Pulikarinkali
പുള്ളിക്കരിങ്കാളി
The tigress mother of the tiger deities, known as Valiya Thamburatti.
- Category
- Goddess (tiger deity)
- Form of
- Parvati, as a tigress
- Partner
- Pulikandan
- Called
- Valiya Thamburatti, when with her daughter
Who is Pulikarinkali?
Pulikarinkali is the tigress form of Parvati in the story of the Puli Daivam. When she appears with her daughter Puliyoor Kali, she is called Valiya Thamburatti, the elder lady, and her daughter is Cheriya Thamburatti.
The story
The stories say she gave birth in a cave beneath a rock to cubs that became tiger deities. The number of cubs differs between sources. We found only one popular source for the details.
Hero photo: Vaikoovery, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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What you will see
She appears in red attire with a tall headdress and a painted face. In some shrines she and her daughter appear side by side.
In the tradition
She appears with Pulikandan and with her daughter, and is understood as the mother of the group.
When two Theyyams appear side by side, give both space. Photography and video are not allowed at some rituals, so ask your guide first.
Quick answers
Who is Pulikarinkali in Theyyam?
Pulikarinkali is the tigress form of Parvati in the story of the Puli Daivam. When she appears with her daughter Puliyoor Kali, she is called Valiya Thamburatti, the elder lady, and her daughter is Cheriya Thamburatti.
What does Pulikarinkali Theyyam look like?
She appears in red attire with a tall headdress and a painted face. In some shrines she and her daughter appear side by side.
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: Hindu Blog: Puliyoor Kali Theyyam, Kerala Tourism: Various types of Theyyam. Stories vary by shrine, family and teller; this is a general summary, not a definitive version.
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