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Teyyam Kaavus of North Kerala (regional)
North Kerala (Kannur, Kasaragod region)
India
Active (many converting to temples)
Regional cluster
- Location
- North Kerala (Kannur, Kasaragod region)
- Coordinates
- ~12.0°N 75.3°E (region)
- Size
- Varies (vast tracts to a single fenced old tree)
- Age / Founded
- Ancient; undergoing Templisation
- Status
- Active (many converting to temples)
- Deity & Religion
- Teyyam 'living gods'; folk Hindu (undergoing Sanskritization/Brahminization)
- Community & Guardians
- North Kerala communities (incl. lower-caste teyyam performers)
- Vernacular name
- Kaavu (Sarpakavu = serpent grove)
- Record type
- Regional cluster
Cultural practices & uses
Teyyam ritual performance; deity worship
Plant species
Diverse forest-clearing groves (kaavu)
Biome & fauna
North Kerala lowland forest
Threats & protection
Cultural loss via Templisation/Hinduization; physical conversion to temples
Source
Komath & (Nova Lisboa), 'From Grove to Temple', Performance, Religion and Spirituality 6:3-17