Temples Of Kerala

Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple or Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan temple is one of the most sacred pilgrim sites in north Kerala. Situated about 20 kms from Kannur, the temple is situated on the banks of Valapattnam river. The main deity of the temple is Sri Muthappan, a combination of two Hindu deities – Thiruvappana (Lord Vishnu) and Vellatom (Lord Shiva).

The best time to visit the temple is during the first week of December, when the annual harvest festival called as Puthari Thiruvappana is celebrated by the locals. The temple provides free meals and accommodation to all the devotees.

Deviating from the normal traditions, devotees offer prayers to Muthappan Theyyam artiste who becomes the embodiment of the lord. The whole exercise takes the form of conversations. The Theyyam artiste’s responses are revered and believed to be that of the deity himself. Theyyam dance is performed on a daily basis at the temple and is the primary mode of worship. Dogs are considered sacred here, as the main deity, Sri Muthappan, is believed to be accompanied by a dog always.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kannur, about 20 kms away
Nearest airport: Kannur International Airport, about 31 kms away