Kathivanur Veeran is a Theyyam deity whose narrative is a near-historical hero-cult: Mandhappan, a young Thiyya warrior killed in battle in the 17th century, was deified by his community. His Theyyam is one of the most physically elaborate of all Kerala possessions. Theyyam (from teyyam = deyvam, god) is a living possession-ritual unique to north Kerala and bordering Tulu Nadu. During the Theyyam performance (October–May), the spirit of the deity descends into a consecrated performer who don
Deities
