Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli and Thirunelly) is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. The Temple is located at an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is situated 32 km away from Manathavady.
The temple building is an ideal example of temple architecture with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.
Thirunelli temple is popularly known as “Kashi of South” or “Thekkan Kashi”. The main festival celebrations in the temple are Chuttuvilakku, Puthari, Sivarthri, Sreekrishnajayanti and Navarathri.
According to popular legend, the Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad, Kerala, South India was constructed by the creator, Lord Brahma himself and dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Famous incarnation of Lord Vishnu Parasurama is reputed to have visited Thirunelli and performed last rites at the death of his father sage Jamadagni. He also took immersion in the Papanasini to wipe away sins committed in killing Kshatriyas.
Water is transported from a perennial mountain stream deep in the valley via impressive stone aqueducts right into the priests room.
Panchatheertham is the holy temple pond. One notable feature of the temple is the lack of a temple well in the premises.
Thirunelli is famous as the destination to perform last rites of the deceased at the rock close to Papa nasini stream. Parts of the temple including sanctum sanctorium is being renovated. Renovation activities can be seen on one side of the temple where sculpted stones and beautiful wood carvings are under preparation.
Papanasini Emanating from the heart of Brahmagiri flowing through roots, leaves and flowers of ancient trees and medicinal herbs, Papanasini is a holy mountain stream accessible around 1 km North west of the temple premises. One dip in the cold Papanasini waters in reputed to wash away all sins committed in a life time. It is further believed that Papanasini is the confluence of river Ganga and Saraswathy.
The temple building is an ideal example of temple architecture with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.
Thirunelli temple is popularly known as “Kashi of South” or “Thekkan Kashi”. The main festival celebrations in the temple are Chuttuvilakku, Puthari, Sivarthri, Sreekrishnajayanti and Navarathri.
According to popular legend, the Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad, Kerala, South India was constructed by the creator, Lord Brahma himself and dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Famous incarnation of Lord Vishnu Parasurama is reputed to have visited Thirunelli and performed last rites at the death of his father sage Jamadagni. He also took immersion in the Papanasini to wipe away sins committed in killing Kshatriyas.
Water is transported from a perennial mountain stream deep in the valley via impressive stone aqueducts right into the priests room.
Panchatheertham is the holy temple pond. One notable feature of the temple is the lack of a temple well in the premises.
Thirunelli is famous as the destination to perform last rites of the deceased at the rock close to Papa nasini stream. Parts of the temple including sanctum sanctorium is being renovated. Renovation activities can be seen on one side of the temple where sculpted stones and beautiful wood carvings are under preparation.
Papanasini Emanating from the heart of Brahmagiri flowing through roots, leaves and flowers of ancient trees and medicinal herbs, Papanasini is a holy mountain stream accessible around 1 km North west of the temple premises. One dip in the cold Papanasini waters in reputed to wash away all sins committed in a life time. It is further believed that Papanasini is the confluence of river Ganga and Saraswathy.
