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Kerala Temple Honors Dogs as Sacred Companions
22 Aug
Summary
- Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple worships dogs as divine beings
- Muthappan deity represents a fusion of Vishnu and Shiva, celebrated through daily Theyyam rituals
- Temple rituals include feeding dogs first as part of the prasadam offering ceremony
Kerala's spiritual landscape is known for its diverse and unexpected expressions of faith. In the northern town of Parassinikadavu, the Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple stands out for its radical inclusivity and reverence towards dogs, which are considered sacred companions of the deity.
The temple honors Sree Muthappan, a deity believed to be a fusion of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This dual nature is reflected in the temple's daily Theyyam rituals, where Muthappan is worshipped through two distinct forms - the regal Thiruvappana representing Vishnu, and the raw, minimal Vellattam representing Shiva.
What makes this temple truly unique is its deep respect for dogs. According to local folklore, Muthappan was always accompanied by a dog, and this bond is celebrated through the ritual of Nayoottu, where dogs are fed every morning and evening. The first serving of prasadam, or sacred offerings, is always given to the temple's resident canines before any devotee receives it.
Remarkably, there have been no reported incidents of dog aggression at the temple, reinforcing the belief in their divine association. The temple's warm, participatory atmosphere welcomes all visitors, regardless of their background or beliefs, to witness Kerala's ritual theatre in its most authentic, living form.
