Thirunelli Temple is the only temple in the world where the
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''
The beautiful Brahmagiri hills and the surrounding lush
green forests have made the temple premises a valley of tranquility. So
everybody feels completely relaxed after sitting in the sanctum of the temple.
The temple is an embodiment of ancient temple architecture. The aquaduct that
brings water to the temple is also a witness to hundreds of years of history.
The name Thirunelli derives from the word nelli, the
Malayalam/Tamil equivalent for Indian gooseberry (Amla) tree. Once when Lord
Brahma while traversing the world, saw an idol of Lord Vishnu resting on an
amla tree in the valley and thus the place came to be named Thirunelli.
In
Padma Purana (written by Veda Vyasa) there is mention of a beautiful Vishnu
temple located in the picturesque Sahya valley deep in the middle of the forest.
Thirunelli temple is also referred to as Amalaka temple and Sidha temple.
History depicts Chera king Kulasekharan as the founder of
this temple. He lived between A.D 767 and A.D 834. After a brief reign, he
relinquished the throne and started missionary work to propagate Vaishnava
order. It was he who wrote the Sanskrit work Mukundamaala in which he earnestly
prays to Lord Vishnu to instill in him devotion.
Temple timings: Morning: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, Evening: 5:30
pm to 8:00 pm
Thirunelli Temple Office:- 04935-210201.
FOR ACCOMMODATION
CALL: 098 95 96 81 91
