Thirunelli Sri Maha Vishnu Temple- Kerala

Address

Thirunelli Sri Maha Vishnu Temple- Thirunelly Temple post, Mananthavady, Kerala 670646

Diety

Sri Maha Vishnu

Introduction

Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli), an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu is on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala, near the border with Karnataka state. At an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests, the temple offers a quiet and serene ambiance for the devotees who visit this temple for Lord’s blessing and peace of mind; a chance to be away from the hustle and bustle of daily mundane existence. It is 32 km away from Manathavady. The name Thirunelli derives from ”Nelli”, the Tamil/Malayalam and Kannada word for Indian gooseberry of the Amla tree.

Puranic Significance

The origin of this temple, no proper records are available, however, there is a documentary proof that during the reign of Tamil Chera king Bhaskara Ravi Varma I (962–1019 CE) Thirunelli was an important town and a pilgrim center, notwithstanding its location in the middle of an inaccessible wooded area in a mountainous region. Some historians suggest that this temple was once an integral part of the early recorded history of Kerala. Veda vyasa, the great sage who wrote ”The Maha Bharata” also wrote such inspiring Puranas as the Matsya Purana, Skanda Purana, Narasimha Purana, etc., and in those Hindu texts he did mention about the presence of a beautiful Vishnu temple built by Lord Brahma, in the picturesque Sahya valley and referred it as “Sahyamalaka Kshetra.”. Legend has it that once Lord Brahma, who was on a mission around the world on his Hamsa Vahana, when passing over this place, was attracted by the beauty of the Brahmagiri Hill. On that spot where Brahma landed, he discovered an idol set in an Amla tree. Brahma recognized the idol as Lord Vishnu and the place as Vaikuntha (Vishnuloka) itself. In no time he built a temple with support from the Devas. Brahma himself installed the idol and called it Sahyamalak Kshetra. Upon Brahma’s request Vishnu granted that the waters of this area would remove all sins. Thus, the spring and river near the temple are called ”Papanasini” – ”washes all sins away” Tradition has been that in the temple the priests in the early morning leave a portion of the Puja materials in the sanctum in the belief that Lord Brahma Himself will come and perform pooja rites at the appointed hours. Parasurama, an avatar of Sri Vishnu, is believed to have visited Thirunelli and performed last rites of his father sage Jamadagni. He bathed in the Papanasini to absolve of all sins committed in killing Kshatriyas. It is said that Kottiyoor Temple and Trisillery temple have close links with Thirunelli temple. In those days ardent devotees who visited Trissilery Maha Deva Lord Siva temple. Used to undertake the dangerous journey through Narinirangi mala to get the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Brahma at Thirunelli – a tough yatra quite similar to the early Sabarimala pilgrimages. The sacred Papanasini that has medicinal properties is just 1 km from the temple. Also conducted here is Pithrukaryam – thithi to the departed souls of forefathers. The last rites for the forefathers are also performed here.

Beliefs

Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple, one of the prominent Lord Vishnu temples in Kerala, embodies classical, traditional Kerala architecture. This famous pilgrim centre attracts hordes of devotees especially for performing ancestral rites at Papanasini, a stream that originates from the Brahmagiri hills. It is believed that a ritual dip in its crystal clear waters is believed to wash away one’s worldly sins.:

Special Features

It is believed that the Thirunelli Temple was built by Lord Brahma. Thirunelli Temple complex is placed on an elevated level with flights of steps leading to it from south and northwest. The complex is spread over 1.03 acres. The structure includes Sreekovil, namaskara mandapam, chuttambalam with agra-mandapam, deepa sthambham, Daivathara Mandapam and pinda theertham with agrasala.

Festivals

The major Vishu festival of Thirunelli temple falls on the 1st of the Malayalam month of Medam (April). This two-day festival is noted for the Kolkali (a tribal art form) performance by the Kuruma tribe. The shrine is protected with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. Chuttuvilakku, which falls on the 18th of Malayalam month of Dhanu (January); Prathista Dinam, which falls on the Aswathy asterism in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April) and Sivarathri. Bali Tharpanam at Thirunelli Vaishaka season starts with the ritual called Bali Tharpanam for departed souls and forefathers is conducted at the temple. This ritual can be conducted by the devotees on the Malayalam months of Thulam (October-November), Edavam (May-June), Karkitakam (July-August). Main Attraction Vishu Festival, Bali Tharpanam