THE COSTUME AND DECORATIONS OF SREE MUTHAPPAN CULT OF NORTH MALABAR IN KERALA WITH SPECIAL REFERNCE TO ERUVESSY- THE BIRTH PLACE OF SREE MUTHAPPAN.

Abstract [English]

The Muthappan God is a small cult, colourful and dynamic but of significant merely local to its place of origin at a small village, Eruvessy, the district of Kannur of Kerala state, India which is located 52 K M towars east from district headquarters. The place of origin of Muthappan cult is Eruvessy. The word Teyyam is perhaps a correction of the Sanskrit word ‘Daivam’ meaning a deity. The Muthappan teyyam ritual specialists wearing elaborate costumes seeks to portray the deity which can be a god or the spirit of a famous personage long before deceased. The teyyam is in reality a moving idol or a human representation of the deity. The costume and decorations used in representing deity is said to be suggested to the Kolakkaran in a vision or dream. Thus, it hard under gone changes in modern times. Originally flowers and leaves, wood pieces and other locally available materials were used but for many others cotton, wood-coloured clothes and golden papers are used. The costumes involve artists and painters of considerable skill and ability and crafts manship. Teyyam as a whole is complex aesthetic ensemble involving music, song, dance and occasional events, among many other happenings.