Vishnumoorthi is the Theyyam manifestation of the Narasimha avatar of Vishnu. The Theyyam performer takes a flaming costume, re-enacts the tearing-open of Hiraṇyakaśipu, and blesses the devotees in a fire-ritual. One of the most dramatic of all Theyyams. 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 dons elaborate
Deities
