Bhairavan Theyyam by Premnath Thirumalaisamy Via Flickr: "Bhairavan" represents Lord Siva as seeker of alms. The basket of dry coconut leaves in Bhairava's hands indicates seeking of alms. His eyes are covered with a silver eye-mask. In spite of being able to see only through a small slit, the Theyyam moves around with fury. Bhairavan theyyam is associated with Yogis. Bhairavan is believed to have originated from Lord Shiva. But once, this Shiva's creation disturbed the Devas and Shiva cursed him to become a tree. This tree was called Dhamana Tree. Later Shiva himself freed him from curse and was incarnated. Another history of Bhairavan is that it was created by Shiva for finishing the pride and ego of Bhrahma.Usually Bhairavan theyyam is performed by artists from Malayan Caste, Paanan Caste and Pulaya Caste.The Bhairavan theyyam performed by Paanan caste has a different Story. Its associated with a historical story from the Tamil literature. Once there was a society called Cheruthandan Madam.Cheeralan was a long awaited kid for his parents. He was a boon given to his parents after numerous prayers.But there was an agreement between his parents and the God that, the kid has to be offered for the Pooja and "Cooked" and served as food for the Yogis when he become 7 years old. As per the rule, the parents offered him for the Pooja and eight Bhairavans originated from the fire in which Cheeralan was offered. Another Variation in the story is that, Cheeralan was made into different dishes/curry and offered to Yogi. Before having the dishes, Yogis enquired, where is Cheeralan. Parents depicted the whole story. Yogis asked mother of Cheeralan to serve them the food and call Cheeralan by looking at the dishes. Thus yogi Bhairavan and Aadhi Bhairavan took birth. Theyyam of Bhairavan is a treat to watch, with its glass studded headgear. Another significance of this theyyam is its typical eye coverings. Source - archive.li/aiHTg#selection-375.0-383.497
