Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple

Overview

Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli) is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. Thirunelli Mahavishnu Perumal Temple in Wayanad district of Kerala is very famous and have the presence of the Trinity Gods 'Brahma,Vishnu,Shiva'. The temple is at an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is 32 km away from Manathavady.

About The Temple

The temple structure consists of Sreekovil, Nanaskara Mandapam, Chuttambalam, Deepa-sthambam etc. The granite water channel that brings water from the nearby mountain is an important attraction of the temple. There is a story behind the construction of this water channel. In ancient days, water for temple was drawing from the river Papanasini. One day a princess of Chirakkal royal family came here to worship. As the theertha jala (holy water) had exhausted and the priest had to go to the river for taking water, he could not satisfy her request for theertha jala. She had decided not to leave the temple unless some permanent arrangements are made to ensure perennial water supply to the temple. Her attendants found a water source in the nearby hill and they brought water using split bamboo poles. Later, the bamboo channel was replaced with granite channel positioned on granite pillars.

Panchatheertham

Panchatheertham is the holy temple pond. One notable feature of the temple is the lack of a temple well. Hence water is transported from a perennial mountain stream deep in the valley by impressive stone aqueducts right into the priests' room. Thirunelli is famous as the destination to perform last rites of the deceased at the rock close to Papa nasini stream.

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 northwest of the temple premises. One dip in the cold Papanasini waters is reputed to wash away all sins committed in a lifetime. It is further believed that Papanasini is the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Saraswathy.

About The Deity

The main deity is Lord Maha Vishnu. The idol is made of silain standing pose. Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy and Goddess Bhagavathy are the other deities. Though the idol of Lord Brahma is not consecrated, it is believed that He is also there and hence the presence of thrimoorthees (Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva) is at Thirunelli.

Legend and Stories

The temple is one of the celebrated temples of Lord Vishnu in India and considered as equivalent to holy focuses like Kasi (Varanasi), Rameswaram, Gaya and so on. The temple is known as Thenkasi (Southern Kashi). The temple is acclaimed for Baliofferings. Padma purana, accepted to have composed by Veda Vyasa, has reference about the temple. As indicated by legend, Lord Brahma himself has sanctified the symbol of Lord Vishnu. Master Brahma, while making a trip starting with one place then onto the next happened to be at the foot slopes of Sahya Mountain and pleased with the wonderful scene. He found a picture of Lord Vishnu in a Nelli tree (Phyllanthus emblica), yet vanished instantly. At that point he heard a heavenly voice requesting that he constructs a temple to bless the symbol of Lord Vishnu. As the picture of Lord Vishnu was found in the Nelli Tree, the place is known as "Thirunelli". After the temple was built and icon introduced, Lord Brahama proclaimed that petitions offered here would expel the transgressions and help to get salvation of the expired. The stream Papanasini that streams down close to the temple is considered as a holy waterway and a piece of legendary heavenly waterway, Saraswathy. Papanashini implies one who annihilates sins. It is trusted that Lord Parasurama came to Thirunelli to perform Bali in the wake of slaughtering Brahmins and acquired mental euphoria. It was He who announced Thirunelli as the perfect place of worship for offering Balito the left souls. It is trusted that Sree Rama has offered supplications at the place of worship on his way looking for Goddess Sita. The copper plates of Bhaskara Ravi Varma (978 AD) said about the temple. Unniyadi Charitham, an extraordinary work of thirteenth Century, likewise specified about the temple.

Festivals

Vishu festival is held for two days (in the last day of Meenom and first day of Medam). Thiruvonam is also celebrated in the month of Chingam.

Special Rituals

The flow of the pilgrims to Thirunelli Temple is not only to offer prayers but also to perform the ancestral rites called Bali. Those who do the rites have to observe penance. In Kerala it is in Thirunelli Temple, the largest number of ‘bali tharpana’ is being performed every day.

How To Reach Thirunelli

Banglore is the closest Airport to Thirunelli. Several cab and taxi services are available outside the airport to travel from airport to other parts of Thirunelli. Mangalore airport is the nearest airport near Thirunelli. It is about 96 kms from Mangalore airport to Thirunelli.

Railways

By rail it takes about 5 hours to reach Thirunelli from Bangalore. Trikkarippur is the nearest railway station. It is about 3 kms from Mangalore airport.

Road

There is plenty of government and private buses travel between Bangalore and Thirunelli. On an average, Bangalore to Thirunelli travel time is 5 hours.

Temple Address

Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple,
Thirunelly Road,
Thirunelly, Wayanad District,
Kerala, Pincode - 670646.