When man & God meet
Theyyam is a rite and an art prevalent in north Kerala. Gods, goddesses, beings like yaksha, gandharvas, bhoothas, nagas, ancestors and gallant heroes who died while performing adventurous deeds are worshipped through this folk art.
Theyyam and Thira are, in fact, two ways of worshipping the common man. Usually people worship idols in stone or wood considering them to be representing deities.
But Theyyam and Thira are different and simpler forms of worship. In these forms of worshipping, we will find deities who can move and talk. Theyyam is conducted on a person who is possessed by a deity or a hero of the past who is worthy of worship.
It is a serious and solemn enterprise. The man who wears the Theyyam form, (the performer), the one who helps him/her in the observance, the oracle, all should observe fasting before the rite is conducted. It is believed that complete submission to the art occurs only if the mind is made steady by fasting. In Theyyam, even the dancing steps are observance-bound.
People believe that Theyyam and Thira forms are capable of blessing and cursing. In the past, it was believed that different Theyyam forms could arrest the spread of epidemics, fulfil wishes, ensure fertility and expel evil spirits.
Theyyam performances usually take place in kavus (holy groves), shrines, araas (cellars), kottas (forts) and under the trees and yards of ancestral houses.
The word Theyyam is, in fact, a derivation of Daivam (God). Theyyam, Thira and Kolam, all, represent the same divinity.
There are many mother deities addressed as Bhagavaty, Chamundi, Kaali and Eswari. Some of them have local manifestations too. Theyyam forms differ according to the styles of worship, observance, concept and form. The costumes are designed with the purpose of adding to the grace of the deity. Theyyam performers in Kerala belong to certain communities such as Vannan, Malayan, Mavilan, Charavan, Anjoottan, Kollaalan, Pulayar, Paravar etc.
The holy groves and the premises of the ancestral houses where Theyyam is performed are to be kept tidy. On the previous day of the rite, the Kolkkaran (one who assists the performer) arrives there and monitors all preparations. The whole area remains alive and excited as the moment arrives. Irrespective of religion, caste and creed, people respect and appreciate this art form.
“Daivena prabhuna swayam jagathi
yadyasya pramaneekritham
Taththasyopanamenmanaagapi maha-
nnaivaasraya Kaaranam....”
“Whatever we want in the world, we will get them by the grace of God who owns everything in the world. However, if you please Him by means of worshipping, you can get His blessings for sure.”
Theyyam performance is to be looked upon from this angle.
The concept of deities and ancestors interacting with man through an art form is unique. The human yearning for God’s grace and the sublimity of art blend in Theyyam performance.
— Dr Venganoor Balakrishnan is the author of Thaliyola, a book on Hindu beliefs and rituals.
He has also written books on the Vedas and Upanishads. The author can be reached at drvenganoor@yahoo.co.in
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