The terrifying form of Shiva, with a black beard and blazing eyes, worshipped in many Kannur family shrines.
Bhairavan is a Shaiva Theyyam depicting Kalabhairava, the fierce guardian form of Shiva. The Theyyam is performed by the Malayan community and is characterised by a striking face painting, a black beard, and a tall headgear.
Performed by
Malayan community
Costume & kolam
Black beard, red-and-black face paint, tall mudi, sword.
Bhairavan in pictures
Photo: Vaikoovery · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Vaikoovery · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Vaikoovery · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Akshay Anil Photography · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Akshayanil7 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Akshay Anil Photography · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Where to see Bhairavan (43 venues)
Sree Kuttichathan Madam
Parambayi
31 Mar – 2 Apr 2027 · Meenam 16–18Estimated
Kuttichathan · Bhairavan
Arathil Sree Bhadrapuram Kshethram
()Narikkam valli, Narikkamvalli
Dates to be announced
Vishnumoorthi · Raktha Chamundi · Kandanar Kelan
Chammaradethu Devi Temple
Pinarayi
15 Mar 2027 · Kumbham 30Estimated
Gulikan · Kuttichathan · Bhairavan
Chekkikkunn Sri Thayiparadevatha Sambradhaya Kshethram
Mayyil
Dates to be announced
Sree Muthappan · Vishnumoorthi · Raktha Chamundi
Chittarikkal Kammadam Bhagavathy Temple
Chittarikkal
24 Dec – 29 Dec 2026 · Dhanu 8–13Listed · not confirmed
Vishnumoorthi · Bhairavan · Bhagavathi (Kurumba / Chamundi forms)
Edanad Sree Thiruvarkad Bhagavathy Temple
Edanad (Edat), Payyanur
10 Jan – 13 Jan 2027 · Dhanu 25–28Listed · not confirmed
Vishnumoorthi · Raktha Chamundi · Gulikan
Irinavu Kattambally Othayoth Tharavadu Kalari Sthanam
Irinavu
Dates to be announced
Gulikan · Puthiya Bhagavathi · Bhairavan
Kadamberi Sree Bhagavathy Kottam
Kadamberi
Dates to be announced
Vishnumoorthi · Gulikan · Pottan Theyyam
Kaiparath Tharavad Kshethram
Kandamkulangara, Kunjimangalam, Kunhimangalam
Dates to be announced
Vishnumoorthi · Raktha Chamundi · Gulikan
Kaitheripoyil Vaalanki Koodan Gurukkanmar Temple
Vengad
Dates to be announced
Vishnumoorthi · Bhairavan · Daivathar
Kalarivattam Chala Temple
Kadachira
9 Feb – 11 Feb 2027 · Makaram 26–28Estimated
Vishnumoorthi · Gulikan · Bhairavan
Kallidil Devasthanam
Payyanur
28 Feb – 2 Mar 2027 · Kumbham 15–17Estimated
Vishnumoorthi · Raktha Chamundi · Gulikan