Angakkaran

Angakkaran (see Nov5, Thulam 19 Theyyam calendar) in Malayalam means ‘Fighter’. The story related to the battle in Payyur hills in which the hero Angakkaran defeated the Marutola (enemy) named Kelu. After the defeat, the enemy went to hiding thrice. The last time he was found, and was killed by Angakkaran. In theyyam performance, the Marutola is represented by another man with a sword in his hand and a red head dress. In the fight the sword of the Marutola is taken by Angakkaran and he acts, as if, he were stabbing the defeated. The very terms Angakkaran means a person who conducts Angam or duel fight in the traditional manner of Payatu (fight). People worship this deity for success in evil and criminal suits and for the recovery of stolen or lost articles like ornaments. As this theyyam relates to a warrior, the performer has to undergo training in Kalari Payatu, a trditional warfare of Kerala state.

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