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Kerala tourism Guide

Thirunelli Temple
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Thirunelli Temple

Thirunelli temple is situated in a small village called Thirunelli in the foothills Brahmagiri Mountain and 30 km away from Mananthavady. The uniqueness of this temple is that it can be reached by road from Calicut, Kannur, Mananthavady, Mysore and Bangalore. The nearest railway station is Calicut and the nearest Airport is Karipur International Airport Calicut.

About Thirunelli Temple

Thirunelli Temple abode of Lord Vishnu is situated at an altitude of 900 meter on the side of Brahmagiri Mountain in Wayanad district in Kerala. Devotees from all over the country visit this temple to perform ancestral rites on the banks of the river Papanasini flowing from Mount Brahmagiri which people believe has divine powers to wipe out all sins. There is also a holy rock where people pray for their ancestors. Thirunelli Temple is an example of ancient architecture and the lush green surrounding of mount Brahmagiri gives calmness to the mind and sitting in the sanctum of the temple makes you completely relaxed. Another attraction of this temple is the aqua duct which brings fresh water to the temple for hundreds of years. The main festivals of this temple are Puthari, Chuttuvilakku, Navarathri, Shivarathri and Sree Krishna jayanthi festivals. Another attraction of this temple is the temple pond known as Panchatheertham and in the centre of the pond is boulder with a footprint called as Vishnupada or footprint of Lord Vishnu.

History or Myth

Thirunelli temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the installation of Lord Vishnu was performed by Lord Brahma. This area where this temple is situated is also known as Kashi of the south. There is cave adjacent to the temple called Gunnika is dedicated to Lord Shiva thus this place has the presence of the trinity Brahama, Vishnu and Maheshswara. The unique thing about this temple is that it is the only temple in the world where you can perform rituals starting from birth, death and life after death.

Tips or precaution

  • Take directions from a temple staff before entering the sanctum of the temple.
  • If you are new to the area ensure that you take directions from a police aid post or tourism centre to reach the temple.

How to reach

  • flight
    BY AIR
    Thirunelly Temple is only 142 Kilometres away from the Calicut International airport(Karipur).
  • train
    BY TRAIN
    You can reach by train from any part of India. If you are coming by train get down at Calicut railway station(129 KMs) and take a bus or taxi to Mananthavady.
  • bus
    BY ROAD
    Bus service is available from all the places in Kerala and luxury buses are available from most of the South Indian cities.

Highlights or specialities

  • Puthari festival
  • Chuttuvilakku festival
  • Navarathri festival
  • Shivarathri festival
  • Sree Krishna jayanthi festival
  • Papanasini river
  • Vishnupada
  • Gunnika cave

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