The most popular aspect of Vaishnava Theyyam is the representation of Vishnumoorthi (Lord Vishnu) which is linked to Nileshwar and Mangalore.
It narrates the story of Palanthai Kannan, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. As a young boy in Nileshwar, Palanthai Kannan tried to pluck mangoes from a tree belonging to Kuruvat Nair (an upper caste feudal lord).
Ignoring his age and hunger, Kuruvat Nair and his guards brutally beat him and drove him away from Nileshwar. Seeking refuge, Palanthai Kannan went to a Vishnu temple in Mangalore where he received the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Years later, he returned to Nileshwar.
During his journey back, Palanthai Kannan rested in Moolapally at the house of a blacksmith and then stayed at the Kanakkappalli Anikkil Tharavadu (Tharavadu means ancestral house); a centre of martial arts and education. He proceeded to Kadalikulam, a pond near Nileshwar Market junction, for a bath. The news of his arrival spread rapidly across Nileshwar, reaching Kuruvat Nair and his men. They went to Kadalikulam and killed Palanthai Kannan. This angered the deity Vishnu, who accompanied his devoted follower, and as a consequence, Vishnu destroyed the Kuruvat tharavad.
From that moment on, Vishnu came to be known as Vishnumoorthi and took residence in Vaikundeswara Temple, Kottappuram, Nileshwar.
The Vishnumoorthi Theyyakolam is performed during various occasions, including major festivities of the castes like Maniyani, Theeyya (Ezhava), and Nair in their ancestral house.
The role of Vishnumoorthy was traditionally donned by those from by Malayan, a specific community.
This Theyyam is performed annually in February.