Theyyam

In Kerala and Karnataka, Theyyam ( Teyyam , Theyyattam)  is a traditional ritual form of dance worship. Theyyam is a collection of traditions, ceremonies, and customs that date back thousands of years. The people of these districts regard Theyyam as a conduit to a god, and they pray to It for favours. There are around 456 different varieties of Theyyam. Males conduct Theyyam, except for the Devakoothu Theyyam, which is the only Theyyam rite done by women. Thekkumbad Kulom temple is the only place where Deva Kuthu is performed. Theyyam is mostly practised in the North Malabar region of Kerala. 

Theyyam

The epic tales of Kerala are regularly repeated through art forms. It is here that our legends are truly brought to life. Theyyam is a well-known ritual art form from North Kerala that brings the epic tales of our state to life. Dance, mime, and music are all part of it. It glorifies the beliefs of ancient tribes who placed a high value on the worship of warriors and ancestors’ spirits. The ceremonial dance is accompanied by a chorus of Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal, and Vee Kuchinda musical instruments. There are about 400 unique Theyyams, each with its melody, style and choreography. Raktha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu Kulaven, Gulikan, and Potter are the most well-known. Each artist personifies a powerful hero. Heavy make-up and extravagant costumes are worn by the performers. The headgear and jewellery are truly magnificent, inspiring awe and astonishment in the wearer. Many temples in Kannur and Kasaragod host Theyyam performances from December to April. In North Malabar, Theyyams have performed annually (Kaliyattam) and draw large crowds in  Nileswaram, Karivalloor, Cherukunnu, Kurumathoor , Ezhome, and Kunnathurpadi.

Types Of Theyyams

There are many types of Theyyams. Listed below are some of the types of Theyyam. 

• Theyyam Sree Muthappan 

On the left, Thiruvappana or Valiya Muttapan (Vishnu), and on the right, Vellatom or Cheriya Muttapan (Shiva).

The Thiruvappana or Valiya Muttapan (Vishnu) and the Vellatom or Cheriya Muttapan (Vishnu) are the personifications of two divine deities in the Muthappan theyyam (Shiva). Muthappan Theyyam is unique among theyyams in that it is performed throughout the year. Another theyyam dedicated to Muthappan is Muthappan Anthithira. It is unique in that it is only performed once in each of the Muthappan temples.

• Vishnumoorthi

It’s the most widely practised Vaishnava Theyyam. The story of Hiranyakashipu’s death by Lord Vishnu in his avatar of Narasimham is told and performed in this theyyam. Vishnumoorthi is also known as ‘Narasimha Moorthi,’ which means ‘half-man, the half-lion avatar of Vishnu.’

• Amma Padikutti

Padikuttiyamma is Muthapan’s mother, according to legend. The Padikutti Amma Theyyam is conducted in the Palaprat Temple in Kadalur, Meenam, near ParassiniKadavu (a Malayalam month).

• Bhagavathy Padamadakki

It takes place at the Koroth Temple. According to mythology, the Nileswarr Raja pleaded to the goddess for assistance against the invading army from Karnataka, and Devi responded by sending Padamadakki Bhagavathy. The attacking army fell unconscious upon viewing the Padamadakki Bhagavathy, and the conflict was avoided.

• Chamundi Madayil

Chamundi is the same Kali who slaughtered the Chandamundans and then stood up and drank the Raktabija Asura’s blood without collapsing. Because she is covered in blood, Chamundi is also known as ‘Rakta Chamundi’ and ‘Rakteshwari.’ Kali is claimed to have pursued the savages into the underworld and fought with them. Because he went to the underworld, it is known as ‘Pathalamoorthy’ and ‘Madayil Chamundi.’ [10]

To defeat the demons Chandan and Mundan, Chamundi is a form of Durga Bhagavathy. Raktha Chamundi is another name for the goddess who kills the demon RakthaBijasura.

This goddess, also known as Kundora Chamundi, Kundadi Chamundi, and Kundoor Chamundi, is the image of Kali, the god who murdered Darikasura. Velanmar constructed this theyyam.

History of Theyyam

Theyyam has a rich and illustrious history. “There can be little doubt,” Bridget and Raymond Alchin assert, “that a significant portion of this present folk religion is quite ancient and contains elements that date back to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods of colonisation and expression.” Vettakkorumakan, Vishnumoorthy Theyyam , Muchilot Bhagavathi, and Sree Muthappan are only a few of the 400 forms of Theyyam. The historical record Keralolpathi discusses the origins of the ceremonial art of Theyyam. The people of the North Malabar region were granted festivals such as Kaliyattam, Puravela, and Daivatam or Theyyattam by Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu who stopped the encroaching sea to save the country of Kerala. Kaliyattam gave birth to Theyyam. The obligation for performing the Theyyam was delegated to indigenous tribal communities. Malayar, Pana, Vannan, and Velan were among these tribes. The Sangam literature mentions Velan, one of the Theyyam dancers. Velan was said to be used by the mothers of love-lorn girls to evict the evil spirits from their daughters, according to Sangam legend. 

Conclusion

When you dig deep into the study as part of this investigation, you’ll find plenty of material about theyyam performances and mother worship. It is an important/main and well-known ritual art festival in Northern Kerala. The unique feature of which is that it is a living cult. Theyyam is a well-known ritual/custom art form from North Kerala that brings the epic/history stories of our state to life. Dance, mime, and music are all part of it. It glorifies the beliefs of ancient tribes who placed a high value on the worship/prayer of heroes and ancestors’ spirits.