Manathana Pothi

Details of theyyam

Manathana Pothi Theyyam, also known as Manathana Kali or Manathana Bhagavathi, is a formidable goddess celebrated in Madappura. The mythology surrounding Kali is rooted in her birth from the divine third eye of Lord Paramashiva. She, along with other goddesses who played crucial roles in the war between Devas and Asuras, is revered in temples as Theyyams. Although they have various responsibilities, their primary duty remains their involvement in warfare. Kali's origin lies in the necessity to vanquish Dharika, a cruel and potent Asura. Having performed rigorous penance to Lord Brahma for years, Dharika obtained a boon that only a woman could slay him. Empowered by this boon, he grew more tyrannical and declared himself the mightiest, inflicting cruelty upon Devas and sages. Faced with no other solution, the Devas sought Lord Shiva's intervention and conveyed their grievances. Responding to their plea, Shiva created Kali from his divine third eye, instilled with a thirst for blood. Endowed with 18 weapons and Adhi Kailasa Vedhala as her vehicle, Kali waged war against Dharikasura. During the conflict, the Sun, Moon, Mahisha, and Vedhalam guarded the four gates of Dharika's palace. The intense battle endured for seven days and nights, with Dharika losing an elephant's power each day. By the end of the seventh day, he was entirely stripped of his strength. Faced with a dilemma on where to slay Dharika, Kali opted for a unique approach. Killing him from the sky would diminish the powers of the stars, and from Earth, it would deplete the Goddess Earth's strength. Therefore, on the eighth day, Kali killed Dharika on the tongue of Vedhalam and consumed his blood. The flesh was offered to Boothaganas, while Dharika's head was presented to her father. Despite defeating Dharika, Kali's anger remained unabated. Legend has it that Lord Shiva sent Kali to Earth to cool her temperament. After safeguarding Devas and Devalokha, Kali descended to Earth adorned with ornaments and weapons. In Muthappa Temples, Kali is revered and worshipped as Manathana Kali