Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli temple is one the the ancient temples which is know for its rituals for cleansing of sins of the departed souls .
Thirunelli temple is also known as Kasi of South.Thirunelli temple is located at about 32 kms from Manathavadi, a small town in Wayanad district.This temple is believed to be about 3000 years old.It is said according to the Hindu Mythology that Lord Bramha had built this temple for Lord Vishnu.The Koothambalam at the temple is among the best in Kerala,and the walls are full of exquisite paintings.The temple is sorrounded by mountains all around.To the eastern side of the temple is Udayagiri range,The temple faces towards east.the western side is Karimala range and the northern and southern sides by Brahmagiri and Narinirangimala ranges.On the northern side of the temple there is an aqueduct that brings fresh water even today from the Brahmagiri mountains.There is a story related to the construction of this aqueduct .The locals say that no Pujas(Offerings to God)were done on the day when a Princess came to visit the temple and the reason was due to the scarcity of water as the nearby streams had dried up.At that time she took a wow that she would not drink water until enough water was bought to the Temple for daily offerings.The people there went into the Brahmagiri hills and found out a stream from where an aqueduct was laid directly to the temple and the aqueduct till today brings water to the temple for the daily poojas.Those aqueducts laid were made of granite and have intresting murals carved on it.Paapanashini
Paapanashini is a stream orginating from the Brahmagiri hills.Paapanashini means Cleanser of Sins.This stream is located at the northern side of the temples about 800 meters from the temple.It is believed that a dip in the cold water of this stream will wash away all the sins of a person.There is a holy rock on route to the stream from the temple where the devotees make ritual offerings(bali) for their ancestors on new moon days of the malayalam months karkkidakom, thulam and kumbham.How to reach Thirunelli
Thirunelli is not accesible either by Train or Air.The only way to reach here is by road.The nearest airport is Calicut airport about 140 Kms and from there one can hire a taxi to reach thirunelli,it costs from Rs.1000 to Rs.1800 depending on the taxi operators.The other option is reach Calicut by train and get a taxi or bus from there to Thirunelli.Tours to Thirunelli should be avoided during heavy monsoon season.Where to Stay in Thirunelli
Thirunelli agraharam is the nearest place with 11 cottages built in taste with the natural sorroundings.The other one is KTDC Tamarind with price tag of Rs1000 to Rs.1500 per day.There is option for tourists to stay at Manathavadi ,there are lots of hotels cheap ,expensive to suit one's personal needs.
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Thirunelli Temple 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 900 m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is situated 32 km away from Manathavady.
The temple is an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks. The main attraction of it is The "Koothambalam" . Papanasini, the holy mountain spring believed to have divine cleansing powers to absolve the soul of all its sins is situated nearby.
With regards
Gopal Singh Rawat
(SpiderKerala)