In our India, telling mythical stories through: dance is common In Kerala, the Theyyam. Festival is one such occasion. It is a Dance of Gods and is unique to Kerala. It is a ritual worship of the goddess Kali. Hindu Shamanic ritualistic dance forms practiced in Kannur district, northern Kerala and some parts of Karnataka too.
Theyyam is also known as Kaliyattam or Tira. Theyyam consists of traditions, rituals and customs associated with temples and sacred groves of Malabar. The people of the region consider Theyyam comes in December and it is Theyyam season in Kerala. It is a time to retell myths and stories through itself as a channel to a god and they thus seek blessings from Theyyam.
There are about 456 types of Theyyams documented, among which 112 are famous.Theyyam is mainly performed by males, except the Devakoothu theyyam, the Devakoothu is the only Theyyam ritual performed by women.
This dance is usually performed in front of the village temple. There is no stage or curtain. It is an open theatre. The chief dancer has certain regulations to follow, like fasting and so on. His make-up is done by specialists or other dancers. The first part of the performance is known as Vellatam or Thottam. There is not much make-up or costume, except for a small, red headdress.
The next time the dancer appears, it is with full make-up and costumes. Most primary and secondary colours are applied with contrast for face painting. He comes in front of the temple and begins to dance. Musical instruments like the chenda, tudi, kuzhal, and veekni are played. The tradition of Theyyam dates back 800 years. The season runs from December to April.
Theyyam has a long history... "There can be no doubt", say Bridget and Raymond Alchin, "that a very large part of this modern folk religion is extremely ancient and contains traits which originated during the earliest periods of Neolithic & Chalcolithic settlement and expression."
The chief dancer has certain regulations to follow, like fasting and so on. His make-up is done by specialists or other dancers. The first part of the performance is known as Vellatam or Thottam. There is not much make-up or costume, except for a small, red headdress.
The next time the dancer appears, it is with full make-up and costumes Most primary and secondary colours are applied with contrast for face painting. He comes in front of the temple and begins to dance. Musical instruments like the chenda, tudi, kuzhal, and veekni are played. The tradition of Theyyam dates back about 800 years. The season runs from December to April.
To The Beats Of The chendada Loud, soulful sounds, Theyyam held.
Some of the major Theyyams are:
Vishnumoorthi
It is the most popular Vaishnava Theyyam. This theyyam narrates and performs the story of Hiranyakashipu's death by the Lord Vishnu in his avatar of Narasimham. Because of this, Vishnumoorthi has another name, 'Narasimha Moorthi' [half man and half lion avatar of Vishnu]
Muchilot Bhagavathi
A virgin goddess and the tutelary deity of the Vaniyas of North Malabar.According to local legend she was a Brahmin woman born in the mana called Maniyottu in the village of Peringellur, near Taliparamba and elevated to the status of a deity but according to the holy manuscript(Pattola) Muchilot Bhagavathi is the kaliyuga avatar of Sita devi of treta yuga , Maya Devi of Dwarapa era and Gaiyatri Devi who appeared before Viswamitra Maharishi. While travelling in the earth she rested at the home of Muchilot pada nair, who was a soldier belonging to Muchilot clan among vaniyas.
Kathivanur Veeran
The Kathivanur Veeran theyyam is performed in the memory of the great, Thiyya community warrior Mandhappan Chekavar.
Pottan Theyyam
It is a form of resistance, symbolizing goodness that will wipe out the social evils in the community.
Sree Muthappan Theyyam
Consists of two divine figures is considered as the personification of two divine figures— the Thiruvappana or Valiya Muttapan (Vishnu) and the Vellatom or Cheriya Muttapan (Shiva). Muthappan Theyyam is different from other theyyams as it is performed all around the year. Muthappan Anthithira is another theyyam dedicated to Muthapan. The uniqueness of it is that it is performed only once in all the Muthapan temples.
Padamadakki Bhagavathy
It is performed in the Koroth Temple. The legend behind the Padamadakki Bhagavathy theyyam is that the Nileswarr Raja prayed to the goddess for help from the invading army from Karnataka and Devi sent Padamadakki Bhagavathy for help. Upon seeing the Padamadakki Bhagavathy, the attacking army became unconscious and thus the war was averted.
Padikutti Amma
The Padikuttiyamma is believed to be the mother of Muthapan. The Padikutti Amma Theyyam performed in the Palaprath Temple in Kodallur near Parassini Kadavu in the Meenam (a Malayalam month).
Gulikan
Gulikan, a type of Theyyam, represents Yama, the Hindu god of death. The Benkanakavu (Venganakavu) in Nileshwar is the most famous temple dedicated to Gulikan.
Madayil Chamundi
Chamundi is the same goddess Kali who killed the Chandamundans and got up and drank the blood of the Raktabijasura without falling to the ground. Chamundi is also known as 'Rakta Chamundi' and 'Rakteshwari' because she is immersed in blood. It is said that in the battle with the savages, Kali followed them to the underworld and fought. It is called 'Pathalamoorthy' and 'Madayil Chamundi' because she went to the underworld.
It's also known as Kundora Chamundi, Kundadi Chamundi and Kundoor Chamundi, this goddess is the image of Kali who killed Darikasura. This theyyam is built by Velanmar.
Thirayattam
The dancers are in a trance, moving vigorously, exhibiting belligerent mannerism and gestures.
Bhoota Kola Panchuruli Theyyam
- In district Thiruvananthapuram, state capital of Kerala, Bhoota Kola Panchuruli Theyyam, which is featured in the movie 'Kantara', will be staged at the Theyyathara of the Attukal Pongala festival, that begins sattvic, plays the role of raudra, and pours blessings. This is Ugramurthy Theyyam in the Varaha concept that is found in South Karnataka and North Malabar.
- A belief that Panchuruli is the main of the seven goddesses who emerged from the Homakund of Maheswara to help her when she appeared to defeat Shumbha and Nishumbhasura. Panchi means Varaha (pig) in the Tulu language. Panchi Uru Kali became Panchuruli. Panchi Uru Kali became Panchuruli.
- There is a believes that Panchuruli is Kali who incarnated to fill the earth with prosperity by killing the Panchaviras. There is a legend that Panchuruli was promised a place in Pattuvam Kadavu if the goddess who came from Tulunadu killed the demon with a trident at the behest of Kullur Matha. There is a difference between the Theyyam in the Kavus east of Kasaragod and the Theyyam in other places in terms of color and dress code.
You must be logged in to post a comment.