Muthappan Temple is one of the famous temples located in the Kannur District of North Malabar region in the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated on the banks of the Valapattam River. Muthappan Temple is dedicated to Sree Muthappan, one of the most popular local deities.

Legend of Muthappan Temple
The Muthappan Temple is associated with many legends. As per a legend when Muthappan was a boy he was very rebellious. He used to hunt animals very skilfully. After killing them he skinned them and wore their skins. One day, He came across a coconut tree that was being tapped for toddy. He then climbed up the tree and emptied the jar that was carrying the toddy. When the tapper returned he saw the boy and scolded him. Muthappan became very angry and turned the man to stone. This incident became very famous. Hence during the occasion of Muthappan theyyam the performer consumes the toddy liquor and then passes it to the spectators. Thus, it is seen that Muthappan goes against the rules by allowing liquor inside the premises of the temple. The various rituals of the temple are performed by the priests from the Thiyya community of Malabar.

Festivals of Muthappan Temples
Muthappan Temples organises many festivals that are celebrated on a grand scale every year. During the festival time the temple is decorated beautifully with lights and flowers that look very attractive. Thiruvappana and Vellattam are performed daily in the early morning and in the evening. Puthari Thiruvappana is the first Thiruvappana of the year that is on the 16th Vrichikam. The last Thiruvappana is on Kanni 30th every year. Puthari means the ceremonial feast.

The deities of the Muthappan Temples are presented with different types of offerings. Some of the offerings given by the devotees are Paimkutty, Vellattam and Thiruvappana. The offerings by the Matayan are Vecheringat i.e. a boiled mixture of banana, pepper, turmeric powder and salt.), Neerkari which is a mixture of raw rice powder, salt, turmeric powder and black pepper, boiled gram, or coconut slices. Toddy and burnt dry fish are also given as offerings.

Muthappan Temples is well connected with different modes of transport. The nearest railway station is located at Kannur that is located at a distance of almost 16 km. the nearest airport is the Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode that is almost 110 km from Kannur. Bus and taxi services are easily available for the temple from different places.