Vishnumoorthi

Details of theyyam

The Vaishnava Theyyam features the portrayal of Vishnumoorthi, connected with Nileshwar and Jeppu Kudupady in Mangalore. The story revolves around Palanthai Kannan, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. Palanthai Kannan, hailing from Nileshwar, faced hardships for trying to pick mangoes from a tree owned by Kuruvat Kurup. After being beaten and expelled from Nileshwar, he sought refuge in a Vishnu temple in Jeppu Kudupady, Mangalore. Blessed by Lord Vishnu, he returned years later to face a tragic end at the hands of Kuruvat Kurup. Upon Palanthai Kannan's death, the enraged Vishnu destroyed Kuruvat Kurup's surroundings. Seeking guidance from an astrologer, Kurup built a shrine for Vishnu, known as Vishnumoorthi, in Kottappuram, Nileshwar. Vishnumoorthi Theyyam is believed to represent the Narasinha Avatar of Lord Mahavishnu, saving Prahlada from the Asura king Hiranya Kasipu. The Theyyakolam dance is performed in various tharavadus and temples, symbolizing this divine tale. Devotees also believe in the therapeutic properties of Vishnumoorthi Theyyam, visiting shrines like Cheemeni Mundya for snakebites and skin diseases. Ottakkolam, a famous ritual in the Payyannur area, involves Vishnumoorthi Theyyam entering the pyre and reappearing amidst devotees. In Ottakolams, Vishnumoorthi Theyyam performs Agnipravesam multiple times, a symbolic act believed to help Koladhari become a Panikker. Additionally, the rite of Veethuveppu involves four individuals becoming Kayattukar, protecting agricultural land using a rope (kayar) and rod (vadi) to manage cattle. Recently, Ottakkolam was celebrated grandly in Velu Vayal Ottakkuthiru, Nileshwar, after a 47-year hiatus, drawing thousands of devotees.