Sree Muthappan Theyyam is performed daily at the Parassinikkadavu temple, which is the main shrine dedicated to Sree Muthappan. The temple is located on the banks of the Valapattanam river, about 20 km from Kannur town. The temple is open to people of all castes and religions, unlike most Hindu temples in Kerala. The temple also offers free meals to the devotees who visit the temple. The ritual performers of Sree Muthappan Theyyam belong to the Vannan community, who are traditionally washermen and barbers. The puja rituals and rites for Sree Muthappan are performed by the Thiyyar community, who are also known as Ezhavas or Tiyyas.
Sree Muthappan Theyyam consists of two phases: Vellattam and Thiruvappana. Vellattam is the preliminary phase, where the performer invokes the spirit of Sree Muthappan by singing hymns and playing musical instruments such as chenda (drum) and elathalam (cymbals). The performer wears a simple white cloth around his waist and a red cloth around his head. He also carries a sword and a shield in his hands. He paints his face with white rice paste and draws three horizontal lines on his forehead, representing Shiva. He also wears a garland of rudraksha beads around his neck. Vellattam is usually performed in the evening or at night.
Thiruvappana is the main phase, where the performer transforms into Sree Muthappan by wearing a majestic costume and a crown. The costume consists of a red skirt, a green blouse, a red cloak, and a belt with bells. The crown is made of bamboo sticks and coconut leaves, decorated with flowers and peacock feathers. The performer also wears ornaments such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. He paints his face with red and black colors, representing Vishnu. He also wears a garland of tulsi leaves around his neck. Thiruvappana is usually performed in the morning or at noon.
During Thiruvappana, the performer dances around the temple premises, accompanied by drummers and other musicians. He blesses the devotees by touching their heads with his sword or shield. He also performs various acts such as breaking coconuts, throwing rice grains, drinking toddy (palm wine), eating fish curry, and hunting wild animals with his bow and arrow. These acts symbolize the different aspects of Sree Muthappan's personality, such as his benevolence, his fierceness, his simplicity, his fondness for food and drink, and his mastery over nature.
Sree Muthappan Theyyam Full 10 is a video that shows the complete performance of Sree Muthappan Theyyam from Vellattam to Thiruvappana. The video was recorded at the kannadippara Muthappan temple, which is another important shrine dedicated to Sree Muthappan. The video lasts for about 31 minutes and showcases the rich culture and tradition of Kerala's folk art. The video can be watched online on YouTube or SoundCloud .
Sree Muthappan Theyyam is a unique and fascinating form of worship that blends art, music, dance, drama, and devotion. It is a living testimony to the diversity and harmony of India's cultural heritage. Sree Muthappan Theyyam is not just a performance, but a divine experience that connects the human and the divine, the past and the present, the individual and the collective.
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