Bhairavan Theyyam

Bhairavan Theyyam represents a manifestation of Lord Shiva, who undertook a life of begging with a skull (kapala) as a result of the curse of “Brahmahatya” (the act of killing Lord Brahma). The background of this curse stems from a dispute between Brahma and Shiva. Brahma once falsely claimed to have witnessed the infinite cosmic form of Shiva, which no one had ever seen. This lie angered Shiva, who, in his wrath, decapitated one of Brahma’s five heads. However, this act of beheading Brahma led to Shiva being cursed with the sin of Brahmahatya. As a penance, Shiva was condemned to roam the earth as a beggar for thousands of years with the decapitated skull (kapala) as his begging bowl.

During this period of atonement, Shiva, in the form of Bhairava, wandered the human realms. His appearance was terrifying: he held a begging bowl made of a skull, his eyes were bloodshot, and he was searching for redemption and refuge. This form of Lord Shiva as a wandering ascetic, seeking alms and salvation, is what is represented in the Bhairavan Theyyam performance.

The Theyyam performance enacts this tale, capturing the essence of Bhairava’s penance and his quest for redemption. The enactment is visually rich, with performers donning elaborate costumes and make-up, bringing the mythological narrative to life.