BOTANY OF THEYYAM

Muchilottu Bhagavathi – Turmeric powder (Curcuma domestica)
Results and Discussion
The analysis of the above data shows that 36 plants are closely associated with the four
theyyams encountered in the project. (Table No. 1) Though all the 36 plants are medicinal,
most important are listed below – Albizia Lebbeck Benth, Alstomia scholaris L.R.Br,
Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd, Calycopteris floribunda Lam., Colocasia esculentra
(Linn) schott, Cocor uncefra L., Curcuma domestica valet, Erythrena indica, Ficus
bengalensis L., Ixora coccinea Linn, Magnifera indica L., Michelia champaka L.,
Mussaenda frondosa L., Ocimum sanctum L., Piper betle L., Piper nigrum L., Plumeria
rubra Linn, Pterocurpus santalinus, Ricinus communis L., Sandalum album, Tamarindus
indica, Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn) Roxb, Vitex nugundo Linn.
The very title of this discourse “Botany of Theyyam” is of a mixed response. It is a
harmonious mix of science and sociology. The amazement to the common man comes
naturally when a concept like theyyam is juxtaposed with a term ‘Botany’. The reason for
such a juxtaposition is part of the unveiling of this subject.
Informers: -
1. V.V. Ramaperuvannan, Kuppam. P.O., Taliparamba
2. Ratheesh P.K.Chanapuzha, Karimbam, Taliparamba
3. K.M. Mani, Porur, P.O. Wayanad
4. Gopalan, Chudala
Acknowledgments
The authors are obliged to Principal and Management of Sir Syed College, Taliparamba for
their timely help.
Reference
Chandera C.M.S. Theyyathinte Aadi Roopam,, D C Books
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