The #TempleRun at Kannur!

Southern India is blessed with many beautifully crafted temples, that have been testimony to Hinduism being the largest religion within India. Some of the temples in the four southern states are over 400+ years old and still stand upright, without any visible deformity to the edifices. The skill and mastery of the architects of these temples must be credited. Without modern equipment and technology, they​ were able to carve out such masterpieces! ⛲

My visits​ to the North Malabar town of Kannur, which also happens to be the town where my father was schooled before he joined the Indian Navy;  always divinely connects me to the Parassinnikadavvu Muthappan Temple and the small community temple of Kamakshi Ammal Devi. Both these temples have been around for times immemorial and receives footfalls of devotees on a daily basis. The best part is people of different faiths visit this temple as well, thereby pushing Hinduism towards being more of a way of leading life, rather than considering it as a religion. 

While this topic is debatable, it's important to learn about the rituals and the history behind these temples, which make them reverred among so many people. 🌄

Parassinnikadavvu Muthappan Kshetram (Temple): 

This temple is the abode of the Hindu folk deity Muthappan, worshiped exclusively by people in North Malabar and certain regions of Karnataka. 😇 

Lord Muthappan and his close aide, Thiruvappan are considered as manifestations of Lord Shiva and Vishnu respectively. The method of worship does not follow the normal mode seen in other temples across India. A ritual is enacted at certain auspicious times within the day, to pay respects to both the lords. Fish and toddy (rice arrack) are used as offerings in the temple. The traditional 'Theyyam' dance also features within the rituals and rites at the temple. 🌸

The courtyard inside the temple, which houses the deities of Lords Muthappan and Thiruvappan. Photography of the deity is prohibited, hence capturing the deities is always a task up the sleeves of the disciples and worshippers. 🌻

The temple is build around the banks of a river which is used by locals for domestic purposes. This river has been the source of water for generations of people living around the Parassinnikadavvu area. 🌼

This section of the river is used by devotees to wash their feet, before entering the temple. This is a carry on of an ancient tradition where washing feet in a pond, before entering homes was considered as a good practice and a way of keeping homes dirt free too. Supreme devotion and hygiene in one stroke! 💦

A section adjacent to the temple, whose walls are adorned with photo frames of Muthappan and Thiruvappan. A lot of devotees, priests and a select few among the local populace live and provide their services to the temple. 💞

One of the many entrances towards the courtyard where the rituals and rites are preformed at auspicious times of the day. Elephant relics adore the walls and the teakwood doors. 'Vilakkus' or oil lamps are also placed at all entrances and in the courtyard during the evenings. 💫

A tall brass pagoda in the verandah section of the temple. Various poojas to appease the Lords can be performed at fees between INR 20 - INR 2000, depending on its grandeur. 💗

Any devotee is bound to look like this after a visit to the Muthappan temple. A blend of cooling paste and ashes are applied on the forehead to signify a visit to the temple and show respect to the dieties in the process.💝 

The 'prasadam' or offering received after paying respects at the temple includes boiled beans, grated coconut and a glass of mildly sweetened milk tea. 🍵

Kamakshi Ammal Devi Community Amballam (Temple): 

Kamakshi Ammal Devi is another revered Goddess within North Malabar. Few households consider her as the 'kull devi' or 'mother protector' of family members. Kamakshi Ammal has her origins in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu and is considered as a another form of Goddess Parvati, bringing peace and prosperity within families, who indulge in pure worship.👼

 The entrance of the Kamakshi Ammal Devi temple is made up of teakwood. Some sections have sandalwood carvings and dieties are places in separate 'muzhis'/rooms to ensure all devotee receive ample time to offer prayers to Kamakshi Ammal and other dieties present. 🙌

The prasadam at this temple is either rice pudding, lentils payasam or at times just plain flowers, with vermillion, cooling paste and ashes. 🍨

Visiting places of worship such as these, is definitely enlightening as it allows one to realise an important relationship between man/woman and the creator. 👏

Experience this special #TempleRun at Kannur. Quite worthy indeed!
#FeelBlessed 😇