Theyyam Takes Center Stage at Ayiravalli Temple

IRE has several possibilities: it can express intense emotions, display raw power, serve as a cleansing act and bear witness to events rooted in the soil, the soul, logic, and ancient tales. Its sheer fieriness itself sets a mystic mood.

- APARNA NAIR

And when this fire takes center stage, the dance of the Theyyam assumes divine proportions and the aura is surreal.

Thiruvananthapuram's Ayiravalli temple premises at Karumom witnessed such a spectacle on March 20 when the Kandanar Kelan and Wayanadan Kulavan Theyyam was staged here as part of the shrine's annual festival in an event titled 'Theeyyaatu Mahotsavam'.

Like every Theyyam story, this too has roots running deep into the land's psyche. It tells of Kelan, who lost his life in a raging fire that consumed the surrounding forest. He was later revived by Wayanadan Kulavan, the son of Shiva, who had been entrusted with the task of collecting an intoxicating drink from the palm trees for the deity. Kulavan brings Kelan back to life and elevates him to the position of a deity.

Rameshan Peruvannan and his team from Payyanur have been staging this Theyyam for generations, and 22 of them told the story to the masses who assembled at the rustic premises of the Ayiravalli temple.

This temple itself is known for its unique ritualistic traditions.