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 Ever thought of offering toddy or meat to God? Gods and Goddesses throughout the world are supposed to be heavenly, divine creatures who are above all worldly expectations. However a look into the Parasinikadavu temple near Kannur in Kerala proves you wrong. As one enters the way to the temple amidst palm trees that sashay in the gentle breeze, a smell of toddy fills the air.
This is the temple for the common man. Stray dogs feel at home here. There are absolutely no formalities to be followed while visiting this temple. The abode is that of Lord Muthappan, who is believed to be an ideal for the poor and the toiling masses. This temple is located at the banks of the river Valapattnam, twenty kilometres from Kannur.
The five elements associated with this temple are the moon, the river, a dog, theyyam and toddy. The origin of the temple is not known. Muthappan is believed to be a radical Hindu god. He drinks toddy, eats flesh and meat. He has a dog always by His side. He is clad in the attire of a hunter, along with bow and arrows. This entire scene is not something synonymous with the temples of the other classes of society.
 It is also said the Lord abhors luxury. All rituals in the temple are performed by members of the lower strata of society. These people were earlier barred entry in the temples maintained by the upper castes. The Hindu temples in all the other parts of the country are dominated by the upper strata of society and they dictate a lot of restrictions on the devotees. This temple has no restrictions or dress regulations and anyone can walk up to the sanctum sanctorum and offer prayers.
Among the functions celebrated here, the theyyam dance is famous. In this art form, the lead dancer impersonates the Lord and speaks like Him. He even offers advice to devotees and blesses them. The temple is built on the grounds of the Madappura family. It provides free meals and accommodation to all devotees.
Among the other events in the temple is the Puthari vellottam, usually a festival associated with harvest. It comes during the Malayalam month of Thulam around the end of October. The newly harvested rice is offered for Pooja. Around the first week of December, an annual festival begins, which is celebrated with spree throughout the place. Surely a God of small things, for the small people!
S Sowmya
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