Police Theyyam
പോലീസ് തെയ്യം
A guardian in a khaki uniform who keeps order beside the goddess Karinchamundi.
- Category
- Spirit and guardian
- Accompanies
- Karinchamundi
- Dress
- Khaki uniform, belt and cap
- Carries
- A wooden gun and a whistle
Who is Police Theyyam?
Police Theyyam is one of the most unusual Theyyams. The deity is a policeman, in a khaki uniform, who accompanies the goddess Karinchamundi as her bodyguard. Besides the face painting, the uniform is what makes it recognisable as a Theyyam. Few sources mention it, so the account below comes mainly from a Malayalam news report and one popular article.
The story
The story says that the head of a family invited the goddess Karinchamundi to appear at his home. On the way they came upon a clash between two groups, and he gave water to a policeman who was badly wounded. The policeman died soon afterwards. The man later felt the policeman’s presence with the goddess, and from then on both have appeared together at that household.
What you will see
The koladhari wears a khaki uniform with a belt and a cap with a silver crest, and carries a wooden gun as a sacred weapon. He takes up a policeman’s duties, such as managing the crowd, blowing a whistle and warning people, and, in a humorous way, “fining” people who break the rules.
Koladhari: the person who takes on the kolam, the deity’s form. See Theyyam words explained.
In the tradition
It is a rare Theyyam that appears only with Karinchamundi. The ritual is also a way of remembering a person whose kindness is honoured in the household’s worship.
Police Theyyam may call out to those present and joke with them. Take part with a smile, and do not film or mimic it. Photography and video are not allowed at some rituals, so ask your guide first.
Quick answers
Who is Police Theyyam in Theyyam?
Police Theyyam is one of the most unusual Theyyams. The deity is a policeman, in a khaki uniform, who accompanies the goddess Karinchamundi as her bodyguard. Besides the face painting, the uniform is what makes it recognisable as a Theyyam. Few sources mention it, so the account below comes mainly from a Malayalam news report and one popular article.
What does Police Theyyam Theyyam look like?
The koladhari wears a khaki uniform with a belt and a cap with a silver crest, and carries a wooden gun as a sacred weapon. He takes up a policeman’s duties, such as managing the crowd, blowing a whistle and warning people, and, in a humorous way, “fining” people who break the rules.
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: Asianet News: Varieties of Theyyam in Kasaragod (Malayalam), Hindu Blog: Police Theyyam. Stories vary by shrine, family and teller; this is a general summary, not a definitive version.
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