Theyyam

2021-08-16T18:34:09Z

2409:4065:D80:B9F9:0:0:45C8:1211:

{{Short description|Ritual form of worship from Kerala, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2018}}
[[File:Theyyam of Kerala 3.jpg|thumb|Theyyam of Kerala]]
[[File:The god of Red.jpg|thumb|Attire in red - The God of Red]]
[[File:Puliyoor Kali Theyyam at Mathamangalam.jpg|thumb|Puliyoor Kali Theyyam at Mathamangalam]]
[[File:Bali theyyam, Payyannur.jpg|thumb|Bali Theyyam from a Kavu in Payyanur]]

'''Theyyam''' (''Teyyam, Theyam, Theyyattam)'' is a popular ritual form of dance worship in [[Kerala]] and [[Karnataka]], [[India]]. Theyyam consisted of several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs. The performers of Theyyam belong to the aboriginal [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|lower caste]] community in Kerala, and have an important position in Theyyam. The people of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a channel to a [[god]] and they thus seek blessings from Theyyam.

There are about 456 types of Theyyam. Theyyam is performed by males, except the ''Devakoothu theyyam''; the ''Devakoothu'' is the only Theyyam ritual performed by women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/videos/news/news-in-videos/devakoothu-the-lone-woman-theyyam-in-north-malabar-1.3468731|title='Devakoothu'; the lone woman Theyyam in North Malabar|website=Mathrubhumi}}</ref> It is performed only in the Thekkumbad Kulom temple.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/This-year-Devakoothu-gets-a-new-face/articleshow/17735370.cms|title=Devakoothu: This year, Devakoothu gets a new face | Kozhikode News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

In Kerala, Theyyam is performed predominantly in the [[North Malabar]] region (consisting of present-day [[Kasargod District|Kasargod]], [[Kannur District|Kannur]] Districts, [[Mananthavady]] Taluk of [[Wayanad District|Wayanad]] and [[Vadakara]] and [[Koyilandy]] Taluks of [[Kozhikode District|Kozhikode]]). A similar custom is followed in the [[Mangalore]] region of neighbouring [[Karnataka]] known as [[Bhuta Kola]].

==History==
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."<ref>{{cite book |first1=Bridget |last1=Alchin |first2=Raymond |last2=Alchin | title = The Birth of Indian Civilization | year = 1968 | page = 3039}}.</ref>{{full citation needed|date=June 2018}}

There are approximately 400 types of Theyyam, including [[Vettakkorumakan]], [[Vishnumoorthy Theyyam]], [[Muchilot Bhagavathi]] and [[Muthappan|Sree Muthappan]].<ref name="auto1"/>

==Classification of sub-cults==
According to [[K. K. N. Kurup]], it can be said that all the prominent characteristics of primitive, tribal, religious worship had widened the stream of Theyyam, where "even the followers of [[Islam]] are associated with the cult in its functional aspect"<ref>{{cite book |title=A Panorama of Indian Culture: Professor A. Sreedhara Menon Felicitation Volume |editor-first=K. K. |editor-last=Kusuman |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=1990 |page=129 |chapter=Teyyam - A Vanishing Ritual Dance of Kerala |first=K. K. N. |last=Kurup |isbn=9788170992141 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z4JqgSUSXDsC&pg=PA128}}</ref> and made it a deep-rooted folk religion of millions. For instance, [[Bhagawathi]], the mother goddesses had and still has an important place in Theyyam. Besides this, the practices like spirit-worship, ancestor-worship, hero-worship, masathi-worship, tree-worship, animal worship, serpent-worship, the worship of the goddesses of disease and the worship of Gramadevata (Village-Deity) are included in the mainstream of the Theyyam. Along with these gods and goddesses there exist innumerable folk gods and goddesses. Most of these goddesses are known as [[Bhagavathy]] (the mother goddess that is the Divine and United form of the three principal goddesses namely, [[Brahmani]] ([[Saraswati]]), [[Vaishnavi (deity)|Vaishnavi]] ([[Lakshmi]]), and Shivani ([[Parvati]]).

Different branches of mainstream Hindu religion such as [[Shaktism]], [[Vaishnavism]] and [[Shaivism]] now dominate Theyyam. However, the forms of propitiation and other rituals are continuations of a very ancient tradition. In several cult-centres, blood offering is seen, despite being forbidden in sattvic [[Hinduism]], [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]]. In such centres, separate places outside the precincts of the shrine are selected for blood offering and for the preparation of the traditional Kalam (Square made for this sacrifice occasion) known as Vadakkan Vathil. The Theyyam deities propitiated through [[rooster|cock]]-sacrifice will not enter such shrines. This religious cockfight over blood sacrifice, which does also include the [[Cockfight (Sacred)|cockfight]] as a blood sacrifice, is a prime example of "cultural synthesis of 'little' and 'great' cultures".<ref>{{cite book |title=A Panorama of Indian Culture: Professor A. Sreedhara Menon Felicitation Volume |editor-first=K. K. |editor-last=Kusuman |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=1990 |pages=127–128 |chapter=Theyyam - A Vanishing Ritual Dance of Kerala |first=K. K. N. |last=Kurup |isbn=9788170992141 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z4JqgSUSXDsC&pg=PA127}}</ref>

On account of the supposedly late revival of the [[Vaishnavism]] movement in Kerala, it does not have a deep impact on Theyyam . Only a few deities are available under this category. Two major Theyyam deities of Vaishnavism are Vishnumoorthi and Daivathar. Vaishnavism was very popular in the [[Tuluva]] region in the 13th century when it came under the rule of [[Vishnuvardhana]] of the [[Hoysala]] dynasty. He was a great champion of Vaishnavism. Most probably he was initially deified as Vishnumoorthi and incorporated into the Bhoota cult of the [[Tuluvas]] and then further incorporated as a prominent folk deity into the Theyyam as well. To some, the legend of Vishnumoorthi is symbolizes the god's migration from [[Mangalore]] to [[Kolathunadu]].

All other categories of Theyyam deities can be classified under [[Shaivism]] or [[Shaktism]]. Even spirits, ancestors, heroes, and animals are deified and included in those categories. Briefly, Theyyam provides a good example for the religious evolution of, and the subsequent different stages in modern [[Hinduism]], with the overall understanding that within Hindu syncretism lay propitiation as ancient practices and rituals of ancient worship intended for the blessings of the supernatural not unlike, "in Indus Valley and other ancient civilizations, mother goddess had been invoked for fertility and prosperity".<ref>{{cite book |title=A Panorama of Indian Culture: Professor A. Sreedhara Menon Felicitation Volume |editor-first=K. K. |editor-last=Kusuman |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=1990 |page=130 |chapter=Teyyam - A Vanishing Ritual Dance of Kerala |first=K. K. N. |last=Kurup |isbn=9788170992141 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z4JqgSUSXDsC&pg=PA130}}</ref>

==Patronage==
Out of devotion, ruling clans established their own shrines and Kavus for Theyyam deities where non-sattvic rituals and customs are observed. The goddesses like Rakteshwari, Chamundi, Someshwari, Kurathi, and the gods like Vishnumoorthi are propitiated in these household shrines. There, the Theyyam dancers appear during the annual festivals of gods and goddesses. The rituals in such shrines are different from those of the Brahmanical temples. The impact of this cultural fusion could be traced to the social organisation based on the caste system and in the agrarian relations. The inviting of Brahmin Thanthri to consecrate the idols of Kavu is a recent development.<ref>{{cite book |title=A Panorama of Indian Culture: Professor A. Sreedhara Menon Felicitation Volume |editor-first=K. K. |editor-last=Kusuman |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=1990 |pages=128–129 |chapter=Teyyam - A Vanishing Ritual Dance of Kerala |first=K. K. N. |last=Kurup |isbn=9788170992141 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z4JqgSUSXDsC&pg=PA128}}</ref>

==Ritual performance==

[[File:Theyyam of Kerala by Shagil Kannur (41).jpg|thumb|Face art of Theyyam is one of the best examples of folk painting in Kerala]]
[[File:Kandanaar kelan theyyam at Peeleri vayanattukulavan kaavu 7.jpg|thumb|Kandanaar kelan Theyyam]]
The dance or invocation is generally performed in front of the village [[shrine]]. It is also performed in the houses as [[ancestor-worship]] with elaborate rites and rituals.

There is no [[stage (theatre)|stage]] or curtain or other such arrangements for the performance. The devotees would be standing or some of them would be sitting on a sacred tree in front of the shrine. In short, it is an [[open theatre]]. A performance of a particular [[deity]] according to its significance and hierarchy in the shrine continues for 12 to 24 hours with intervals. The chief dancer who propitiates the central deity of the shrine has to reside in the rituals. Further, after the sun sets, this particular dancer would not eat anything for the remainder of that day. His make-up is done by specialists and other dancers. The first part of the performance is usually known as [[Vellattam]] or [[Thottam]]. It is performed without proper make-up or any decorative [[costume]]. Only a small, red [[headdress]] is worn on this occasion.

The dancer along with the [[drummers]] recites the particular [[ritual]] song, which describes the myths and legends, of the deity of the shrine or the [[folk religion|folk]] deity to be propitiated. This is accompanied by the playing of [[folk music]]al instruments. After finishing this primary ritualistic part of the invocation, the dancer returns to the [[green room]]. Again after a short interval he appears with proper make-up and costumes. There are different patterns of [[face painting]]. Some of these patterns are called [[vairadelam]], [[kattaram]], [[kozhipuspam]], [[kottumpurikam]], and [[prakkezhuthu]]. Mostly primary and secondary colours are applied with contrast for face painting. It helps in effecting certain stylization in the dances. Then the dancer comes in front of the shrine and gradually "metamorphoses" into the particular deity of the shrine. He, after observation of certain rituals places the head-dress on his head and starts dancing. In the background, folk musical instruments like [[chenda]], tudi, kuzhal and veekni are played in a certain rhythm. All the dancers take a shield and kadthala ([[sword]]) in their hands as continuation of the weapons. Then the dancer [[Circumambulation|circumambulates]] the shrine, runs in the courtyard and continues dancing there. The Theyyam dance has different steps known as [[Kalaasams]]. Each Kalasam is repeated systematically from the first to the eighth step of footwork. A performance is a combination of playing of musical instruments, vocal recitations, dance, and peculiar makeup (usually predominantly orange) and costumes. The Kathivanoor Veeran Theyyam is one of the famous theyyam in Kerala<ref>{{cite web |url=http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/essential-kerala/theyyams-kannur-kathivanoor-veeran.html | title=For ethereal nights, walk with the Theyyams of Kannur}}</ref>

==Types of Theyyams==
There are about 456 types of Theyyam (theyyakkolams), among which 112 are famous. Some of the famous Theyyams are:<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=Various forms of Theyyams|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/bekal/theyyam-various-types.php|access-date=2 March 2019}}</ref>

===Vishnumoorthi===
{{Main|Vishnumoorthy Theyyam}}
[[File:Vishnumoorthi Theyyam.jpg|thumb|Vishnumoorthy Theyyam]]
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. It is because of this, that Vishnumoorthi has another name, 'Narasimha Moorthi' [half man and half lion avtar of Vishnu].<ref name="auto"/>

===Sree Muthappan Theyyam===
{{Main|Muthapan}}
[[File:Muthappan.jpg|thumb|Thiruvappana or Valiya Muttapan([[Vishnu]]) on left and the Vellatom or Cheriya Muttapan ([[Shiva]]) on right]]
[[Muthapan|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]]).<ref>{{cite news |title=Muthappan devotees gather for festivities |url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/campus-reporter/2019/01/09/sree-muthappan-theyyam-devotees-festival.html|date=9 January 2019 |newspaper=Manorama News |department=City: Thiruvananthapuram |agency=TNN |access-date=2 March 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref name="auto"/>

===Padikutti Amma===
The Padikuttiyamma is believed to be the mother of [[Muthapan]]. The Padikutti Amma Theyyam is performed in the Palaprath Temple in Kodallur near [[Muthappan temple|Parassini Kadavu]] in the Meenam(a Malayalam month).<ref name="auto"/>

===Gulikan===

Gulikan represents [[Yama]], the Hindu god of death, called Yama. The Benkanakavu (Venganakavu) in Nileshwar is the most famous temple dedicated to Gulikan.<ref name="auto"/>

===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.<ref name="auto"/>

===Kathivanur Veeran===
The Kathivanur Veeran theyyam is performed in the memory of the great warrior Mandhappan.<ref name="auto"/>

===Manakkott Amma===
Manakkott Amma Theyyam is performed in the Vairajathan Temple in Nileshwar. The Manakott was a woman born in a Nair family. She opposed the caste system that existed at that time. When she breaker a caste rule, she was killed by the head of the family. She was pregnant at that time. Her murder caused a lot of problems in their family and was finally destroyed. Later she emerged as a goddess.<ref name="auto"/>

===Kuttichathan===
Kuttichathan is a famous theyyam.<ref name="auto"/>

===Chamundi===
Chamundi theyyam is majorly, of three types, namely;<ref name="auto"/>
Madayil Chamundi<ref name="auto"/>
Rakta Chamundi<ref name="auto"/>
Kundorra Chamundi<ref name="auto"/>

===Madayil Chamundi===
Chamundi is the same 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 he went to the underworld.<ref name="auto"/>

Chamundi is a form of Durga Bhagavathy to slay the demons Chandan and Mundan. The same goddess is also known as Raktachamundi as she kills the demon RakthaBijasura.<ref name="auto"/>

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.<ref name="auto"/>

==Recent development==
A Theyyam museum is planned to be built at Chanthappura in Kalyassery of [[Kannur district]] in 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kannur: Sophisticated Theyyam Museum coming up|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/290819/kannur-sophisticated-theyyam-museum-coming-up.html|access-date=4 March 2020}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Temples of Kerala]]
*[[Uttama Villain]]
*[[Padayani]]
*[[Neeliyar Bhagavathi]]
*[[Thirayattam]]
*[[Thiyyar history]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book | last = Killius | first = Rolf | year = 2006 | title = Ritual Music and Hindu Rituals of Kerala | place = New Delhi | publisher = BR Rhythms | isbn = 978-81-88827-07-7}}.
* {{cite book | title = Theyyam – A Ritual Dance of Kerala | first = KKN | last = Kurup | publisher = Director of Public Relations, Government of Kerala | place = [[Thiruvananthapuram]] | date = March 1986}}.
* {{cite journal |title=Fifty Years on: Arts Funding in Kerala Today |first=Diane |last=Daugherty |journal=Asian Theatre Journal |volume=17 |issue=2 |date=Autumn 2000 |pages=237–252 |doi=10.1353/atj.2000.0013 |jstor=1124491|s2cid=162293041 }}
* {{cite journal |title=Gods, Groves and the Culture of Nature in Kerala |first=J. R. |last=Freeman |journal=Modern Asian Studies |volume=33 |issue=2 |date=May 1999 |pages=257–302 |jstor=313169 |doi=10.1017/s0026749x99003261}}
* Nambiar, Balan (1981). "Gods and Ghosts – Theyyam and Bhuta rituals". Doshi, Saryu (ed) ''The performing Arts'', Marg Volume 34, Issues 3–4, Bombay, 1981, pp 62–73
* {{cite journal |title=The Theyyam Kettu of Northern Kerala |first=Wayne |last=Ashley |journal=The Drama Review: TDR |volume=23 |issue=2 |date=June 1979 |pages=99–112 |doi=10.2307/1145219 |jstor=1145219}}
* Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi (ed) ''THEYYAM (a symposium)'', Lumiere Printing Works, Trichur, 1978
* {{cite web|title=Ethnographic collection|url=http://ignca.nic.in/ethno_body.htm|website=Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts|publisher=IGNCA, Delhi|access-date=10 October 2014}} New Delhi has a collection of 1800 slides with research notes by [[Balan Nambiar]]

==External links==
{{Commons category|Theyyam}}
*{{citation |url=http://theyyakkolam.com/ | title = Theyyakkolam}}: A complete theyyam website | Theyyam in Malabar
* {{citation |url=http://www.theyyamcalendar.com/ | title = Theyyam calendar}}, including images.
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4ukY3vrp4 A Journey through theyyams] on [[YouTube|Youtube]]
*{{citation |url=https://www.lostwithpurpose.com/theyyam-in-kerala-india/ | title = A Complete Guide to Theyyam}}

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