Kavu:
The small shrines (‘kavu’ or grove) dedicated in favour of the mother
goddess are known as Stanam, Ara, Kottam, Mundya, Kavu and Kazhakam. Inside
these shrines there is no idol but only small swords. It is considered as
a continuation of the Neolithic tradition of weapon-worship. The shrines
of different communities have different names. For example the shrines of
Yadavas are known as 'Kannangat' and that of Vaniyas- 'Muchilottu' while
the Thiyya community call it as 'Ara', 'Kazhakam' and 'Mundya' etc.
Kimpurusham:
The woodcarvings of the top frontal of these shrines are called as Kimpurusham.
Mythical and supernatural figures are carved out on the wooden panels. The
prominent Theyyam deity is also carved out and painted. The long mythical
hands and the hanging tongue are the main characteristic of the Dravidian
style. The entire structure represents a world of super nature or
divinity.
Kalam/Vatakkanvathil: The Kalam is the magical square prepared for a Theyyam performance. Cereals and food items are offered here. Cocks are sacrificed in front of these squares. It is also known as Vatkkan vathil. The square is subdivided and made out of plantain tree and wicks are also burnt over it. The super nature is propitiated through this Tantrik form of square and offerings.
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VANIYILLAM SOMESWARI TEMPLE, VANIYILLAM, KARIVELLUR
This temple is situated near Karivellur on Payyanur-Kanhangad National Highway. From Karivellur Bus stop, one has to go about 1 km. towards West on Theru-Vaniyillam Road to reach this temple.
The Theyyams performed here are:
Paradevatha, Kannikkoru Makan, Padaveeran, Vettakkoru Makan, Raktha Chamundi, Angakkulangara Bhagavathi, Kattumoorthy, Veeran Daivam, Mudanthema and Karimchamundi,
This temple is managed by Thiyya community.
The festival is on the Malayalam month Medam from 21st to 24th. On 21st evening, the ritual starts with the Thottam of Paradevatha, Padaveeran Vellattam, Vettakoru Makan Vellattam followed by Kannikkoru Makan Theyyam and Kali Theyyam.
The next day morning, Rakthachamundi, Angakkulangara Bhavathi, Paradevatha, Vettakkoru Makan, Kattumoorthy, Veeran Daivam and Mudanthema will be performed.
Pattultsavam will be held in this temple from Thiruvonam Asterism to Uthruttathi Asterism of Malayalam month Dhanu.
Speciality of this Temple: This temple is enclosed with “chuttumathil” and the Devi idol is erected on the wooden stand which is made of 5 metals. Also it has separate ‘Ara’ for Vettakkoru Makan.
History: It is said that when the Paliyeri Nalppadi went to pray at the Kandothidam Someswari Temple at Kandangali near Payyanur, while returning, Someswari came with him through his traditional umbrella and Karimchamudi accompanied her as protector.
KARIVELLUR MADAPPALLY SOMESWARI TEMPLE, KARIVELLUR
The Karivellur Madappally Someswari Temple is situated at Karivellur, (on the National Highway from Payyanur towards Kanhangad). From Karivellur, one has to go little towards west to reach this temple.
The Theyyams performed here are:
Moovalam Kuzhichamundi, Chooliyar Bhagavathi, Vishnumoorthy, Padaveeran, Kundor Chamundi and Gulikan
This temple is managed by Padmasaliya community.
The festival is on the Malayalam month Dhanu 21st and 22nd. On 21st evening, the ritual starts with the Padaveeran Vellattam followedby other Thottams.
Next day morning, Kundor Chamundi, Vishnumoorthi, Chooliyar Bhagavathi and in the evening Gulikan, Moovalam Kuzhichamundi etc. will be performed.
The Pooram festival of the Malayalam month Meenam is celebrated here in a grand manner.
The Goddess of this temple is Kuthirakkaliyamma.
History: It is said that when the Kottila Veetil Mootha Chettiyar went to attend the Pattulstavam of Shri Kandothidam Bhagavathi Temple at Payyanur, the Kandothidam Someswariyamma accompanied him in this traditional umbrella to Karivellur and later on accommodated at Madappally Temple.
ALAKKAD KALARI, ALAKKAD
To reach Alakkad Kalari, from Payyanur, one has to travel via Korom-Alakkad road for about 15 kms.
The Theyyams performed here are:
Oorpazhassi,Vellarangal Bhagavathi, Narambil Bhagavathi, Vishnumoorthi and Mavila Chamundi
This temple is managed by Nair community.
The Theyyams are performed in the Malayalam month Dhanu from 20th to 24th. On 21st night at 10.00 O’clock Oorpazhassi Vellattam starts followed by the Thottam of Vellarangal Bhagavathi, Narambil Bhagavathi, Vishnumoorthi, and Mavila Chamundi. On 22nd morning at 5.00 am, Oorpazhassi Theyyam, at 8.00 am Mavila Chamundi, Nerambil Bhagavathi and Vishnumoorthi will be performed. At 11.00 am Vellarangal Bhagavathi will be performed. On 23rd and 24th the above Theyyams will be repeated.
PULIROOPA KALI TEMPLE, RAMAPURAM, ERAMAM
To reach Puliroopa Kali Temple (Ramapuram Arekkal), from Payyanur, one has to travel Payyanur-Cherupuzha Road via Pilathara or Payyanur-Porakkunnu Road via Kankol. It is about 20 Kms. from Payyanur.
It consist of Two Sanctum Sanctorum, one Bhandarappura and Nadappura.
The Theyyams performed here are:
Karinthiri Nair,Kandappuli, Marappuli,Rakthachamundi, Vishnumoorthi, Kannikkoru Makan
Pulikandan, Puliyoor Kandan, Pullkkarinkali, Puliroopa Kali and Kalappuli.
This temple is managed by Thiyya community.
The Theyyams are performed from 11th to 15th of Malayalam month Medam.
On Medam 11th night at 11.00 pm, Vellattam for Karinthiri Nair, 12.00 O’clock Anthithottam, Vishnumoorthi and Rakthachamundi Thottam and Kandappuli, Marappuli Theyyam will be performed.
On 12th morning at 8.00 am, Rakthachamundi, 9.00 am Vishnumoorthi will be performed.
On Medam 15th morning Anthithottam, Karinthiri Nair, Pulikandan, Puliyoor Kandan at 12.00 noon Rakthachamundi, Pullikkarinkali, Vishnumoorthi and Puliroopakkali will be performed.
Chingam Puthari, Pathamudayam and Natothi Adiyanthiram are being celebrated at this temple.
History: It is said that Pulikandan and Pulimaruthan went for hunting. While coming back Pulimaruthan brought the hair of Puli (Tiger). However, somebody doubted the hair brought is of actually of Puli.
Next day, Pulimaruthan left for hunting and returned back by sitting on a Puli (Tiger). Then he disappeared with the Puli.
MALLIYOTTU PALOTTUKAVU AADAAM KOVVAL, KUNHIMANGALAM
Malliyottu Palottukavu Aadaam Kovval is situated at Kunhimangalam which is 2 kms. from Ezhilode (on Payyanur-Kannur National Highway).
The Kavu is consiisted of Nalukettu, temples of different God and Goddess, Kailasakkallu, Kodimaram, Pattupura and a Devi Temple outside the Nalukettu. It comprises of 5 acres of land.
The Theyyams performed here are:
Paalottu Daivam, Puliyoor Kali, Pullikkarimkali, Pulikandan, Rakthachamundi, Vishnumoorthi
Madayil Chamundi, Kundor Chamundi and Kunjaru Kurathiyamma
This temple is managed by Thiyya community. The members of the governing body is known as ‘Malliyodan’. Malliyodans are being elected from Malliyodu, Vadakkumbadu, Thalayi, Kathirummal. The term of the elected members is one year. Though other community are very well cooperating the festival, all the 4 Ooru (village) has different ‘Kazhcha’ Committees.
The poojari of Palayodu Daivam is Malliyodan whereas for other Gods, it is Anthithiriyan.
Vishu Festival: 1st to 5th of Malayalam month Medam. On first morning, Palottu Daivam will be performed. Then ‘Vishukkani’. At night Ezhunnallath will be performed with the idols.
On 2nd morning at about 9.00 am, Palottu Daivam will be performed. Evening ‘Thodangal’ of Puli Daivam and Vellattam will be performed. On the 3rd day which is the very important day, morning Karimbar Nair Theyyam then evening Thottam of Puli Theyyam, Vellattam and at night ‘Palamruthu’ Ezhunnallath will be performed. During Ezhunnallath, Chamundi Theyyam will be performed.
On 4th Vishnumoorthi, Chamundi, Kurathi, Kundor Chamundi and Ivar Paradevatha will be performed. Then Ucha Thottam, Vellattam, Anthithottam and at night Ezhunnallath. During Ezhunnallath, Madayil Chamundi will be performed.
On 5th, the ending day, morning Ivar Moovar will be performed. Vishnumoorthi, Rakthachamundi, Kurathi and Kundorchamundi will be performed before noon. Then Pullur Kali, Pullikkarimkali and Paluttu Daivam will be performed. These Theyyams will be the main attraction during the Ezhunnallathu. At night, Vishukkuli and Arattu will be performed. At 11.00 pm with the event of Thenga Pottikkal, the festival will be ended.
Bharani Festival: 17th to 20th of Malayalam month Kumbham. On 18th and 19th, Puthiya Bhagavathi will be performed. On 19th night, Balikarmam will be performed. Ezhunnallathu will be performed all the days of festival.
Pooram Festival: Pooram festival is being celebrated every year from Karthika Asterism to Pooram Asterism in the Malayalam month of Meenam. Poorakkali and Pooram Kuli are part of this festival.
History: During the time of Raja rule, it was known as Shri Kurumba Temple. When the Malliyodan Namboothiri left this place, he authorised Shri Chemmaran Panicker to light the lamp at the temple everyday. However, the Namboothiri never returned back. With the order from Karaku Muttath Koyma, Chemmaran Panicker took over this temple adopting the tile as “Malliyodan”.
It is said that the Palottu Daivam is the incarnation of Mahavishnu to kill “Hayagreevan” an Asuran. Rised at Azhikode, the Daivam visited at different places and lastly reached at Kunhimangalam.
VETTAKKORUMAKAN KSHETHRAM, ALAPPADAMBA
The Vettakkorumakan Shetram is situated at Alappadamba, (on Mathil-Trikkaripur Road). One has to go about one half kilometers towards east from Swami Mukku on Payyanur-Cheemeni Road to reach this temple.
The Theyyams performed here are:
1. Oorpizhassi
2. Vettakkorumakan
This temple is managed by Thaippalli Nair Family.
The festival is on the Malayalam month Medam 17th to 20th. Vellattam for Oorpizhassi and Vettakkorumakan will be performed on Medam 17th 9.00 pm and 10.30 pm respectively. On Medam 18th morning at 5.00 am Oorpizhassi and 7.00 am Vettakorumakan theyyams are performed. This will be repeated on 19th and 20th.
Specialty: On Medam 17th night at 11.00 pm, Kolkali will be performed as an offering.
History: It is said that the Head of Thaipalli family went to pray at Payyanur Temple and while returning, visited Kandoth Edam Temple for offerings. However, since a dog was died in the well of the temple, they did not accept his offerings and instructed to pay the offerings to the nearby Kottam. The Head of Thaipalli family went to the nearby Kottam and made his offerings. While he asked for the Prasadam for his offerings, the Poojari said that he did not give him any offering and the Head of Thaipalli family was humiliated.
The Head of Thaipalli family left in great sorrow by saying that everything is being watched by the God. The Gods accompanied him and when he reached home, he observed that his umbrella started shaking and observed the presence of the Gods. Since he alone could not construct a temple, he called other five families to construct the temple.
KALAKATTU ILLAM, PERUMTHATTA
Kalakattu Illam is situated near Purakkunnu and is about 25 Kms. from Payyanur. Can reach there from Payyanur by Payyanur-Porakkunnu Bus which are available frequently.
The Theyyams performed here are:
Bhairavan, Karivalamma, Rakthachamundi, Kakkara Bhagavathi, Uchitta, Karikutti Sasthappan, Sreebhootham, Pottan Theyyam, Oorpazhassi, Vettakkoru Makan, Kurathi, Gulikan, Vishnumoorthi and Chandranellur Bhagavathi
This temple is managed by Kalakattu Manakkil Thantri
The Theyyams are performed from 26th to 28th of Malayalam month Dhanu.
On 26th night, Bhairavan and Karivalamma Theyyam, 27th morning Rakthachamundi, Kakkara Bhagavathi, Uchitta, Karikkutti Sasthappan and at night Sreebhootham Theyyam are being performed.
On 28th morning, Pottan Theyyam, Oorpazhassi, Vettakkorumakan and at noon Kurathi, Gulikan Vishnumoorthi and Chandranellur Bhagavathi are being performed.
History of Chandranellur Bhagavathi: A Namboothiri from Kalakattu Illiam reached the place known as Manathana. Kali appeared in front of him and presented ‘Soolam’. (a type of rod) ‘Kannadi’, (Mirror) and ‘Kiridam’ (Crown). Namboothiri deposited the ‘Kiridam’ at Kalakattu Illam, ‘Kannadi’ at Pilakkode Rayaramangalam temple and ‘Soolam’ at Mangattu Neeliyar Kottam. The Crown which was deposited at Kalakattu Illam turned as Chandranellur Bhagavathi.
History of Kuttisasthappan: In yester years, at a Namboothiri Illam when the generation was coming to an end, a couple conducted poojas. Kuttisasthappan originated from the ‘Homakundam’ of this pooja.
KARIPPAL NAGAM, KARIPPAL
The Karippal Nagam is situated at Karippal near Perumbadavu. To reach Karippal, one has to travel 20 kms. from Pilathara (Pilathara near to Payyanur on Payyanur-Kannur Road) by Perumbadavu Bus and from Perumbadavu one has to walk about one kilometer to reach the temple.
The Theyyams performed here are
1. Nagarajavu
2. Nagakanni
The temple is managed by the local committee under the supervision of Karippal family.
The theyyam festival is held in every year on ‘Ayillyam’ Asterisam of Malayalam month Dhanu. Sarpabali at 8.00 pm and thottam for Nagarajavu at 12.00 pm followed by the thottam of Nagakanya. The theyyams will be over by 9.00 am.
More temple details will be added here soon. Should you have any suggestion/information please forward to us.
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