Neeliyar Kottam is a sacred grove in Kannur district, Kerala, India, situated at Mangattuparamba near Dharmasala. At present, this sacred grove is controlled by members of Cheriya Veedu family belonging to the Kulala community. Neeliyamma or Kottathamma (Mother of the grove) is the deity here. According to the lore, a wise and beautiful woman, Neeli, turned in to a bloodthirsty demon after a local king betrayed and murdered her. But ever since a man took her for a compassionate mother, she turned into a motherly form. The Goddess came along with a priest of Kalikattu illam when he was returning from Kottiyoor. Goddess then asked to be installed in this jungle location where the leopards and cattle were seen living together in peace. Neeliyar Kottam still preserves the jungle surroundings. Its sanctum is not roofed. When the ritualistic Theyyam performance is seasonal elsewhere, the belief is that the Goddess graces the Neeliyar Kottam grooves whenever a devotee makes an offering. Here, Dasan mangadan, the performer of this Theyyam, walking to wear the head gear after his make up.