The Madappura

Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple located on the banks of the river Valapattanam is one of the famous shrine in Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Sree Muthappan.

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. The theyyam responds with convincing solutions, which are believed by the devotees as sacred and that of the God. Muthappan theyyam then parts with the liquor and elder male devotees take it as ‘necter’ while the other offerings are set apart for dogs, considered the Lord’s pet animal, which eagerly wait outside the temple to pick up the dishes.

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.

In normal days the Sreekovil Nada opens at 4 am in the morning. After that the procession accompanying “thalavadyas” (musical performance with traditional instruments such as Chenda, Chengila, Kombu, Kuzhal etc.) brings the “thiruroopam” (holy statue) to the Sreekovil. After bringing the thiruroopam, the usual conversation of Sree Muthappan with his Madayan begins. In such conversation Sree Muthappan will open his mind to his Madayan and the Madayan accomplishes the wishes of the Lord. Toddy, an alcoholic drink extracted from coconut palms is the main offering to the deity.