Daivathar

ദൈവത്താർ

A Vaishnava Theyyam that stands for Rama, and one of the two major Vishnu-linked forms.

Category: God (Vaishnava)
Stands for: Rama
Linked with: Vishnumoorthi, as a major Vaishnava Theyyam
Appears with: Angakkaran and Bappuran

Who is Daivathar?

Daivathar is one of the two major Vaishnava deities in Theyyam, with Vishnumoorthi. Scholars note that Vaishnavism arrived late in Kerala’s folk religion, so there are few Theyyams in this group. Kerala Tourism says Daivathar stands for Rama, and describes it as part of a set of Ramayana-based Theyyams, with Angakkaran and Bappuran.

The story

We did not find a published origin story specific to Daivathar. In the Tulu-speaking region, Vaishnavism was popular from about the thirteenth century, and one scholarly view is that Vishnu-linked deities were taken into the older spirit-worship of the coast before entering Theyyam.

Close view of the Daivathar Theyyam face and headdress — Photo: Kiranveluthan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Daivathar Theyyam during a ritual in North Malabar, Kerala — Photo: Shagil Kannur, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hero photo: Shagil Kannur, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What you will see

In photographs, Daivathar wears a tall, pointed golden crown and red attire, with an orange-painted face.

In the tradition

Daivathar belongs to the small Vaishnava group of Theyyams, alongside Vishnumoorthi, in a tradition where most forms are Shaiva or Shakta.

A note for visitors

Ask your guide how this Theyyam is held at the shrine you visit. Photography and video are not allowed at some rituals, so ask your guide first.

Quick answers

Who is Daivathar in Theyyam?

What does Daivathar Theyyam look like?

In photographs, Daivathar wears a tall, pointed golden crown and red attire, with an orange-painted face.

Learn about the Theyyams with a local guide

Our guided trips explain each deity’s story as you see it, and are planned with you on enquiry. We never publish ritual dates or venues, and confirm the right nights with you closer to travel.

Enquire about a trip

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