Theyyam - Kerala
North Kerala has 400 different varieties of Theyyam. Throughout the region of Northern Kerala, there are numerous shrines dedicated to each of them. The majority of shrines are dedicated to the goddesses, who serve as the clans' primary deities. They can be categorized as heroines, village ruler goddesses, goddesses of disease, goddesses of grain fields, and goddesses who destroy enemies. Hero's forefathers Theyyams, Theyyams that favour hunting, and Mantra Moorthi are the other categories of Theyyams.
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Heroe's Forefathers
The believers view famous warriors and men with special abilities as heroes. After passing away, Kadivanoorvveran, Kannik korumakan, Kudiveeran, Vayanattu Kulavan, Karinthiri nayar, Vishakandan, Kandanar Kelan, Kanaman, Thuluveeran, Perumpuzha Achan, and Kari Gurukkal become deities (Theyyam). Kuttisasthan, Padarkulan Veeran, Patarveeran, Vellur Kurikkal, Koragathaniyan, Sreekanthan, Kallidil Kannamman, Kandamath Kannamman, etc. are some examples belong to this category.
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Heroines
Villagers revere as goddesses in their own shrines women who have displayed tremendous bravery and amazing feats in their own lives. Some of these include Kelankulangara Bhagavathi, Kadangottu Makkam, Thotumkara Bhagavathi, Vannathi Bhagavathi, and Maniyara Unnanga. People think that by participating in this worship, followers would get the strength needed to overcome whatever challenges they may face in life.
Animal Shaped Theyyam
Gods will disguise themselves when mankind engages in bad thoughts and deeds. It is said that various gods have taken the forms of a monkey, leopard, lion, and pig. The Pulitheyyams include Puliyoorkali , Puliyoor Kannan, Pullikkarinkali, Kalappuli, and Puimakal. They have ritual dance and shape that resembles leopards. According to tradition, Siva and Parvathi gave birth to Pulipooram on Earth (animal leopard). Neduvalian Theyyam is yet another creature like God. The clan god of the Vishwakarma Community is the Bali Theyyam.
Theyyam, Shagil Kannur; c.2021; Wikimedia (Image source)
Manthra Moorthi Theyyam
There are specific Theyyams that appear before worshippers and bestow blessings on them. If there is any error in the Mantram, he should be chastised; otherwise, he would be presented with strong strength. This can only be accomplished via continual Mantra Japam (ritualistic uttering of the god's name). Manthra Moorthi Theyyams include Pulapottan, Kurathi, Bhairavan, Kuttichathan, Uchitta, Gulikan, Karival Amma, and Dooma Bjagavathi. There are numerous shrines dedicated to these Theyyams in northern Kerala.
Hunting Gods
Theyyams are thought to assist hunters in large numbers. The sacred weapons of these religions are the bow and arrows. Before beginning to hunt, our ancestors used to pray and make offerings. Kulavan Vayanattu Hunting gods include Vishnumoorthi, Veerambinar, Sree Muthapan, Puthichon Theyyam, Malappilan, Pooloon, and Vettechekon, among others.
