Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad
Watch and share the 360-degree virtual tour of Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad, one of the most ancient Hindu temples in Kerala.
Thirunelli Temple is the only temple in the world where devotees can perform all the rituals related to one’s life, starting from birth to death and life after death.
It is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala. It is believed that here the prathishta of Lord Vishnu was performed by Lord Brahma. It is also known as ”Sahyamala Kshetram” and ”Kashi of the South”.Thirunelli Temple draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for ancestral rites. The rituals are performed on the banks of the stream Papanasini which flows down from Mount Brahmagiri. It is believed that this stream has the divine power to dissolve the sins of all mortals. Another major attraction of the temple is the holy rock where people pray for their forefathers. On the western side of the temple is the cave temple Gunnika, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus Thirunelli becomes blessed by the unique presence of all the members of the Trinity.
The beautiful Brahmagiri hills and the surrounding lush green forests have made the temple premises a valley of tranquillity. So everybody feels completely relaxed after sitting in the sanctum of the temple. The temple is an embodiment of ancient temple architecture. The aqueduct that brings water to the temple is
also a witness to hundreds of years of history.
Thirunelli is a unique place where one would experience the communion of nature with the divine forces. Thus it becomes an ideal spot for pilgrimage as well as an idyllic location for enjoying nature’s bounties. Sunrise on the Brahamagiri at the backdrop of Thirunelli temple is an enthralling sight. Papanasini, Pinnappara, Panchatheertham and Gunnika Temple are the other places of importance for the pilgrims who come with ardour and devotion.
Stone Aqueduct
During early times, water for temple use was brought from the Papanasini stream. During a drought period, the wife of Chirackal Raja who was a member of the famous Vaarikkara Nayanar tharavad, came with her attendants to the temple to worship. She asked the Priest for some water to dissolve the scandal, which he was not able to give. Being enlightened about the water scarcity in the temple she asked her attendants to solve the problem. They found the water source called Varaham in the thick forest. From there the water was brought, using bamboo halves for immediate use. Subsequent to her return home, she sent men and materials to construct the present stone aqueduct to bring an uninterrupted water supply to the temple.
Created by Leen Thobias P4Panorama
