Muthappan

Muthappan is a deity commonly worshipped in the Northern Region of Kerala in India. Muthappan is considered as the personification of two gods Thirvappan or Valiya Muthapan (Shiva, during the creation of Kaalabhairavan) and the Vellatom or Cheriya Muthapan (Kaalabhairavan, the fierce form of Shiva, of Bhairava Tantra), worshipped in ancestral form. All the puja rituals and rites for Muthappan are performed by the Thiyyar community of Malabar, as Muthappan is regarded as the Kulapoorvikan (clan ancestor) of the Thiyyar community in Malabar.

A shrine where Muthappan Is worshipped is known as a Madappura. The Parassinikadavu Madappura is the most important temple to the deity.

Practices in Muthappan temples are quite distinct from those in other Hindu temples of Kerala.The rituals are related to Shakteyam where Panja-ma-kara are offered, sometimes including madyam (in this case, Toddy) and mamsam (generally flesh, in this case fish). Muthappan is worshipped in the form of Theyyam and is not represented through a traditional prathishta (consecrated idol). As such, Madappuras, the shrines dedicated to Muthappan, do not contain idol forms or structures such as the kodimaram (temple flagstaff), which are commonly found in conventional Hindu temples.

While most temples in Kerala traditionally restrict entry to non-Hindus, Muthappan temples are known for their inclusivity, allowing entry to devotees regardless of caste or religion. In the Malabar region, festivals held at Muthappan Madappuras often see enthusiastic participation from Muslims, symbolizing a spirit of secularism, communal harmony, and humanism.