Theyyam








Theyyam (Malayalam: തെയ്യം‍) or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu area (consisting of present-day Kasargod, Kannur Districts, Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad and Vadakara & Koyilandy Taluks of Kozhikode of Kerala state. As a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all the castes and classes of the Hindu religion in this region. The performers of Theyyam belong to the lower class community, and have an important position in Theyyam. This is unique, since only in Kerala, do both the upper-caste Brahmins and lower-caste tribals share an important position in a major form of worship. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of Devam or God. People of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from this Theyyam. A similar custom is followed in the Tulu Nadu region of neighbouring Karnataka known as Bhuta Kola































Sunday, September 25, 2011

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.

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