The velichapad is believed to be endowed with godly powers when the chaathan enters his body during which time he comes up with answers to a devotee’s problems.
How many types of Theyyam are there?
There are nearly 400 forms of Theyyam, though many of them have faded into memory over decades.
Who is Lord Kuttichathan?
Kuttichathan is a religious god in Malabar demonology, where he is depicted as a well-nourished 12-year-old who is sometimes described as having a forelock.
Who is god Vishnu Maya?
Avanangattilkalari Sree Vishnumaya Temple (alternatively Avanangatt Chathan Temple) is a Hindu temple at Peringottukara, Thrissur District, Kerala state, India. It is dedicated to the god Vishnumaya in Kerala. The god is known also by the names Chathan. The temple deity well known for his magical power.
What is Theyyam in Kerala?
Theyyam is a famous ritual art form that originated in North Kerala which brings to life the great stories of our State. It encompasses dance, mime and music. It exalts the beliefs of the ancient tribals who gave a lot of importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of their ancestors.
Why is Theyyam performed?
Theyyam is considered as Dance Gods and the name has been given to it by adding two words ‘Deivam’ and ‘Aattam’, where ‘Deivam’ means God and ‘Aattam’ translates to dance. This dance is performed to honour the heroes and ancestral spirits..
Is Theyyam a Hindu?
In simplest terms, Theyyam is a ritual art form so ancient it predates Hinduism (500 BCE), though it has since adapted to include Hindu elements. It’s believed to be thousands of years old, from a time when tribal animism was the most common form of worship.
What is the story behind the Theyyam of Kuttichathan?
Kuttichathan is one of the many types of Theyyams in existence. Here is the story that goes behind it: Once, Lord Shiva and Parvathi decided to stay in a very remote hill village with a community called Valluvar. Shiva had two children with Valluvathi, named Karuval and Kuttichathan.
What is the headgear of Kuttichathan?
The performer of Kuttichathan wears small headgear with tender coconut leaves attached to it. Sometimes Kuttichathan is believed to have taken the fish incarnation of Lord Vishnu, thus his role requires a fish tail-shaped mudi (headgear).
Why did Lord Shiva give Kuttichathan the form of kalakkattamma?
It is believed that he was given this form by Lord Shiva to appease childless devotees, the Kalakkattamma and Kalakkattachan. Growing up as a mischievous child, Kuttichathan decapitates his teacher. When he tries to hurt Kalakkattamma, and seeing this Kalakkattachan tears him into 396 pieces and throws them into the fire.
Who is kathivanur Veeran?
Kathivanur Veeran is one of the significant hero Theyyam of Kolathnad (region around Kannur). Kathivanur Veeran was the only son of Methalai Illathu Kumarachan and Parakka Illathu Chakkiamma. He was born with the grace of goddess Chuzhali Bhagavathi and as he grew up, he excelled in the martial art form of Kalari.
