Parassinikkadavu

A scenic spot on the banks of the Valapattanam River. The Madappura Sree Muthappan temple here is an important Hindu shrine. This is the only temple in Kerala where 'Theyyam', a ritual dance form is performed every day. To catch a glimpse of Theyyam, it is best to visit the temple when the pooja is held between 5 and 8 a.m., or 6.30 and 8.30 p.m. Liberal customs allow non - Hindus too into the temple to watch the performance. The annual festival falls in December. The Kathakali club in the temple arranges Kathakali performance on request.

A Story of Muthappan Relating to the Temple

As a boy, Muthappan was rebellious. He was a great hunter and would skin the animals that he killed and wear their skins as clothes. One day, He came across a coconut tree that was being tapped for toddy. He climbed the tree and emptied the jar that was holding the toddy. When the toddy tapper returned and saw Muthappan, he immediately challenged his behavior. Muthappan turned the man to stone for

daring to address such a powerful deity in that manner. During performances of the Muthappan theyyam, the performer consumes the toddy liquor and passes it around to the spectators. Hence, Muthappan "breaks" the rules by allowing alcohol onto temple grounds. The rituals of the temple are done by the priests from the Thiyya community of malabar