Vayanaattu Kulavan Theyyam

In Northern Malabar, the principal deity and the original god of the Thiyya community is Vayanaattu Kulavan, although this Theyyam also has roles and places in Nair and Nambiar temples. In the Thiyya community, elders call this Theyyam as ‘Thondachan Theyyam’. ‘Thondachan’ means the oldest person. The Vannan community is responsible for performing this Theyyam. This Theyyam has three forms of appearance: Thottam, Vellattam, and Theyyam. It is performed more in temples than in households. 

Vayanaattu Kulavan is said to be born when Paramashivan (Shiva) severed his own dreadlocks and struck it on his left thigh. Alternatively, he’s said to be born when the left thigh broke and burst. 

Shiva, in the form of a hunter, found ‘honey’ oozing daily from three black coconut trees in the Kailasa’s forest. Drunk on this honey, Shiva frolicked, which scared Parvati. To find out the source of Shiva’s inebriation, Parvati set out and discovered that it came from the forest. She decided to put an end to this. Using her magical powers, she elevated the honey above the trees. The next day, Shiva came and saw that the honey was missing, which infuriated him. He broke his dreadlock on his left thigh, and a divine son was born. This son was sent to Earth with a bow, poisoned arrow, barbed arrow, and a spike. However, he went blind as soon as he shot the arrow, and threw away the bow, quiver, and spike. These fell in the western region of Wayanad, where Adi Paramban Kannan resides. He was scared upon seeing the eyes and the bow, so the divine figure appeared before him and told him to keep both safely. This is how Vayanaattu Kulavan came to be known in Wayanad.

His appearance includes a bow, poisoned arrow, a small crown, and facial painting. The oratory of this Theyyam, which narrates important matters in the form of entertainment, is very engaging. During times of granting blessings, such phrases are spoken.