Pilichandi is sometimes known as Pilichamundi. This is one of the spirits worshipped in coastal parts of Karnataka (Bhutaradhane/Kola) and northern coastal Kerala (Teyyam). The origin of this practice centres around the Tulu-speaking people.

Here, the spirit in the form of a rider is wearing an elaborate headgear. The apron around his torso and waist, called Ani, is on the tiger. In the Tulu region, spirits which are worshipped are called Daiyvas, and they are one notch below Vedic gods, Deveru. This hierarchical classification makes no material difference to the way Daiyvas are approached, worshipped by everyone with deference and is subject to elaborate ceremonies.

Pilichandi, researchers believe, is of totemic origin, and this spirit is invoked in Bhutaradhane (kola) to ward off the menace of tigers and other wild animals to cattle and crops. Pilichandi is categorised as personified tiger rather than the deification of a warrior who subdued tiger.

The rider would have held a sword (right hand) and a bell( left hand). Normally, they are cast separately and hence usually get lost. The rider’s face looks as if he is in a trance, and it is in line with Bhuta Aradhana rituals.

This may be from the Tulu region as opposed to North Kerala. The headgear and the material lead to that suggestion.

Teyyam in Kerala, according to Sita Nambiar, has its origin in the migration of Tulu-speaking people to Kerala. Pilichandi is one of the spirits worshipped in Bhuta Aradhana and Teyyam. Other spirits worshipped in both Bhutaadadhane and Teyyam include Visnumurti, Panjurli, Bhagavati and Rakteswari.

This is a two-piece construction, and the tiger is cast rather stiffly with an exaggerated head. This is about 29 cm in height. This may date to the 19th century.

References: 

Dr U P Upadhyaya & Dr Susheela P Upadhyaya: Folk Rituals of the Tuluva region

Dr Gururaja Bhatt: Studies in Tuluva History and culture

Sita K Nambiar: The Ritual art of Teyyam and Bhutaaradhne