Gulikan

Born from the big toe of Shiva as the god of death and time; a comic yet fearsome guardian who ends many Kaliyattams.

Gulikan represents Yama, the god of death, and is performed in almost every Kaliyattam, often as the last Theyyam. He is a protective deity worshipped for relief from illness and misfortune. His performance mixes fear and humour: he chases children, cracks jokes and blesses households. Gulikan Theyyam is performed by the Malayan community.

The legend

When Shiva's time on earth was threatened, he struck his big toe on the ground and from it sprang Gulikan, who was given dominion over time and death.