When Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi this week, he presented a remarkable gift that represented the rich cultural heritage of Kerala - a handcrafted Bhairava Theyyam sculpture. The striking piece was created by Sundaresan VP, a 54-year-old master sculptor from Payyanur in Kannur district, who currently works at the state's Crafts Village in Iringal, Vadakara.
The impressive sculpture, carved entirely from jackfruit tree wood, required over two months of dedicated craftsmanship to complete. Standing 25 inches tall and weighing approximately eight kilograms, every detail of the piece was meticulously crafted and painted by Sundaresan himself. "The detailing on Bhairava Theyyam is very intricate, and the paintwork demands a lot of focus," Sundaresan explained with characteristic humility. "It was a government requirement. We have a large collection of Theyyam sculptures here, and they selected one from it."
For Sundaresan, creating Theyyam sculptures is not merely an artistic pursuit but a cultural inheritance passed down through generations. Born in Payyanur, a region where folklore and Theyyam traditions are deeply woven into daily life, he grew up surrounded by performers and artisans who shaped his artistic vision. "My family and friends were all involved in the art. I naturally picked it up from them," he recalls. After completing his college degree, Sundaresan chose to follow his passion full-time, dedicating his career to preserving the essence of Kerala's folk art through sculpture.
Theyyam represents far more than ritual dance in the cultural landscape of North Malabar. This living tradition seamlessly merges devotion, performance, and visual grandeur, creating a powerful spiritual experience. During Theyyam performances in temples and courtyards throughout the region, performers adorned in vivid colors and elaborate headgear are believed to embody the deities themselves. The tradition encompasses between 400 to 500 different forms of Theyyam performed across the region, each carrying its own unique mythology and spiritual identity.
Among the various Theyyam forms, Bhairava holds a particularly significant position in Hindu mythology as a fierce and powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva. Sundaresan's sculptural representation masterfully captures this complex duality, balancing divine ferocity with spiritual calm. "There's something magnetic about the Bhairava Theyyam," Sundaresan observes. "People always stop and take a second look at it. It has that commanding presence that draws attention."
Beyond Bhairava, Sundaresan's artistic repertoire includes sculptures of various other Theyyam forms, including Parassinikadavu Muthappan, Bhagavathy Theyyam, Bali Theyyam, and Ramayana Theyyam. Each sculpture carries its own mythological significance and requires months of careful creation. "The time depends on the intricacy," he explains. "We also decide the weight and size depending on who it's for. If it's being given to someone elderly, we make sure it's not too heavy to hold."
This presentation to Prime Minister Modi was not Sundaresan's first work to reach national leadership. During an earlier diplomatic meeting, then-Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was presented with a Vishakandan Theyyam sculpture, also crafted by Sundaresan's skilled hands. "The enquiry for this Bhairava sculpture came just a few days before the meeting," he recalls. "They specifically asked for Bhairava Theyyam. They even consulted Theyyam performers to confirm the details before finalizing it."
Each Bhairava Theyyam sculpture commands a price between 150,000 and 200,000 rupees (approximately $1,800 to $2,400), reflecting both the intensity of Sundaresan's craftsmanship and the deep cultural significance embedded in Kerala's artistic landscape. However, for the devoted artist, recognition extends far beyond monetary compensation or public fame. "It feels good to know that something created with your hands carries Kerala's spirit to places like the Prime Minister's home," he reflects.
Behind Sundaresan's calm demeanor lies profound pride in his artistic heritage and immense gratitude for his family's unwavering support, particularly that of his wife Valsala. The sculptor acknowledges that this particular sculpture has drawn widespread attention primarily because of its prestigious recipient. "I've been making Bhairava Theyyam for years," he notes with quiet satisfaction, "and I'm just happy more people are noticing the art now." Through his dedicated craftsmanship, Sundaresan continues to serve as a vital bridge between Kerala's ancient cultural traditions and contemporary recognition, ensuring that the spiritual and artistic legacy of Theyyam reaches new audiences and maintains its relevance in modern India.
