THEYYAM

Guligan is believed to have taken birth from the left thumb finger of Lord Shiva. To protect Maarkandeyan, Shiva killed the lord of death. This no one in earth had death since then and thus in order to cope up with the situation, Lord Shiva created Guiligan. Guligan theyyam is a real frightening one. As high as high, As wide as earth, Round fiery eyes like coconut, teeth resembling chisel, hands as tough as aracnut tree, Legs as strong as coconut tree trunk. These depicts the shape and size of Guligan. As it was created for bringing about death on earth, Guligan is entertained through Guruthi OR Kuruthi and by offering blood of hen. Tender coconut leaves are integral part in the costumes of Guligan theyyam, Tender coconut leaves are worn around the waiste and the head gear made of bamboo decorated with tender leaves. A typical mask which is unique in its own way is another characteristics in Guigan theyyam.

Story of Muthappan The Naduvazhi (landlord) Ayyankara Illath Vazhunnavar (a Nambudiri Brahmin) was unhappy, as he had no child. His wife Padikutty Antharjanam was a devotee of Lord Shiva. She made a sacrifice to Shiva for children. One day in her dream she saw the Lord. The very next day, while she was returning after a bath from a near by river, she saw a pretty child lying on a flower bed. She took the child home and she and her husband brought Him up as their own son. The boy used to visit the jungle near their house (mana) for hunting with His bow and arrows. He would then take food to the poor and to the backward communities with Him. As these acts were against the Namboothiri way of life, His parents earnestly requested Him to stop this practice, but the boy turned a deaf ear to their warnings. Ayyankara Vazhunavar became very disappointed. One day the boy revealed His divine form (Visvaroopam or Viswaroopa or Cosmic All-Pervading form) to His parents. They then realized that the