Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple

Historical and specialty information for this listing.

History

The origins of the temple are mainly preserved through oral traditions and are believed to date back between the 11th and 13th centuries. The temple, popularly known as Parassini Madappura, became the principal seat of Sree Muthappan worship in North Kerala. Unlike traditional Kerala temples that strictly followed Brahmanical customs, this temple evolved as a spiritual center welcoming people of all castes, religions, and social backgrounds. The ritualistic worship through Theyyam continues daily, making it one of the few temples in Kerala where Theyyam is not seasonal but performed throughout the year. Over centuries, the temple has become an important cultural and devotional symbol representing equality, folk spirituality, and the living heritage of Kerala.

Speciality

Muthappan Vellattam (5:30 AM - 8:00 AM) , Muthappan Thiruvappana (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)

Remarks

Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple is widely known for the daily performance of the sacred Muthappan Theyyam, a unique ritual where devotees believe the deity directly interacts with people through the performer. Sree Muthappan is worshipped as a rare combined form of Lord Vishnu, represented as Thiruvappan, and Lord Shiva, represented as Vellatom. Unlike many traditional temples in Kerala, this temple welcomes devotees of all castes and religions without restriction, symbolizing equality and inclusiveness. The temple is also famous for its unconventional prasadam, which includes boiled gram, coconut slices, and tea instead of the usual sweets or payasam offered in most temples. Deeply rooted in Kerala’s folk traditions, the temple represents the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of ordinary people, hunters, tribal communities, and the marginalized sections of society. Muthappan Vellattam (5:30 AM - 8:00 AM) , Muthappan Thiruvappana (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)

According to legend, a childless Brahmin couple named Padikutty Amma and Ayyankara Vazhunnavar discovered a divine child floating on a flower in the river and raised him as their own son. As the boy grew, he showed unusual behavior unlike orthodox Brahmin customs — he hunted in forests, carried a bow and arrows, consumed meat and toddy, and spent time with common villagers. His foster-father became angry at these actions and eventually asked him to leave the house. At that moment, the boy revealed his divine cosmic form as Sree Muthappan and walked towards Parassinikadavu, where he finally settled. From then onward, devotees believed him to be the protector of the poor and the marginalized. Even today, during the daily Theyyam ritual, devotees believe Muthappan directly communicates with people through the possessed performer.

Parassinikadavu, Kannur, Kerala, India