Muthappan temple, also famously known as Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple, as it is located at Parassinikadavu town in Kannur distrcit of Kerala. The principle deity, Sree Muthappan who is believed to have the divinity of the Thiruvappana or Valiya Muttapan (Lord Vishnu) and the Vellatom or Cheriya Muttapan (Lord Shiva). Sree Muthappan is known as the incarnation of Lord Shiva in Nayattu form.
Muthappan temple’s architecture is called the Kerala kavu, a religious style seen in most of the temples in Kerala. It is believed to be the testimonials of ancient Vishwakarma sthapathis of the state.
Legends state that a baby in a basket floating on the river was found by a Brahmin lady Padikutty who nurtured the baby as her own. She was Shiva’s devotee and considered the child to be a blessing from him. Padikutty and her husband were the landlords. They raised the baby as a brahmin child. But as he grew up, he turned out to be a hunter and offered food to the needy. And to their agony, he ate fish which was against the Namboodiri Brahmin Culture. Ayyankara Vazhunnavar and Padikutty admonished him. After humiliation, he revealed his divine form as Viswaroopam.
His parents surrendered to his fierce form after realizing that he’s an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It’s then he started his journey from Ayyankara, crossed villages and reached a tribal family. He was later named as Muthappan by the tribes who worshipped him as a God.
Muthappan Temple is famous for its location. Before entering the temple, tourists go down to the river and clean themselves. The ritual enactment of both the characters of Sree Muthappan – is performed daily early in the morning around 5.45 am to 8 am and around 6.30 pm. After the ritual, devotees tell their adversities to the god in its human form, and the words Muthappan says brings great relief to the devotees. Fishes are served as prasad.
Puthari Thiruvappana is conducted on 1st or 2nd of December and is believed to be the first Thiruvappana of the temple year. It’s associated with the harvesting season. The last Thiruvappana of the temple year is on 17th or 18th of October each year. The best period to visit Muthappan Temple is October-May.