Karimkutichathan

കരിംകുട്ടിച്ചാത്തൻ

The members of Kalakattu Illam were renowned masters of mantra and tantra traditions. The head of the household, however, had no children. I… Learn the full story, rituals, and temples on Theyyakkalam.

Communities: Malaya

Deity type: Others

Origin & Sacred Story

The members of Kalakattu Illam were renowned masters of mantra and tantra traditions. The head of the household, however, had no children. It was during this time that Shiva and Parvati, disguised as hunters (Vedan and Vedathi), descended to the earthly realm. In that divine form, a son was born to them. By divine providence, the child came into the care of the tantric of Kalakattu Illam.

The tantric and his wife brought the child to the Illam and raised him as their own. Growing up, the boy displayed extraordinary intelligence and excelled in learning. As time passed, however, he began to act against the customs and disciplines of the Illam. He stopped obeying his guru and became increasingly rebellious.

When the guru attempted to discipline him physically, Kuttichathan became enraged and killed his teacher. As a result, he lost his place within the Illam and was forced to live outside, surviving on his own.

Deeply hurt by her son's behavior, the lady of Kalakattu Illam one day refused to give him milk when he came asking for it and drove him away. Filled with anger, Kuttichathan slaughtered a cow and drank its blood to quench his thirst. When the tantric learned of this act, he punished Kuttichathan severely.

Believing that his mother had complained about him and caused his punishment, Kuttichathan, in a fit of rage, threw a stone at her chest.

Furious at this final act, the tantric killed Kuttichathan. His body was cut into 390 pieces and offered into 21 sacred fire pits (Homa Kundams). But from those fire pits, hundreds of Kuttichathans emerged and leapt forth. They began causing destruction, burning and devastating everything around them.

Unable to control this powerful spirit, the people finally pacified him by granting him worship, offerings, a sacred seat, and a Theyyam form. Thus he became established and revered as Kalakattu Karim Kuttichathan.

Performance & Rituals

The Theyyam form of Karim Kuttichathan is distinguished by: A unique Vithana Thara (ritual waist structure) Upper body painting done with charcoal-black coloring A small Vattamudi (circular headgear) Poykannu (artificial eyes) Erinjipoo decorations Ashtadala Kuri (eight-petaled forehead marking) Karinthadi Muriyan Ezhuthu facial design

These features together create the striking and fearsome appearance associated with Karim Kuttichathan, one of the most prominent Manthra Moorthis in the Theyyam tradition.

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