Theyyam is one of the most famous forms of dance art which predominantly takes place in the northern region of Kerala. This particular art form has thousands of years old traditions, rituals, and customs. Although the specialty of this is that the performers belong to the lower caste community. The devotees who are part of Theyyam consider these performers as God and they seek blessings from them. Due to this reason, the performers although they belong to the lower community possess an important position. They believe that these performers once came in the form of Theyyam and had godly powers.
The cult of the mother goddess has a prominent place in Theyyam. People also practice spirit worship, ancestor worship, hero worship, tree worship, animal worship, snake worship, and Gramadevatha worship. Blood sacrifices are an element of customary ceremonies at a number of cult centres.Two major Theyyam deities namely the Vishnu- moorthi and Daivathar are the ones that come under the category of Vaishnavism. People group all other Theyyam deities under Shaivism and Shaktism. Theyyam gives a good example of the evolution of Hinduism.
A Vibrant Ritualistic Art Form of Kerala
Along with traditions including spirit worship, ancestor worship, hero worship, tree worship, animal worship, snake worship, and Gramadevatha worship, Theyyam place a significant importance on the Mother Goddess religion. The syncretic nature of Kerala’s spiritual traditions is reflected in these practices, which are fundamental to Theyyam celebrations. Blood sacrifices are still carried out as part of ceremonies at a number of cult centres, demonstrating firmly held beliefs and enduring customs.
The pantheon of deities in Theyyam is varied and represents different facets of spirituality, mythology, and life. Vishnumoorthi and Daivathar, two important Theyyam deities that represent Lord Vishnu’s influence, are part of Vaishnavism. People categorize other deities, representing Lord Shiva and the Mother Goddess, under Shaivism and Shaktism. This classification demonstrates the interaction of various Hindu sects within the Theyyam tradition.
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