Kuttichathan

For other uses, see Kuttichathan (disambiguation) and Chatan (disambiguation).

Kuttichathan (Malayalam: [kuʈːit͡ːʃaːt̪ːɐn]) is a kshetrapala, a guardian deity in Malabari Hindu folklore, often depicted as a portly adolescent boy, sometimes described as having a kutumi.[1] Kutti literally means a boy or child, referring to the juvenile depiction of the Chathan.

The deity Vishnumaya Chathan is depicted as a young boy riding a buffalo and holding a short stick. He is revered as a god who provides prosperity and blessings and is known for creating illusions. According to mythology, Vishnumaya is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, born from Parvati's ethereal form.[2] He got the name Vishnumaya because he assumed the form of Lord Vishnu using his own divine illusion (maya). It is believed that he incarnated to defeat the demon Bhrugasura. The deity Vishnumaya Chathan was worshipped by tantrics in Kerala.

In northern Malabar, Vishnumaya is worshipped as the divine figure behind the Kuttichathan Theyyam a ritualistic dance performance. Vishnumaya is often portrayed in stories as a master of illusions and magic.

Kuttichathan's tricks (such as setting his victims clothing on fire, throwing rocks at his victims, and beds turning into beds of thorn) cause great trouble to his victims but never do serious harm.[1] He is said to demand food in exchange for freedom from his harassment.[1] Some Hindus in Malabar believe that sacrificing a cockerel on a regular basis with the correct incantations will appease Kuttichathan, otherwise he will terrorise their families.[3]

  • Kuttichaathan a 1975 Malayalam movie written by NP Narayanan Pillai.
  • My Dear Kuttichathan the first Indian film shot in 3D format, depicts a Kuttichathan who befriends three children.
  • Mayavi a popular Malayalam comic series about a friendly chathan and his fight against the witch of the forest- Dakini and an evil counterpart- Luttapi chathan.
  • Bramayugam a 2024 Malayalam movie starring Mammootty as Koduman Poti and as chathan disguised as Poti.
  • Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra a 2025 Malayalam movie involves multiple chathan characters played by Tovino Thomas.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Iyer, L. K. Ananthakrishna (1925). Lectures On Ethnography. pp. 197–198. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ "Story Of Vishnumaya Swami - Peringottukara Devasthanam". devasthanam.com. 2022-06-18. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  3. ^ Sohaila Kapur (1983). Witchcraft in western India. Orient Longman. p. 4.


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