The Pottan Theyyam is regarded as having the most powerful and angry thoughts among all the Theyyam forms performed in the Sacred Groves of Malabar, strong enough to topple the oppressive walls of caste systems and other social ills that have infiltrated society. The concept of secularism and humanistic ideas is known as Pottan. Theyyam in North Keralan folklore in what is known as the Ara or little shrines. Pottan Theyyam is worshipped in Sacred Groves, Temple Shrines, and a few Ancestral Houses all across Kannur.

In Malayalam, Pottan denotes an idiot. Some people think that Pottan Theyyam gets the nickname Pottan because of the way he portrays divinity with a blend of sarcasm and oddly amusing yet intense playfulness. Pottan Theyyam's performance is nicely supported by an element of unintentional fun and entertainment, yet it never uses a comedic persona to draw in the audience. The simple idea of justice and secularism is only the most basic expression of the all knowing Lord Shiva from Hindu mythology.

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