Kunnathur Padi, the Aroodam of Sri Muthappan in located near Srikandapuram in Payyavur village of Taliparamba taluk in Kannur district. The Kunnathurpadi festival which starts in Malayalam month of Dhanu 2nd and ends in Makaram 2nd is conducted in a natural setting because Sree Muthappan said that “fallen leaves, a spring, a large mountain, a round stone, forest and palm trees are enough for me.” There are no temples for Muthappan in Kunnathur padi. This area is beautiful with its greenery and is 3000 feet above sea level atop Udumbamala of Sahyadri mountains. The divinity and the purity of this place is been maintained for centuries, with its breath taking beauty. The abundant vegetation provides a setting for a cool and calm atmosphere. Any visitor, coming to this area will feel the blessing hand of Sri Muthappan and will be able to cross the thin line that separates the spiritual existence and the miseries of the material world. There is an open place and a cave in the middle of the forest.
During the festival season, a temporary madappura is erected here, which is called Sreekovil. On the west side of this madappura, there is a stone, a rock stand and a mud platform. On each side of the cave there is a palm tree. On the north side, there is a spring called Thiruvankadavu. Beyond that is Aadipadi. It was here that god appeared and Chantan was transformed into a stone. But since no human being has the strength of penance to worship here, Muthappan himself suggested that they could construct a Paadi in the southern side and perform worship. On the peak of the mountain, where the rivulet starts, from the strong oozing water, emerge the earthen objects used to worship Muthappan. It is believed that these objects assume form from the water that springs from the mountain.
Thanthries perform the purifying rituals (Sudhi, Pasudanam, Punyaham, Ganapati homam and Bhagavathiseva). The Malayirakkal (invoking) of Sri Muthappan is done by Puralimala. In all other madappuras, this is done by Kunnathurpadi. The festival at Padi lasts from the month of Dhanu to Makaram (mid-December to mid-January).
A special feature at Padi is that Thiruvappana and Vellattam do not appear simultaneously as in many other Sri Muthappan centres. He comes in the night and goes in the night . After the divine dance is over, He sits on the platform and asks Nayanar also to sit in front. Sri Muthappan recites the pattola. It is the history of the Lord and His relationship with the Vanavar. Bhandaram (coffer) is brought. Devotees do not put anything directly to the coffer. Offerings are given to the Lord in hand, and Bhagvan places it in the coffer. Then begins the most important aspect of the festival. Sri Muthappan starts His arulapadu. The long wait of the devetees is over and He hears their grievances, consoles them and blesses them. Vellattam appears after that.
source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunnathoor_Padi
http://www.southexplore.in/2012/02/kunnathurpadi-kannur-kerala.html