Panjuruli

പഞ്ചുരുളി

Panjuruli is a Theyyam associated with Varahi, the fifth of the Sapta Matrikas (Seven Mother Goddesses). The name is traditionally believed … Learn the full story, rituals, and temples on Theyyakkalam.

Communities: Malaya

Deity type: Goddess

Origin & Sacred Story

Panjuruli is a Theyyam associated with Varahi, the fifth of the Sapta Matrikas (Seven Mother Goddesses). The name is traditionally believed to derive from the Tulu word Panji, meaning "pig" or "boar," referring to the goddess assuming a boar form (Panji Uruvaaya Kali). Another local tradition suggests that the name Panjuruli originated because the deity incarnated to destroy five mighty warriors (Pancha Veeranmar). Panjuruli remains one of the most revered guardian deities of the Tulu region.

According to local tradition, there once lived a renowned martial artist named Ponnarathachan near Vadakara. Seeking advanced training in Kalaripayattu, he travelled to Tulunadu, where he became an ardent devotee of Panjuruli. When he returned to North Malabar, the deity accompanied him and first established her presence before Madayikkavilamma.

From there, Raktha Chamundi and Vishnumoorthy joined Panjuruli as her companion deities (Changathi Daivams). Together, the three crossed Ezhom Kadavu and arrived before Kulool Bhagavathi at Kunjimathilakam, the seat of authority over the Pattuvam region.

Kulool Bhagavathi informed Panjuruli that a Gandharva named Mayamalarampan was disturbing her daily rituals. She promised that if Panjuruli destroyed him, she would grant her authority over the region. Assuming the form of a bird, Panjuruli attacked and slew Mayamalarampan, who dwelt atop a sacred banyan tree, and established her own presence there.

In recognition of this deed, Panjuruli was granted regional authority. She, together with Raktha Chamundi and Vishnumoorthy, was enshrined in the Vadakke Kavu of Valiya Mathilakam Temple, where they came to be collectively known as the Moovar (The Three Deities).

From Vadakke Kavu, Panjuruli later journeyed to Koorankunnu and subsequently to Keecheri Vayal Kotta, where her worship also became established.

Performance & Rituals

Panjuruli Theyyam preserves several distinctive rituals that commemorate the deity's arrival and victory over Mayamalarampan. During the annual Kaliyattam at Vadakke Kavu, as the Thottam Pattu is recited, the deity is ceremonially invited down from the sacred banyan tree (Aalil Ninnu Irakkal) and escorted to the Palliyara (sanctum), symbolizing her descent from the place where she defeated the Gandharva.

Before the conclusion of the performance and prior to the removal of the ceremonial headgear, another unique ritual known as Aalil Kayattal ("returning the deity to the banyan tree") is performed, ritually restoring Panjuruli to her sacred abode. These ceremonies are unique features of the Panjuruli tradition and serve as living reenactments of the deity's sacred legend.

Cultural Significance

Panjuruli occupies an important place among the guardian deities whose worship spread from Tulunadu into North Malabar, reflecting the deep historical and cultural exchange between the two regions. Her association with Varahi, the boar-headed Mother Goddess, also links the Theyyam tradition with the wider Shakta traditions of Hinduism.

Her enduring companionship with Raktha Chamundi and Vishnumoorthy illustrates the interconnected nature of Theyyam worship, where multiple deities collectively protect a sacred region and its people. Today, Panjuruli is revered as a fierce protector who removes obstacles, safeguards sacred spaces, and preserves righteousness, while her unique rituals continue to preserve centuries-old oral traditions and ritual practices.

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