New Delhi: The Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple in Keralas Kannur district is not just a religious center—its a place where dogs are considered sacred beings. Devotees throng this temple, where the first prasadam is offered to a dog, believed to be the companion of the temple deity, Sree Muthappan.The unique rituals of dog worshipOne of the temples central rituals is nayoottu, a ceremony where dogs are fed, showing the deep bond between humans and animals. Thousands of devotees, including tourists from nearby Karnataka, gather to witness this practice that occurs every morning and evening.With around 9,000 visitors on weekdays and up to 25,000 on weekends, the temple has grown into a bustling tourism hub. The streets around the temple are filled with shops and houseboats on the Valapattanam river, offering a blend of devotion, commerce, and culture.Watch this unique & interesting story of Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple-Kerala. 🙏🚩 pic.twitter.com/6Hdk6dgBit— Yashaswini (@DharmaRakshathi) July 30, 2024The mythology behind the traditionThe temples connection with dogs is rooted in mythology. Devotees believe that Sree Muthappan, considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Vishnu, was always accompanied by a dog, which is why the animal is revered here.The temple, located in Anthoor village, a region known as the cradle of communism, also serves as a bridge between the old and the new, showcasing how ancient traditions continue to thrive in a rapidly modernizing world.
