Angakkaran

Who is Angakkaran?

Angakkaran is one of three linked Theyyams based on the Ramayana. According to Kerala Tourism, Daivathar stands for Rama, Angakkaran for his brother Lakshmana, and Bappuran for Hanuman. They appear at a shrine whose festival includes more than ten Ramayana-based Theyyams, and the shrine is said to be one of the few in Malabar where the war section of the epic is remembered in the ritual. We have not named it here.

The story

One account on the Kerala Tourism site says that at the swayamvara of Sita, a spark flew from Rama’s broken bow and split into three. The sage Narada sensed its power and told Parasurama to install three deities, standing for Daivathar, Angakkaran and Bappuran. This is one account, and we have found no further detail about the Theyyam itself.

What you will see

We did not find a published description of Angakkaran’s attire or face painting, and have no photograph that we can show. We will add them when we do.

In the tradition

Daivathar, Angakkaran and Bappuran together are an unusual Vaishnava group in a tradition where most Theyyams are Shaiva or Shakta forms.

Quick answers

Who is Angakkaran in Theyyam?

Angakkaran is one of three linked Theyyams based on the Ramayana. According to Kerala Tourism, Daivathar stands for Rama, Angakkaran for his brother Lakshmana, and Bappuran for Hanuman. They appear at a shrine whose festival includes more than ten Ramayana-based Theyyams, and the shrine is said to be one of the few in Malabar where the war section of the epic is remembered in the ritual. We have not named it here.

What does Angakkaran Theyyam look like?

We did not find a published description of Angakkaran’s attire or face painting, and have no photograph that we can show. We will add them when we do.

Sources and further reading: Kerala Tourism: Ramayana-based Theyyams. Stories vary by shrine, family and teller; this is a general summary, not a definitive version.