribution to the major forms of worship