The Valluvan Kadav Sree Muthappan Temple, located in Kannadiparamba in Kerala’s Kannur district, stands as a testament to a rich history dating back 400 years. Recently renovated, this sacred site has become a focal point for devotees, drawing pilgrims from far and wide.
Legend has it that in the village of Payyavoor, a Brahmin family known as Ayyankara discovered a divine blessing in an unexpected manner. The lady of the Ayyankara royal family found a baby floating in a basket of flowers while bathing in the nearby Payyvur river. Embracing the child as a gift from the god Shiva, the family raised him with love and care.
As the boy grew, he developed a fondness for hunting, often consuming roasted flesh, much to the dismay of his parents. Unable to tolerate their scolding, the young boy decided to leave home. Before departing, he conveyed that he would wear the “Poikannu” to conceal his fiery eyes, a sign of his divinity. Thus, the boy, now known as Muthappan, embarked on a journey that led him through various villages, including Kunnathurpadi, Puralimala, Thillenkeri, Kannapuram, Parassinikadavu, and Valluvankadav.
In Kunnathurpadi, Muthappan befriended Chantan, a tribal man, and witnessed a miraculous transformation when Chantan turned into a stone. After his wife’s prayers, Chantan returned, and the family began worshiping Muthappan, starting a tradition that spread across the region. The Muthappan pooja gained momentum, especially during the annual festival in the month of Dhanu, marked by performances by the Anhuttan family members and vellattam komaram.
The divine form of Muthappan manifests in different ways – as a boy, a young boy, Purankala Muthappan, and finally Thiryvapan. The latter is prominently seen at Prassinikadav and Valluvankadavu.
Throughout North Malabar, Muthappankavu and Muthappan Madapuras are scattered, each surrounded by lush vegetation and serene settings. The Madappuras become vibrant during the Thira season, with communities like Vannan and Anthuttan leading traditional Theyyam performances.
The Madappura festivals create a unique atmosphere, blending spirituality with cultural richness. These sacred spaces, often located near rivers or hilltops, attract communities associated with Muthappan, particularly the powerful Theyyam artists from the Vannan and Anthuttan communities.
The Valluvan Kadav Sree Muthappan Temple, with its centuries-old history, not only serves as a religious hub but also stands as a living testament to the amalgamation of legends, rituals, and cultural practices in the vibrant tapestry of Kerala’s traditions. As devotees continue to flock to this divine abode, the temple remains a symbol of enduring faith and cultural heritage in the heart of Kannur district.
Valluvankadavu Muthappan Madappura: A Divine Sanctuary on the Banks of Valapattanam River
The origin of Valluvankadavu Madappura can be traced to a divine vision bestowed upon a devoted Karanavar, the head of the Puthiya Valappil family, centuries ago. Despite the family’s affluence from extensive landed properties and agricultural income in Valluvankadavu and neighboring villages, the Karanavar remained a humble and charitable farmer.
One twilight evening, after his routine prayers, the Karanavar was drawn toward the riverbank. There, he witnessed a luminous figure emerging from the river, identified as the divine Muthappan. Overwhelmed with joy, he attempted to approach Muthappan but was repelled by an unseen force, leaving him unconscious. Upon awakening, Muthappan had vanished, leading the Karanavar on a relentless search along the riverbank, chanting divine names.
After Muthappan disappeared, the Karanavar returned home in a state of supreme bliss, astonishing his family with his transformed demeanor. He initiated rituals and Painkutti for Muthappan, conducting Vellattam and even worshipping other deities like Edalapurath Chamundi and Gulikan. Renamed as Guru, he dedicated himself to divine service, bringing unprecedented prosperity and contentment to the village.
After Guru’s passing, successors continued the rituals, but negligence led to the abandonment of Muthappan’s seat, causing misfortunes. The divine presence, however, endured. Eventually, a descendant took charge, establishing the Valluvankadavu Muthappan Trust for the site’s revival.
Through consecration and the establishment of Gurusthanam and Madappura, the trust atoned for past neglect. Under the leadership of Ariyambatt Mukundan, the trust successfully revived Valluvankadavu as a center of Muthappan veneration. Today, pilgrims from afar regularly seek blessings at this sacred site, comparable to major temples in Kerala.
Situated in Kannadiparamba village, Kannur district, on the Valapattanam River, Valluvankadavu Muthappan Madappura is open to devotees of all religions. Alongside Lord Muthappan, worshipers receive blessings from Guru, Edalapurath Chamundi, Gulikan, and Nagam. The temple operates daily from 5 am to 10 am and 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm, with special rituals on Sundays and monthly events. Thiruvappana Mahotsavam unfolds from January 1 to January 7.
Beyond spiritual offerings, the temple serves the community by distributing Ayurveda medicines and providing free treatment through collaboration with local Ayurveda hospitals. Thousands benefit from these services on Sundays. Additionally, the temple houses a welfare center with modern facilities, embodying its commitment to humanitarian service.
Valluvankadavu Muthappan Madappura, once at risk of fading into obscurity, now stands as a vibrant testament to faith, revival, and enduring divine presence.
