Odiyan (odian) was once used in the rural areas of Kerala to describe a group of people who claimed to be capable of scaring people to death using otividya.[1][2] Odiyan is a legendary character who existed in Kerala.[3] Peony appear as half-man, half-beast like creatures lurking in alleyways at night. By applying certain herbs to specific parts of the body and chanting spells, the peonies are said to shape shift themselves to a Bull, Buffalo, Felidae, Jackal or whatever form they desire. The devotees believed that this work would be fully effective if performed in a naked state.[4][5]
In the past, Odiyans used to threaten and frighten people in the countryside under the cover of darkness. This service was usually performed by the Panan and Paraya communities, although it could be performed by any community who had acquired the skill.[6] The truth is that no scientific evidence has been found to support the existence of the peony. The story of Odiyan was popularized through oral tradition in the olden days when folktales and superstitions were rooted. In the same period when Maruta, Madan and Yakshi were creating fear in the human mind. Undoubtedly, peonies are a distinct facet of witchcraft like Madan, Maruta, Kuttichatan and Pisach.[7]
In order for the powerful magic used by Odiyans to work properly, the Otividya practitioners had to understand the year, day and birth star of the opponent. Knowing these things and reciting the main mantras of Otividya, it is said to be a specialty of Otividya. So much so that if one broke a thorn, the opponent's spine will break and he/she will die. Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts were the most affected by the harassment of Odiyans. Pulamanthol and Vilayur are parts of Malappuram district worth mentioning. The village of Peradiyur was a place that was plagued by the pestilence of Odiyan. In Valluvanad at that time, some extremely powerful Kalari practitioners who and Kanketta vidya used to go around killing people with Otividya. It is said that Otividya was once popular not only in northern Kerala but also in Andhra.[8][9]