Muthappan

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Muthappan
Thiruvappan or Valiya Muthapan(Vishnu) on left and the Vellatom or Cheriya Muthapan(Shiva) on right
Affiliation	Hinduism
Abode	Kunnathurpadi
Weapon	Spear, Bow and arrow and sword
Mount	Wild hound (hunting dogs)

Muthappan (Malayalam: ശ്രീ മുത്തപ്പൻ, Kannada: ಮುತ್ತಪ್ಪ್) is a deity commonly worshiped in the Kannur, Kasargod, Kozhikode, Malappuram region of Kerala and Coorg region of Karnataka in India.^[1][2] Muthappan is considered as the personification of two Hindu gods — the Thiruvappan or Valiya Muthapan (Vishnu) and the Vellatom or Cheriya Muthapan (Shiva).^[3]

The shrine where Muthappan is worshipped is called Madappura.The Parassinikadavu Madappura is the most important.^[4]

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). The main liturgy is a ritual enactment of Muthappan, performed daily at the Parassinikadavu temple. Most temples in Kerala do not allow non-Hindus to enter; Muthappan temples are said to be much more liberal in this regard.^{[citation needed]}

Muthappan is the principal deity in the ritualistic Theyyam dance (Muthappan Theyyam) performed in the Parassinikkadavu temple. The ritual performers of Muthappan Theyyam belong to the Vannan community of Kerala. The puja rituals and rites for Muthappan are performed by the Thiyyar community^[5]