Parassinikadavu
Muthappan Temple
The famous Muthappan (Siva) Temple (Parassinikadavu Madappura) is on the
banks of the Valapatnam River.
According
to tradition, the main abode of Muthappan was Puralimala near Mattannur.
The story goes that Muthappan appeared in the form of a child before one
Padikutti Amma. The child had an insatiable appetite for liquor, fish
and meat and became a nuisance to the family and was therefore turned
out from the house.
Armed
with a bow and arrow Muthappan wandered from place to place and
eventually reached Puralimala. At Kunnathupadi, on his way to Puralimala,
he climbed on to the top of a palmyra tree in the house of one Chandan
and drank toddy.
Chandan
who happened to arrive on the scene, is said to have been turned into a
rock the gaze of Muthappan. Here Muthappan completely disappeared from
the scene and nothing more was heard of him. It is believed that he came
down to Parassinikkadavu
According
to tradition, a member of the Vannan community at Parassinikadavu found
a metallic arrow on the trunk of a Kangira tree and having felt
something divine about the place, reported the matter to the senior
member of an ancient Thiyya family in the neighborhood. The latter,
which felt the divine presence of Muthappan, immediately performed the
necessary ceremonies and offered worship to him.
It is an
accepted dictum here, that whatever is received by way of gifts or
offerings should be spent for the benefits of the pilgrims. The daily
offerings made to Muthappan are also different from what they are in
other temples. It has been customary to offer toddy, fish and meat as
‘nivedyams’ to the deity. People of all castes and communities
including member of the Muslim as well as Christian communities are
known to donate sums of money as vashipadu to Muthappan. The annual
festival, which falls on December 1st, provides a special
occasion for pilgrims to throng the Parassinikadavu temple.
The
temple is situated 20kms. north of Kannur town.
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Thiruvangad
Temple
The
Thiruvangad temple, dedicated to Sri.Rama, is an important temple. The
temple is generally known as the Brass Pagoda from the copper sheering
of its root.
A part of
the temple was damaged by Tippus troops in the 18th century,
but the temple itself is believed to have been saved from destruction by
a miracle.
It was
one of the outposts of the Thalassery fort in the eighteenth century. In
its precincts were held many conferences between the officials of the
East India Company and local leaders, at which political treaties and
agreements were signed.
The
temple contains some interesting sculptures and lithic recors.
The
annual festival of temple commences on
Vishu day in Medam (April – May) and lasts for seven days.
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Trichambaram
temple
The
Trichambaram temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The pratishta here was
performed by Sambara Maharshi and hence the temple is known as
Trichambaram.
The
presumption is that the temple is situated in Dwaraka. It is significant
that all around the temple, the water level is high. There is an elinji
tree just in front of the temple, which bears no fruits but only
flowers.
The
annual festival at Trichambaram takes place during Kumbham-Meenam months
(March)
The
temple vazhipadus like payasam and thousand breads are believed to bless
the devotees with santhanavardhanavu.
The
temple is located about 5 kms. south of Thaliparamba.
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Mosque
at Thalassery
The Juma
Masjid situated near the Maidan in the heart of Thalassery town is one
of the most beautiful mosques in the district. It is said to be more
than a thousand years old and has been rebuilt in the Indo Saracenic
style of architecture.
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Mosque
at Madayil
The most
interesting building at Madayil is the beautiful old mosque, which was
founded by Malik Ibin Dinar.
A block
of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from
Mecca by the founder himself. The grave of an Arab divine, who renovated
this mosque, is also seen here.
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Kottiyur
The most
important pilgrim centre in this district is Kottiyur, otherwise known
as the Varanasi of the South.
There are
two temples at Kottiyur, viz. Akkara Kottiyur and Ikkara Kottiyur, lying
in the deep forest.
The
annual festival commences with Neyyattam on the swati day in Edavam
(may- June) and ends with Thirukkalasattu, after 28 days.
A sword
from the Muthirikavu, Tavinal village, is brought to Ikkara kottiyur and
this marks the beginning of the festival. It is believed that this sword
is the one with which Daksha is believed to have been hacked to death
and it is a n object of daily workship of Muthirikavu. This festival is
akin to the yaga performed by Daksha.
The
special ceremonies connected with the festival are Neyyattam and
Elannerattam, literally meaning the pouring of ghee and water of tender
coconut respectively.
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Jagannatha
Temple
The
Jagannatha temple, set up by Sree Narayana Guru in 1908, is another
important temple. It is situated on a raised ground in the midst of
paddy fields and was built by raising funds from the rich and the poor
alike.
The
Harijans were admitted to this temple in 1924.
Pooja is
performed here by non-Brahmins, according to ancient Hindu rites.
Marriages including inter-caste marriages are conducted inside the
temple.
Annual
festival falls in Kumbham (February-March).
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St.
John’s Church
The St.
John’s church, situated beneath the walls of the Thalassery Fort, was
built in 1869 with the funds provided by the Master Attendent, Mr.
Edward Brennen.
Situated
on a summit near the sea, this church is one of the most beautiful
Anglican churches in India. In this churchyard lies the tomb of Edward
Brennen.
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Annapurneswari
Temple
The
Annapurneswari temple, sitated at Cherukunnu near Thaliparamba, is
believed to have been constructed by Parasurama.
According
to tradition, Annapurneswari of Kasi (Banaras) came to Cherukunnu in a
ship with three maid servants and a number of their followers.
Later the
goddess proceeded to the spot where the temple is now situated.
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