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Throughout the first two weeks of the Theyyam season, many sacred groves throughout
Kerala perform Muttupan Theyyam. This theyyam recounts the life and highlights of Shri
Muttupan, incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the son of Lord Shiva. Shri Muttupan is intensely
worshipped in the district of Kannur where he is thought to reign supreme. We were very
fortunate to see Muttupan Theyyam performed at Kunnattur Paadi, the grove where this
theyyam is supposed to have originated.
The grove is a thick and abundant forest containing many large trees with high canopies,
and twisting vines that fall to the earth. One area is kept clear however, where a small cave
can be found. Inside the cave is a divine stone, which is worshiped daily by the priests of
Muttupan's temple on the edge of the forest.
On the western side of the cave is a stone bench and a high seat made out of mud, which is
where some of the rituals take place. Daily rituals are performed here for Lord Muttupan.
There are also highlighted days throughout the year for celebration and offering.
Tiruvutsavam (grand festival) is the most well known and longest event at the kavu (sacred
grove). It starts on the second of Dhanu (around Dec. 15) and lasts for one month till the
second of Makaram (Jan 15). During this time, various people assume the role of Lord
Muttupan.
medicine-men, priests and singers in snake groves. Thurston 226 Pannikker writes that
the Pulluvans belong to a ³community of village minstrels.² pg 14 They are known to be
snake worshipers and act as priests when performing rituals for the snake gods and
goddesses, such as Nagaraj and Nagarikshi. Panniker continues stating that the ³Pulluvas
sing serpent songs with ardent faith in the superior varieties of serpents, which are
believed to be the protectors of the land as its guardian angels.² pg 14 The songs are
known as Pulluvan Pattu or Sarpam Pattu.
In ancient times the Pulluvans were of relatively high status. Serpents were widely
worshipped in Kerala at this time, and it was believed that each house was supposed to
set aside a piece of land as a snake grove. However, with the arrival and dominance of
the Brahmin ideology and the caste system, their status was reduced to that of a low
caste. According to local caste tradition the Pulluvan is ranked below the lowest level of
the Ambilavasis¹s (temple servants), and below the Nayar families (traditionally a family
of warriors) whom they normally serve.
Nevertheless, serpent worship is still prevalent in Kerala, and the Pulluvans are called on
by families frequently to perform rituals and services for the serpent deities.
© 2003 Spear Ritual Music
African groove.
Bass, drums, guitars, lead vocals
and 2 backing vocal tracks.
© 2003 Spear Ritual Music
Reggae rant.
Bass, drums, guitars, lead vocals
and 2 backing vocal tracks.
