Thirunelli Sree Maha Vishnu Temple
Thirunelli Sree Maha Vishnu Temple, often referred to as the Kashi of the South, is an ancient and highly revered temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the picturesque Brahmagiri hills of Wayanad, Kerala. Surrounded by dense forests and mountain streams, this temple is believed to have been built over a thousand years ago and holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu tradition.
According to legend, Lord Brahma himself installed the idol of Lord Vishnu here and named the place Thirunelli, meaning “holy gooseberry,” after noticing the idol resting beneath a gooseberry tree (Amla tree). The presiding deity, Lord Vishnu, is worshipped here as Chaturbhuja Vishnu—the four-armed protector and preserver of the universe.
A sacred mountain stream known as Papanasini flows nearby, believed to have the power to wash away one’s sins. Devotees perform ancestral rites (Bali Tharpanam) on its banks for the eternal peace of departed souls. Another important feature is the Panchatheertham, a pond at the temple where Lord Vishnu is believed to have bathed with his consorts.
The temple’s architecture, built in traditional Kerala style with granite pillars and a tiled roof, blends harmoniously with the surrounding natural beauty. The peaceful setting and the temple’s mythological aura attract pilgrims and travelers seeking spiritual solace.
Thirunelli Temple continues to be a center for faith, rituals, and heritage, standing as a timeless reminder of Kerala’s sacred traditions and the enduring devotion to Lord Vishnu.