Kandakarnan : Fire Based

Details of theyyam

Once upon a time, Goddess Bhadrakali defeated a demon named Mahishasura. Mahishasura's wife, Manodari, sought powerful boons from Lord Shiva, who was hesitant but appeared briefly and gave her drops of his sweat. Curious, Manodari threw the sweat at Bhadrakali in anger, causing pox to appear on her body. To help, a fierce being named Kandakarnan emerged from Shiva's throat. Kandakarnan licked away the poxes, but Bhadrakali, considering him her brother, didn't allow him to touch her face. The poxes on her face became her unique makeup. An enraged Bhadrakali demanded Manodari's presence. Manodari sought forgiveness, and Bhadrakali, forgiving her, renamed her Vasoorimala. Both are now worshipped at the Kodungallur temple. The story is beautifully depicted in the Theyyam performance, where the performer wears vibrant colors, a 12-foot tower-like structure on the head, and sixteen flaming palm leaf torches at the waist. The face has minimal makeup, revealing a sweating body possessed by the force of Agni Kanda Karnan.