Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple is not a Kshethram but it is a madappura. Unlike other temples, the devotees can 'interact' with the God as they pour out their grievances in a free-wheeling 'chat' with the tastefully decorated "Muthappan Theyyam", an artist who assumes 'divinity' by representing the God.
Uniqueness of Muthappan Temple
Sree Muthappan is always accompanied by a dog. Here dogs are considered sacred and can be seen in large numbers around the temple. Two carved bronze dogs at the entrance of the temple symbolize the bodyguards of the God. When the Prasadam is ready, it is first served to a dog that is always ready inside the temple complex.
Thiyya community urayima Principal deity of the temple is Sree Muthappan, whose divinity is presented as a ritualistic theyyam enactment in two versions called Thiruvappan and Vellattam. According to the local tradition the presiding deity is a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Vellattam and Thiruvappan are the generic names for two types of 'Theyyam Ketti-aadal ' in the kavu/temples of North Malabar.
Vellattom is a minor version of the ritual enactment where the ornaments, decorations and parapharnelia are minimal thanks to which all actions including vaaythari (speech) is maximum and Attam (dance) will be at its peak.
On the other hand, Thiruvappana is the full version, with royal regalia and bigger dimension of prabhamandalam. Because the decorations are more and are of binding nature, the action is minimal and sluggish and the uriyaadal (replies to prayers) will be crisp, to the point and predictions will be accurate.
Muthappan is considered as the manifestation of Lord Shiva himself in Nayattu (hunter) format. The Vellattam which comes initially is Siva himself as the said minimal version. But the Vellattom which comes along with the grand Thiruvappana of Muthappan later on, is the minimal version of Vishnu who according to mythology, comes to Siva's assistance when he started travelling with the poykannu (blindfold) and started suffering serious difficulties to travel and hunt for food.
Parassinikadavu Temple Rituals and festivals
The ritualistic enactment of both the minimal and maxima versions of Sree Muthappan, Thiruvappana and Vellattam, is performed daily in the early morning and in the evening. Puthari Thiruvappana festival, conducted on 16 Vrichikam (this Malayalam day corresponds to 1 or 2 December), is the first Thiruvappana of the temple year. It is associated with the harvesting season of the region. The last Thiruvappana of the temple year is on 30 Kanni every year.
Contact Address: XCJ2+XRQ, Parassinikadavu, Kerala 670563
Phone Number: 0497 278 0722
How to Reach Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple
By Air:
Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL) is 48 min (31.4 km) from Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple via Mattannur - Iritty Road.
By Rail:
Kannur Railway Station (16 km) is the nearest major railway station to reach Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple. Kannapuram Railway Station (6 km) and Ezhimala Railway Station ( 5 km) are other railway stations nearby.
By Road:
The temple can be reached 4 min (900.0 m) via Parassinikadavu Temple Road. kannur municipal bus station operates regular bus services to Parassinikadavu.
