[nairrk]

Introduction:
Theyyam : Theyyam is also known as thirra in some places. It is a ritual dance form of Kerala, glorifying the godess. Theyyam,the colourful ritual art form, is an integral part of the life of people in Malabar Central Region of Kerala. This art is performed only my Men. Theyyam contains dance,mime and music of ancient tribal cultures. There are many number of Theyyams performed, but most spectaculr/important ones are:
=Raktha Chamundi (Blood godess)
=Kari Chamundi (Black godess)
=Muchilottu Bhagavathi
=Gulikan
=Potan, etc

Mostly these are performed in front of temples (muthappan), ocassionally on stage or with curtains. The ritual dance is performed by persons belonging to Vannan, Malayan and other tribal castes in Kerala.


Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple:

This temple (siva) is on the banks of the Valapatnam Rive attracts people from all sections of the Society; irrespective of Religion, case and promotes the essence of ''vasudaiva kutumbakam- the whole world is one family''.
The Origin of this Muthappan temple si connected to the apperance of a child who roamed the region with a string of interesting incidents and later vanished without a trace. The incidents up to the point of his disappearance later mde the denizens feel the divine presence of Muthappan (siva) who immediately erected a place of worship, which today is known as above Temple.

This is a popular destination for travellers and pilgrims to savour the charm of Theyyam, a ritual that is performed here on a daily basis (very early mornings). Men adorning masks and costuomes with a riot of colours perform this temple art form and it represents conflict between good and evil, with good ultimately emerging victorious.

One can visit throughout the day (but if you see the Thaiyyam then one has to be their in the early morning). Most people in this area take their new Cars to this temple after delivery to do the pooja. Many more offerings and pooja's being held daily.



Location:
From Kannur (towards Mangalore), just about 15kms on highway, you will find a right turn (sign boards are there) at a junction. This junction is called "Dharmasala". From that junction drive straight about 4 kms and the road will end to the temple. Towards the end the road very very slope and hair pin turns are there. Plenty of parking is available (except on sundays which is the day they will have special Theyyam and there will be huge crowd coming in). Incase you are coming from Mangalore side, towards kannur. YOu will see first main town called "Thaliparampa", and from there about 7/8 kms, you will find the junction(dharmasala) and take left turn.

I will continue about Vismaya park and snake park in second part of this thread.
Thanks

[nairrk]

Part II:

I have already explained the road to Parassinikadavu Temple i.e from
Dharmasala Junction towards left (if you are coming from Mangalore) or right direction (if you are coming from calicut/Kannur).

From Dharmasala Junction (towards the temple), after about 1km there is one Snake Park (Parassinikadavu snake Park). One can see good number of snakes (its on the right side of the Road - You will see many cars are parked in front of the Park). Proceed further down (towards Temple), just after about one km, you will see (again right side of the road), you will see
the VISMAYA Infotainment Park (Water theme park). Most items start here from 2 in the afternoon. So it is advisable to go to the park after 1PM.

The entry fees is RS.300 for Adult (375 on saturdays/sundays and holidays) and Rs.200 for childrens (275 for holidays). Good Restaurent and
soft drink stalls are there inside the park. Sufficient car parking availabe inside the park (free of charges). The park is new and very well maintained (very neat and clean environment).

Since all ride items are operational in the afternoon, suggest go first to the Snake park, then to the Temple (stay some time in the temple) and in return you can enter into the Vismaya Park (you can take Lunch from inside the park - very nominal rate- One Rice plate costs Rs.18/-. Non veg.items are extra)

I am attaching some of the ride photographs and you will now what ride's are available in the park.

It is just one day vacation trip.

=+

[nairrk]

Some more photgraphs of Vismaya Park
+

[gadadhar]

Didn't see any mention about the special offering of toddy and dried fish in the muthappan temple. Perhaps the only temple in Kerala with lot of non veg eateries and one toddy shop next to the temple

[nairrk]

Thanks,
I have been there few times but never seen toddy or fish items (unless it has been offered early in the morning, the time when the Theyyam is ready and gives darshan to all (I never head even if some one says about this kind of offerings). The main prasad given to all devotees are green-gram(boiled) and tea. It is available all time. Normally there will be free lunch (annadhanam) given to all (from 12 to 3pm). I have seen this is the only muthappan temple where lot of other offerings were made by the devotees like frist time feeding of children etc.
But, toddy and nonveg offerings are being done at individual homes(as an offering to muthappan and there are people available to do the rituals) or some small time temples (owned by a group of people/caste - ancestrial temple). Here, all these rituals are famous and after the puja the invitees and locals will be given free meals mainly Rice and chicken dish (some places only Rice and vegetable especially if the temple belongs to very large community hence the crowd will be too much so cannot afford giving chicken dish to all).
Thanks

[gadadhar]

nairrk - Toddy and dried fish is not given as Prasada but is the offering from devotees to Muthappan (there is a story behind this, do a google and you will get all details). I remember there is Theyyam in the evening somewhere between 7 and 8 pm.

[pjay_in]

Good, informative thread, nairkk. Do post more pics of the muthappan temple.

[nairrk]

Originally Posted by gadadhar

nairrk - Toddy and dried fish is not given as Prasada but is the offering from devotees to Muthappan (there is a story behind this, do a google and you will get all details). I remember there is Theyyam in the evening somewhere between 7 and 8 pm.

++
Sorry late reply

Toddy and fresh River fish (Not dried fish) is given as offering only during theyyam which is performed daily early morning (I have checked about this with some senior people around this area). I Never been there early in the morning hence I missed to see this offering.

Evening Theyyam is only occassional not on daily basis. Also sometime there will be Theyyam (Vellattam) during noon time also.

Only early morning Theyyam is on daily basis and one should be there before 5 am to see this.

Thanks

[kuttapan]

Originally Posted by nairrk

++
Only early morning Theyyam is on daily basis and one should be there before 5 am to see this.

Thanks

Guys, while Theyyam is the art form that is performed at Parassinikadavu, it is called Thiruvappana and Vellattom. I am not able to say what the difference is, at this point, will ask my parents and update..

Anyway, for those interested, here is a google snippet -

Parassini - Sri Muthappan

Centres of Sri Muthappan worship are generally called madappuras. But Padi is an exception. There, it is called Devasthanam. Some of the other important centres connected with Sri Muthappan are Puralimala, Arichal Madappura, Punthalottu Madappura, Kanniath Madappura and Parassini Madappura. It is believed that the Lord took rest at Punthalottu Madappura after His pallivetta, and then devas showered flowers on Him.
Parassini Madappura is the most popular among all Madappuras. At present, after Kunnathurpadi, Parassini Madappura is considered to be the most important centre of Lord Sri Muthappan. Devotees from far and near visit this pilgrim centre round the year. Thiruvappana and Vellattam on almost all days, scenic beauty, easy transport, annadanam, free accommodation and above all its direct link to Sri Muthappan make this centre very popular.
Parassini is in Chirakkal taluk. It is 20 km from Kannur and 10 km from Taliparambaa. Parassinikadavu is four-and-a-half km from Dharmasala bus stop on Kannur-Thalipparamba route.

History

While reading pattola at Parassini, the history of Muthapan in connection with Parassini is described. When Thiruvappana reached Puralimala, the Lord decided to find a suitable place for "nithya utsavam and aarattu". His glance reached up to Kannapuram (Kadalodu Kannapuram nokkikkandu). Thiruvappana sent an arrow from Puralimala. That arrow pierced on a kanjiramaram (nux vomica tree) at Parachingakkadavu, named after a thorny shrub parachinga. Valappattanam river flows by the side. Present place name, Parassini was derived from Parachinga. A Vannan who was fishing in the river saw a shining arrow on the tree. He got plenty of fish on that day. The Lord’s arrow with a divine hallow aroused an unknown feeling in him. He sensed something divine and informed the Kunnummel Tharavattu Karanavar who belonged to the Thiya community. He erected a madappura there and started worshipping the Lord. The Karanavar offered toddy and Vannan fish as payankutty. The Vannan who chanced to see the arrow began donning the divine crown of Sri Muthappan during Thiruvappana and Vellattam and the Karanavar became the first Madayan.

Old Order Changes

As the kaleidoscope of history spread over a century tilted, set patterns of social set up gave way to new order.
The exist of British rule brought yeomen changes in the national level. Princely States gave way to States and the Union of India. Kerala Land Reforms Act brought about drastic changes in the janmi (landlord)-kudiyan (tenant) relations. With the dawn of the Temple Entry Proclamation, an upsurge of social interaction began. The so-called underprivileged gained self-respect and self-confidence, paving way for a quantum leap forward. Nationalisation of forests also played a vital role in shaking the foundations of the hitherto unchallenged upper echelons of society.In many cases, landlords were turned into landless and vice-versa.
Once Karakkattedam had sway over vast acres of land. Records say that it had around 3,50,000 acres of land directly and another 1,50,000 acres indirectly, including devaswoms. Untill 1960, Karakkattedam was considered to be one of the biggest landlords. During British period, Karakkattedam was entrusted with the powers to collect taxes. Both the Kerala Land Reforms Act and Nationalisation of forests affrected its edifice.
Karakkattedam was heading the Chuzhali Swaroopam having control over all other edams and vast ares of land. Temples spread over Payyavur, Eruvassi, Ellaringi, Chengalai, Irukkur and Kalyadu villages come under Chuzhali Swaroopam.
Parassini Madappura had connections with Kadamberi Chuzhali Bhagavathi temple. When the consolidated powers of Chuzhali Swaroopam diminished due to abovesaid circumstsances, many areas, temples and institutions began to function on its own. There are umpteen rituals and customs to prove the solid bond between them. But none could resist the inevitable social changes that swept the landscape of Kerala., and under it swept many customs, rituals and the bond once existed. Now only nostalgic memories remain.
To start with there were 308 madappuras, 108 asthanams and 75 podikkalams at Puralimala. Whenever a podikkalam or a madappura was installed, it never cut the umbilikcal chord with Kunnathurpadi.
Now the situation has changed. Podikkalams and madappuras are mushrooming. It is perhaps on account of a strong desire of a devotee or as a thanksgiving gestrure for a prayer fuffilled. And all of them are now working independently

Offerings

Offerings to God here are unique. Vecharingad ( a mix of plantain, rice, pepper, turmeric and salt), roasted fish, toddy and coconut pieces are the favourite ones. Offer of toddy is important. "Kallum kaliyattom, villum villattom" are favourite for Him. Even during the prohibition period, Madras High Court allowed madappura to collect toddy from three coconut palms. For karimkalasam, arrack was used. After prohibition, tender coconut water is used instead. Foreign liquor is not banned here. In and around the sasnctum sanctorum here, hordes of dogs are seen. They move in gay abandon and are considered to be the blessed ones of the Lord. Some devotees give puppies to the madappura as offering. In the thottam, even the names of the four wild dogs that followed Sri Muthappan are mentioned. After removing the payankutty offered to Sri Muthappan for malayirakkal, the first offering is given to dogs. At the tme of the pallivetta purappad of the Lord, He offers coconut pieces to them.

Festival

On all sankranti days, Namboodiris do poojas here. Ganapati homam and sudhikalasam are conducted. During the month of Kanni, Ganapati homam is conducted with 64 coconuts. Sri Muthappan centres are perhaps the rarest of temples where non-Brahmins and Brahmins do poojas for the same Lord. Temple opens at 5.30 am. After many rituals, begins the dance of Sri Muthappan to the accompaniment of percussion instruments. After that the intreface with the Lord begins. The utterances of the Lord are termed as panippad, velipad or arulappad. It may last till 8.30 am.Vellattam begins around 5.30 pm and last till 8.30 pm. On all days, before the Malayala sankramam, Vellattam begins at 3 pm and ends around 5 pm.
In the Malayalam month of Thulam 9 (October), Puthari (new rice) is given to Sri Muthappan. The annual festival here is from Vrischikam 16 (December). Whoever comes to madappura is given tea and white gram or pounded rice as prasadam. Free noon and nitght meals are also given. Hence Parassinikkadau is known as the Dharmasthala of Malabar. Parassini Madappura is doing yeomen services in the field of art, especially kathakali, by maintaining Sri Muthppan kathakaliyogam. Madappura is running a shool and gives free food and accommodation to school children. People from Malabar, especially armymen, who come during vacation or on leave make it a point to have darshan of Lord Sri Muthappan. You can seldom find a vehicle without a Sri Muthappan picture in Malabar. Such is His acceptablility.
All Peruvannans are not permitted to don Sri Muthappan headgear at Parassini madappura. It is the right of the sons and nephew of Kundathil family. The eldest of the family tree is called "Janmari". Kannan Peruvannn is the present "Janmari", though he is not physically fit to don the Sri Muthappan attire. There are twenty theyyam artiestes at madappura. Sri P P Balakrishnan, 43, a history graduate, is the seniormost among theyyam artistes at Parassini . He had begun doning the attire at the age of 17. He had received Pattum Valayum from Kodallur Thampuran in the year 1979 and became Peruvannan who became eligible for the Divine dance of Thiruvappana. Son of the late Kanna Peruvannan, who was well-versed in this field, Balakrishnan is an authority in the rituals and legend of the Sri Muthappan tradition
The percussion instruments at Madappura is a treat to the ears. There are ten artistes belonging to the Malayar community. The festival at Parassini falls on the 30th of Malyalam month Kanni. The Lord Sri Muthappan and Vellattam come with all splendors. Decorated parasoles accompany them, marking the majestic look of Sri Muthappan. After that there will not be Thiruvappana and Vellattom till the 8th of Thulam. Only payankutty is offered at the madappura. On Thulam 9, Puthari Vellattam is performed. From then onwards to Vrischikam 14, only Ucha Vellattam is performed. There is another festival in Vrischikam. On all Malayalam Sankrama days there will be Sudhi and Ganapathi homam by Brahmin priests
There will be Koottakkaliyattam on a day fixed by astrologers on Meenam 2. There will be an array of theyyams of Vayanattu Kulavan, Elladathu Bhagavathi, Chamundi, Pottam theyyam, four theyyams of Kudiveeran, seven theyyams of Dharmadaivangal. On Makaram 21, there will be Chuvannamma kottam where theyyams of Chuvannamma, Thaiparadevatha, Kariathan, Pulloor Kannan and Karan Daivam appear. At Parassini the Malakayattal and Malayirakkal are performed at a time.This is unique since Parassini has Thiruvappana and Vellattam on all days and once after the Malyirakkal, the devotees should have the presence of Sri Muthappan till the next Divine dance.

[nairrk]

Thiruvappana - IMO, It is like main festival. This theyyam will be performed only during important days. The theyyam is highly decorated wiith large mudi (the one adorned in the head of the theyyam). Vellattam is the theyyam which can even arranged at one's house. In this region most of the house will conduct a vellattam once in every year (irrespective of caste). There are people(Madayan?) who do the ritual and one can call them to do the performance against paying some fees and Lunch (ofcourse toddy and dried fish as offering to the theyyam). The owner of house where the theyyam is performed invite very close/related people and had to offer all of them Lunch (with chicken dish)

[gadadhar]

Thanks nairrk and others.. Thats lot of infomation in this thread and will help people planning a trip here.. Team BHP rocks.

[nairrk]

Anyone going through this route and if you can spare about 4/5 hours,then you can visit the temple and the water park (vismaya) and then snake park. If one prefer to stay overnight, then you can either stay in Kannur or in Payyannur.

If you are interested in one day boat stay (in backwater).?

It is called 'Bekal Boat Stay' at Neeleshwaram in Kasaragode district.

You can hire a boat - Hire charges are basis min 8 people including lunch. Lunch will be prepared and served on board. The boat will leave shore around 10am and return back around 4pm. They will take you about few kms. There is a bed room also in the boat. No one else will be there in the boat except of crew, cook and assistants ( You can also carry any eatables + bottles etc)

WE had a trip last year (May 2008) and then the rate was as under:

Cruice charge : Rs.4500 (inclusive of meals for 8)
Tax Rs. 675
Total Rs.5175

If you are more than 8, then they will charge additional per person
( I am not sure is there any change in tariff now). More number of people then they have larger boats also.

Booking has to be done in advance and you have tell them what kind of food you require)

It is interesting one day picnic in backwater cruicing

Thanks

[nairrk]

Bekal Boat Stay - Herewith the contact details:

Bekal Boat Stay,
Nileshwar, Kasaragode District

Phone: 0467 - 2282633, 3253311
Email: contact@bekalboatstay.com
Web: Home Page-Bekal Boat Stay, Kerala, India---Houseboat service provider near Bekal Fort

[Dhar's]

@nairrk

I had been there 09/08. We were returning from KSGD hence arrived late and couldnt see Thaiyyam. After darshan, left for TCR and couldnt visit Vismayam.

It was raining and the place was absolutely beautiful.

Planning to be there next Jan/Feb.

[nairrk]

Originally Posted by Dhar's

@nairrk

I had been there 09/08. We were returning from KSGD hence arrived late and couldnt see Thaiyyam. After darshan, left for TCR and couldnt visit Vismayam.

It was raining and the place was absolutely beautiful.

Planning to be there next Jan/Feb.

+
Vismayam - the best time will be after 12 noon as most of the ride opens only in the afternoon. The crowd also gathers in the afternoon.

To watch the thaiyyam, either you should be there in the early morning
or in the night (you may have stay overnight to see early morning theyyam).

There is one snake park near the vismaya park, You can programme
accordingly.

Thanks