Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple

Built on the banks of the Valapattanam River, 20 km away from Kannur, the beautiful temple is dedicated to Sri Muthappan, a manifestation of ‘Thiruvappana’ and ‘Velattom’. A school of thought also attributes ‘Sri Muthappan’ as a manifestation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The annual festival of this temple is known as ‘Puthari Thiruvappana’, which is celebrated during the harvest time by locals. This usually falls in the first week of December, which is also the best time to visit Kannur.

Prayers offered at this temple do not conform to normal traditions. Devotees here engage in a conversation with ‘Muthappan Theyyam’ artist who becomes an embodiment of the lord. His responses are revered and believed to be the words of the lord himself. Muthappan Theyyam is the primary mode of worship with Thiruvappana and Vellattam Theyyam being performed every day, early morning and in the evening. Make sure you clean yourself in the river before you enter the sanctum sanctorum. Dogs are sacred to this temple as the legend goes that Sri Muthappan was always accompanied by a dog. Entry is free and all are welcome in this temple.