Parassinikadavu Muthappan
Located at a distance of 10 km from Thaliparamba in Kannur District, the Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple or Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple is considered to be among the most sacred pilgrim sites in northern Kerala. The temple is situated on the banks of the Valapattanam River and attracts people from all walks of life, irrespective of religion or caste. This is mainly because the main deity of the temple, Lord Muthappan is considered to be a protector for the downtrodden and so there are no restrictions on who may or may not visit the temple and seek his blessings. He is believed to be a personification of two different Gods - Thiruvappana (Lord Vishnu) and Vellatom (Lord Shiva).
According to local folklore, ages ago there appeared a young child named Muthappan. The boy used to roam the locality and had an insatiable appetite for dried fish, toddy and meat. Owing to his strange ways he was cast out from his family. It is only after he was cast out that strange occurrences happened and it was proved that this boy was no ordinary child but rather an incarnation of the divine. Thus Lord Muthappan began to be worshipped in the area.
Unlike in other places where Theyyam is conducted seasonally, here Theyyam ritual is performed on a daily basis and is the primary mode of worship. It is people from the Vannan community that perform the Theyyam and the pujas and rituals are conducted by those of the Thiyya community. Devotees gather each day to offer prayers to the Muthappan Theyyam. Witnessing the performance of the Theyyam artiste is a once in a lifetime opportunity for it teleports one into a spiritual domain and holds us in awe and profound respect. His responses are revered and considered to be that of the deity himself. The Prasadam or devotional offering at the temple is usually boiled black beans and tea. It is a custom here to offer the deity Fish and Toddy as offerings. These are then distributed to those gathered.
Locally known as Parassini Madapura, the temple stands apart from the rest owing to its unique traditions and customs. Even the architecture of the temple, which is a three storied structure that is painted in white, is distinctly different from the traditional style of temple architecture. Since it is believed that Lord Muthappan is often accompanied by a dog, dogs are considered sacred at the temple. Therefore it is commonplace to see the temple compound full of stray dogs that are treated with respect. In fact, each day when the Prasadam is ready, it is first served to a dog that stands ready inside the temple complex before it is served to other devotees.
The best time of the year to visit the Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple is during the first week of December when the locals celebrate the annual harvest festival called the Puthari Thiruvappana. This festival is also commonly known as the Muthappan Thiruvappana Festival. The temple offers free food and accommodation to all those who gather for the festival.
Theyyam is an integral cultural symbol of North Malabar that combines religion, culture and aesthetics. The word "theyyam" in Malayalam is a corrupt form of Deivam which means "God". Therefore, theyyattom signifies the dance of God.
Deity and Rituals
Muthappan: The deity of the temple, Muthappan, is a god of dual forms—Thiruvappana and Vellattam, representing two different aspects of the deity. Thiruvappana is associated with the hunting form of Lord Shiva, and Vellattam represents his more benign and compassionate aspect.
Theyyam Ritual: The temple is famous for its unique Theyyam ritual, a traditional art form where performers don elaborate costumes and face paint, believed to embody the spirit of the deity. The Theyyam performance is an integral part of the worship at the temple.
Offerings: Unlike many other Hindu temples, offerings here include items like toddy (a local alcoholic beverage), fish, and meat, which are given as part of the rituals and considered auspicious.
Unique Worship Style
The temple doesn't adhere to conventional Brahminical rituals and is known for its egalitarian worship practices. People from all communities, regardless of caste, are allowed to participate in the worship.
The worship of Muthappan is closely connected to the local culture and folk traditions, setting it apart from typical Hindu temples.
Architecture
The temple is located on the banks of the Valapattanam River, and the scenic surroundings add to its spiritual significance.
The temple is constructed in the traditional Kerala architectural style, featuring a simple, rustic look that reflects the folk heritage of the region.
Festivals
The Muthappan Thiruvappana Mahotsavam is the major annual festival of the temple, held in December. During this festival, devotees from all over Kerala and neighboring states come to participate in the festivities.
Another important festival is Puthari Thiruvappana, celebrated as part of the harvest season.
Social Importance
The temple is a symbol of communal harmony, as people from different religions and castes visit the temple and seek blessings.
Muthappan is believed to be a protector of the marginalized and downtrodden, making the temple an important spiritual and cultural center for the common folk.