Where Gods Walk Among Us: World of Theyyam with Moksha Stories Part 1

In the land of North Kerala, Theyyams transcend the role of mere gods adorned in magnificent costumes and face paintings, they represent gods that were chosen to uplift the societal norms, gods that are accessible.

Discover the world of Theyyam in this blog with Moksha Stories.

Picture this: masked deities emerging like shadows, their presence demanding the spotlight as they groove to the beats of age-old stories.

But hold up, Theyyam isn’t just a performance—it’s a pass to a world where every move, every chant, spills the secrets of centuries past.

This isn’t your ordinary art form, folks. It’s a cosmic encounter with gods, a meet-and-greet with local legends, or just a front-row seat to a spectacle that’ll have your jaw on the floor.

The beauty of Theyyam is as diverse as its 400 variations performed in Kerala alone. Choosing these cultural icons for your bucket list? Well, that’s where we dive in with the inside scoop.

Buckle up for a series by Moksha Stories, that’ll take you away on a journey through North Kerala’s cultural tapestry, revealing the most unique and mind-blowing Theyyams that deserve a spot on your must-see list.

Ready for a dance with tradition? Stay put until the very end!

Exploring the Spectrum of Theyyams:

Theyyam isn’t just a performance, it’s a gateway. The word itself, echoing the Malayalam “Daivam” (god), hints at its transformative power.

Forget actors; here, performers shed their human skin and become living vessels for the divine, adorned in intricate body art and empowered by sacred rituals.

Witnessing this profound union of artist and deity is the very lifeblood of Theyyam’s magic, leaving audiences spellbound.

But before we embark on this fascinating journey, let’s unpack the rich tapestry of Theyyam’s diversity. Over 400 unique “Theyyakkolams” (ritual forms) exist, each a vibrant gem in this cultural treasure trove.

To truly appreciate their brilliance, we’ll explore four key categories:

Bhagavathi Theyyam: Brace yourself for the multifaceted Goddess! These Theyyams celebrate Bhagavathi, the divine feminine, in all her captivating forms.

Saiva Vaishnava Theyyam: Buckle up for a mythological thrill ride! Immerse yourself in the epic sagas of Lord Vishnu, his avatars, and their celestial battles against malevolent forces.

Manushika Theyyam: Forget celestial beings; here, humanity takes center stage! These Theyyams celebrate the extraordinary within the ordinary, honoring the valor and struggles of human heroes and warriors.

Purana Theyyam: Unfurl the ancient scrolls! These Theyyams delve into the wisdom of the Puranas, epic religious texts teeming with stories of creation, gods, and heroes.

Now let us discuss the must watch theyyams of North Kerala!

Blood and Blessings: The Tale of Rakthachamundi Theyyam

In the exciting tale of Raktha Chamundi Theyyam, rooted in Hindu scriptures, the fearsome Goddess Mahakali emerges from Lord Shiva’s fiery gaze to annihilate the Asura siblings, Mahishasuran and Rakthabhijasuran, whose reign of terror terrorized celestial and earthly beings. Armed with divine weapons, Mahakali engages in a fierce battle, ultimately defeating Rakthabhijasuran.

However, his devotion to Lord Shiva grants him a mystical boon—each drop of his blood spawns a new Asura. To counter this, Mahakali summons a fierce goddess who swiftly beheads Rakthabhijasuran and, before his blood can create another threat, consumes every drop with her divine tongue that covers the entire earth.

This blood-soaked triumph leads to the naming of the goddess as Raktha Chamundi, and the ritualistic Theyyam performance, characterized by elaborate costumes and traditional music, unfolds in front of temples and sacred groves, offering blessings and protection to the community and purifying the worshippers in a profound spiritual experience.

Reasons to experience Raktha-Chamundi theyyams?

• A Visual Feast: Immerse yourself in a spectacle of elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and imposing headdresses, each piece telling a story and radiating cultural significance.
• Fierce & Feminine: Witness the captivating duality of Raktha-Chamundi, embodying gentle feminine energy intertwined with fierce power, creating an unforgettable and awe-inspiring performance.
• Dance Like No Other: Be fascinated by intricate dance steps that narrate stories and invoke blessings, often performed alongside sacred pyres, adding depth and cultural significance to the ritual.
• Diverse Deities: Experience the pluralism of Raktha-Chamundi expressions, varying across temples and sacred groves, offering a unique glimpse into the diverse interpretations of this fascinating deity.
• A Photographic gem: Capture the vibrant attire and powerful presence of Raktha-Chamundi, making for stunning and culturally rich photographs you’ll cherish.
• The Community: Rakthachamundi theyyams are performed mainly by the Muvvari communities of North Kerala.

Gulikan Theyyam: When Shiva Got Angry and Created Death!

The story of Gulikan theyyams begins with the saga of Markandeya, a youth destined for a brief 16 years of life. Devoted to Lord Shiva, he challenges Yama’s (god of death) claim at the age of 16 by clutching the sacred Shiva Lingam.

In a celestial clash, Lord Shiva reduces the god of death to ashes, plunging the world into chaos as no living being can meet their end. Responding to the plea of heavenly deities, Lord Shiva births Gulikan, tasked with fulfilling the duties of Yama.

This unique Theyyam becomes intricately woven into the melting pot of human existence, spanning from birth to death, and concludes with a distinctive legacy exclusively performed by the Malaya community, believed to have their prayers favored by Gulikan.

Gulikan Theyyam, with its potent symbolism and attractive visuals, etches an enduring impression on those fortunate enough to witness this divine performance.

The dance encapsulates the cosmic clash between gods, the interplay of life and death, and the enigmatic presence of Gulikan, creating an immersive experience that lingers in the memories of spectators long after the echoes of the sacred performance subside.

Reasons to experience Gulikan theyyams?

• Ladder to the Divine: Witness a 10-foot headdress made of palm leaves, resembling a divine ladder, and a mask that channels Lord Shiva himself.
• Acrobat on Stilts: Watch in awe as the Theyyam defies gravity, balancing on bamboo stilts and performing gravity-defying feats.
• Ash is the New Black: Forget colorful paints! This Theyyam embraces simplicity with just ash smeared on its face, making its presence even more striking.
• Coconut Couture: Witness the beauty of nature as the Theyyam adorns itself with simple yet elegant costumes made from coconut fronds.
• Prankster with a Purpose: Don’t be fooled by the ash and simplicity. This Theyyam is known for its playful pranks, adding a unique twist to the sacred ritual.
• The Community: This mesmerizing performance is brought to life by the Malaya community, keeping ancient traditions alive with every beat of the drum and every flick of the wrist.

To know more about the theyyam experiences offered by Moksha Stories, click here

Betrayal, Battle and Beyond: The Tale of Kathivanoor Veeran Theyyam

In the quaint villages of Northern Malabar, a unique Theyyam known as Kathivanoor Veeran unfolds a tale of bravery that transcends mortality. This extraordinary Theyyam pays homage to a once ordinary human, Mandhappan, who rose to divine status through his courageous deeds.

Mandhappan, born into the Thiyya caste in Mangatt, Kannur, was a lad with a mischievous streak and a penchant for laziness. His antics led to his exile to Kudagu, where he embarked on a solo journey after being deserted by friends. Fate smiled upon him when he found solace with his relatives in Kathivanoor.

In Kathivanoor, Mandhappan’s life took a turn. He honed his skills in martial arts and swordsmanship indulged in selling oils as his livelihood. As the time for marriage approached, he sought the hand of Chemmarathy, a woman who had aided him on his journey. Their union, however, faced challenges, with arguments arising due to Mandhappan’s late returns.

The tranquility of their village was shattered when an army from Kudag attacked. Mandhappan, fueled by determination, decided to join the battlefield. Furious at his decision, Chemmarathy cursed him, predicting his demise. Undeterred, Mandhappan emerged victorious in the fierce battle but returned home missing both his ring and little finger.

Realizing the loss, he resolved to retrieve them, unaware of the danger awaiting him. The defeated Kudag soldiers, resentful and vengeful, plotted his untimely death. Mandhappan, undaunted, marched back into the battlefield.

Tragedy struck, and the unfair means employed by the Kudag soldiers led to Mandhappan’s demise. Chemmarathy, grief-stricken, chose to end her life, joining her husband in the afterlife by leaping into his funeral pyre.

In the midst of this sorrow, a sacred revelation occurred to his uncle through a dream. Mandhappan and Chemmarathy transformed into deities, and thus began the worship of Kathivanoor Veeran Theyyam, immortalized in the sacred realms of Northern Malabar.

Reasons to experience Kathivanoor Veeran?

• Unleashing the fighter: Witness a spectacle that blends art with martial prowess. Kathivanoor Veeran, the embodiment of the Theyyam, isn’t just a dancer, he’s a warrior-king come alive, his movements infused with the power of combat.
• Extraordinary face painting: Forget your average face paint. The “Nakam Thazhthi Ezhuthu” technique used here is an intricate masterpiece, complete with beards and mustaches that add an extra layer of awe to the already electrifying performance.
• Emotionally Deep: Prepare to be swept away by a whirlwind of emotions as the performer portrays a range of feelings, from fiery rage to tender sorrow on “Chemmarathi Thara”, a stage symbolizing his wife giving us a poignant reminder of their tragic end.
• Fire and Fury: Get ready for a visual feast! The fiery stick pandal, representing Mandhappan’s wife Chemmarathy, adds an element of drama and intensity that will leave you speechless.
• Highly photogenic: This is one performance that begs to be captured. With its vibrant colors, dramatic poses, and fiery elements, the Kathivanoor Veeran Theyyam is a photographer’s dream come true.
• The community: Kathivanoor Veeran theyyams are performed by the Thiyya communities of North Kerala.

Beyond Caste and Customs: Sree Muthappan Theyyam

Once upon a time, a childless Namboothiri (brahmins) named Ayyankara Illath Vazhunnavar and his pious wife, Padikutti Antharjanam, yearned for parenthood. Padikutti, a devoted Shiva worshipper, received a divine dream, and the very next day, they found a beautiful child on the riverbank. They named him and raised him with love, unaware of his extraordinary destiny.

But the boy, unlike other Namboothiris, shunned their ways. He reveled in the company of children from all castes, enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, and even relished forbidden meat. When his worried parents confronted him, his true form was revealed – a powerful deity radiating divine light.

The realization shook them to their core. Their son wasn’t just a child, he was Sree Muthappan, an earthly manifestation of Lord Shiva himself! After this, Sree Muthappan embarked on a journey, drawn by the lush, green embrace of Kunnathoor and its swaying toddy palms.

Meanwhile, Chandan, a simple toddy tapper, noticed his palm wine mysteriously disappearing. He decided to stay awake one night, determined to catch the culprit. In the shadows, he saw an old man enjoying his toddy, mistaking him for a thief. He raised his arrow, but before he could shoot, Chandan inexplicably lost consciousness.

His wife, frantic with worry, found him unconscious next to the palm tree. Spotting the old man, she cried out “Muthappa!” (grandfather in Malayalam), pleading for his help. Her heartfelt prayers reached him, and Chandan miraculously awoke.

In gratitude, Chandan’s wife offered him simple food and toddy. Touched by their devotion, Sree Muthappan declared Kunnathoor his abode, and the legendary Kunnathoor Padi became his first temple and later moved to Parassinikadavu.

Thus, the legend of Sree Muthappan, the god who bridges caste divides and accepts offerings of fish and toddy, was born, reminding us that the divine can walk among us in unexpected forms.      

Reasons to experience Sree Muthappan?

• A Legend Unfolds: Immerse yourself in the age-old tales of Sree Muthappan, a revered figure deeply woven into the fabric of North Kerala’s history. Feel the power of tradition as you witness rituals passed down through generations, each step echoing the whispers of the past.
•  Where Community Reigns Supreme: Forget exclusivity, Sree Muthappan welcomes all with open arms. This Theyyam transcends social barriers, uniting people in a vibrant celebration of faith that transcends differences. Witness the true meaning of community as you share this powerful experience with others.
• A Daily Dose of Divine Power: Unlike other Theyyams, Sree Muthappan isn’t just a seasonal event. His blessings flow year-round at the Parassinikadavu temple, offering you the chance to witness the ritual’s magic whenever your spirit calls.
• Where Man’s Best Friend Becomes Sacred: Get ready for a unique twist! In the presence of Sree Muthappan, dogs are held in high regard. Witness the temple adorned with bronze sculptures of these loyal companions, a reminder of the deep connection between humans and animals in this spiritual realm.

From Rebel to Deity: The Legend of Kuttichathan Theyyams

In the heart of Kerala, Kuttichathan Theyyam stands as a captivating symbol of defiance and redemption. Born of the divine union between Shiva and Parvathi, Kuttichathan was entrusted to a childless Namboodiri of the Kalakkatt Illam.

Rebelling against Brahmanical traditions with an inquisitive mind, his defiance led to tragic consequences, as the Namboodiri, consumed by rage, ended his mortal existence.

However, the flames of destruction couldn’t contain Kuttichathan’s mischievous spirit. Rising again, he defied mortal boundaries. In a desperate attempt to quell his influence, the Namboodiri tore Kuttichathan apart and burned his remains.

Yet, from the ashes emerged countless manifestations, each embodying his indomitable spirit. The very Illam that sought to extinguish him was engulfed in flames.

Today, Kuttichathan Theyyam dances in temples, homes, and sacred spaces across Kerala, symbolizing rebellion’s redemption. People seek protection, blessings, and wisdom within his rebellious nature.

Kuttichathan’s enduring legend reminds us that even in adversity, there is room for redemption and transformation, urging us to embrace the extraordinary beyond the confines of tradition.

Reasons to experience Kuttichathan Theyyams?

• The fighter: The Kuttichathan Theyyam stands tall against caste struggles and injustice, a beacon of resistance. He champions the cause of the outcasted, embodying the spirit of rebellion.
• Variety in Kuttichathan Theyyams: With approximately 10 vibrant forms, each one boasts its own flair and character. It’s like having a gallery of unique expressions, each telling its own captivating story.
• Bold makeups and gears: The makeup of this theyyam oozes with suppressed rage, eyes ablaze with determination. Adorned with a headgear sporting two enigmatic wooden flaps, a facial mask, wielding fire sticks like weapons of defiance. It’s not just attire, it’s an attitude – bold, daring, and ready for anything.
• Artists of Malaya Community: Meet the artisans from the Malaya community, the masterminds behind the magic. With their skill and passion, they breathe life into Kuttichathan Theyyam, making it a symbol of strength and resilience.
• The Message of strength: Beyond the enchanting spectacle lies a profound message of resilience and hope. Kuttichathan Theyyam isn’t just a show; it’s a testament to the human spirit, standing firm against oppression and injustice.

Beyond the Must-Sees: A World of Discovery Awaits

As we conclude part 1 of must watch theyyams of Kerala, we like to remind you that these are just a glimpse into the mesmerizing world of Theyyams.

Each ritual unfolds a unique story, each movement speaks volumes, and each experience leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Dive deeper into the diverse forms, from the enigmatic performances of Theyyam to the serene blessings of ancestral spirits.

Connect with communities, learn the stories behind the rituals, and discover the magic that lies at the heart of Kerala’s culture.

Remember, with Moksha Stories as your guide, you’ll delve deeper, connect with communities, and carry the spirit of Theyyams within you long after the final drumbeat fades.

Start your unforgettable tour now: The Essence of Theyyam

Did you find this blog interesting? Want to read more stories? Jump start to our second part of blog by clicking here.