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































Friday, February 24, 2012

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.

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