Kuttichathan

The mischievous boy-god of the Kalakattu Illam, worshipped in 390 forms; at Koyyodan Korothu forty-one Kuttichathans dance together.

Kuttichathan is a playful, powerful guardian deity born as Vishnumaya, the son of Shiva and Parvati in a forest-dweller's form. Performed by the Malayan community, his Theyyam is fast, acrobatic and full of tricks. Family shrines invoke him for protection; the Theyyam at Koyyodan Korothu near Mahe, where dozens of Kuttichathans perform at once, is famous.

The legend

Adopted by the Brahmin Kalakattu Namboothiri, the boy was so mischievous that the priest killed him; but the child rose again in 390 forms and had to be propitiated as Kuttichathan.