Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple also known as Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple is situated on the banks of the Valapattanam River in Kannur district of Kerala, India.
The main deity of worship in the temple is Sree Muthappan that is an indication of 2 mythical characters named Thiruvappana and Vellattam.
Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple stands apart also in the manner of the customs followed and in its unique architecture.
Sri Muthappan, the principal deity here is a folk deity unlike in other popular temples in Kerala and here the Brahminical tradition of temple worship is not followed.
It is believed that Sri Muthappan is a manifestation of the mythical figures ‘Thiruvoppana’ and ‘Vellattam’.
On arrival, one would be offered a number of legends regarding the deity’s ancestry and birth.
History of Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple
Naduvazhi (landlord) Ayyankara Illath Vazhunnavar was unhappy as he had no child. His wife Padikutty Antharjanam was a devotee of Lord Shiva. She offered several things as a sacrifice to the God Shiva.
One day in her dream she saw the Lord. The very next day, while she was returning after a bath from a nearby river, saw a pretty child lying in a flower bed. She took the child home and brought him up as her own son.
The boy would take food with the poor and with the backward communities. As these acts were against the Namboothiri way of life, his parents earnestly requested him to stop this practice.
One day the boy went to his parents and shown his parents his divine form (visvaroopam) with bow and arrow and fiery eyes. His parents understood that the boy was not an ordinary child but God.
After revealing himself he left his house and on the way he got associated with toddy. Once a toddy tapper saw him stealing toddy and he tried to attack with his bow and arrow but fell unconscious.
Toddy tapper’s wife begged by him to spare his life by calling him Muthappa with respect and since then he came to be known a Muthappan. He made his abode near valapattanam river in Parassinikadavu.
The deity here is an embodiment of the divine powers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The deity is also known as Thiruvappana and Vellattam.
The ritual conducted in this temple is totally different and does not follow the satvik Brahminical form of worship as in other Hindu temples. The customary offerings to appease the deity of this temple are fish, meat and toddy.
ALSO READ: ABOUT GURUVAYUR TEMPLE
Quick Facts
- Address: Parassinikadavu, Kerala 670563
- District: Kannur
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Deity: Muthappan
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Festivals: Parassini Madappura Festival
- Best Time to Visit: November To March
Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple Timing
| General Timings | Timings |
| Thiruvappana & Vellattam | 05:30 AM – 08:30 AM |
| Vellattam | 06:30 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Lunch & Dinner | Timings |
| Lunch | 12:30 – 01:30 PM |
| Dinner | 08:30 – 09:30 PM |
| Prasadham | Timings |
| Everyday | 07:30 AM – 08:00 PM |
Astonishing Facts About Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple
Festivals Celebrated in the Temple
Muthappan Thiruvappana (Puthari Thiruvappana) Festival as it is famously called, is held annually. Sri Muthappan is always accompanied by a dog and dogs are considered sacred here. When the Prasadam (offerings made to the deity) is ready it is first served to a dog that is always ready inside the temple complex.
The Dog Bodyguards
In this temple dogs are considered to be very sacred and can be seen in huge numbers around the temple. Two carved bronze dogs could be seen at the entrance of the temple which symbolize the bodyguards of the God.
Folk Art
Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple is the only temple in Kerala where the Folk art form of North Kerala ‘Theyyam’ is presented daily.
Must Watch ritual
This temple is also a popular destination for travellers and pilgrims to savour the charm of Theyyam. A ritual that is performed here on a daily basis.
Men adorning masks and costumes with a riot of colours perform this temple art form. It represents the conflict between good and evil, with good ultimately emerging victorious.
ALSO READ: ABOUT SABRIMALA TEMPLE
How To Reach Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple
By Air
Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport to the temple which is located at around 70 KM from the temple.
Private cabs are available for the last mile connectivity.
By Rail
Kannur Railway Station is an important railhead in Konkan Railway. It is the nearest railway station about 16 km from the temple.
One can take a cab or auto to the temple.
By Road
Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple is just 20 km from Kannur town. It is well connected with roads . Public as well as private buses ply from major cities in Kerala to this temple.
If you like our work then please Donate to us so that we can keep posting content regularly.
Note: We don’t make any guarantees if the above-stated facts are not correct. If you think any information provided by us is wrong then contact us.
Good luck.