The God of the poor and toiling masses, Northern Malabar’s Muthappan is helpful to anyone who worships and follows him. A rebel God in the Hindu pantheon, he drinks toddy (palm wine) and eats roasted fish. He has a hunter’s attire and carries with him a bow and arrow.
His companions are dogs who wander freely in his temple. The secular nature of this God is further evident in treating everyone equally, irrespective of this caste, religion, country. or creed. There are no restrictions, no dress regulations and anybody can go up to the sanctum-sanctorum and pray.
In a viral video, Muthappan is seen with a Muslim woman who approached him with tearful eyes. While the shattered woman burst into tears recollecting miseries in life, Muthappan is seen consoling her and reassuring his blessings that would bring rays of hope in her life.
‘The mosque, church and temple are not separate. Did you think that I am different in terms of caste and religion…then don’t’, says Muthappan. He is seen wiping her tears saying that Muthappan will change all the misery and hardships and these are the words of Muthappan.
The ritual performers of Muthappan Theyyam belong to the tribal community of Kerala. It is unique because in Kerala both the upper-caste Brahmins, and the lower-caste tribals have a significant contribution to the major forms of worship.
The devotees can interact with God as they pour out their grievances in a chat with the tastefully decorated Muthappan Theyyam.
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