Kalanthan Mukri
കലന്തൻ മുക്രി
A mosque officer who became one with the goddess Karinchamundi.
- Category
- Mappila Theyyam
- Figure
- A mukri, who calls the prayer at a mosque
- Honoured with
- Karinchamundi
- Begins with
- The call to prayer and a prayer
Who is Kalanthan Mukri?
Kalanthan Mukri is the Mappila Theyyam at the centre of the best-known Mappila story. A “mukri” is an officer of a mosque. In the festival he appears alongside the Chamundi Theyyam, and Wikipedia says the ritual begins with the call to prayer and the prayer.
The story
The story says that Kalanthan, who served at a nearby mosque, died in the river in mysterious circumstances. A news report tells it as an imam fishing at night who saw a light on the far bank. Each time he swam across, the light moved to the other side, until a force that most people believe was Chamundi drew him under. The goddess is said to have declared that, since he had merged with the divine, the two should be worshipped together.
What you will see
The attire has less ornament, face painting and headgear than the Chamundi Theyyam. The ritual starts with the call to prayer, the banku, and a prayer, the namaz.
In the tradition
People of both faiths take part. Wikipedia describes the ritual as a sign of the shared life of Muslims and Hindus in the region.
The prayer is part of the ritual. Please stay quiet during it. Photography and video are not allowed at some rituals, so ask your guide first.
Quick answers
Who is Kalanthan Mukri in Theyyam?
Kalanthan Mukri is the Mappila Theyyam at the centre of the best-known Mappila story. A “mukri” is an officer of a mosque. In the festival he appears alongside the Chamundi Theyyam, and Wikipedia says the ritual begins with the call to prayer and the prayer.
What does Kalanthan Mukri Theyyam look like?
The attire has less ornament, face painting and headgear than the Chamundi Theyyam. The ritual starts with the call to prayer, the banku, and a prayer, the namaz.
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 tripSources and further reading: Mappila Theyyam (Wikipedia), BOOM: Fact check on Mappila Theyyam. Stories vary by shrine, family and teller; this is a general summary, not a definitive version.
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