Thirunelli Temple Wayanad (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images & Information)

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Located on the foot of Brahmagiri hills, is the quaint and picturesque Thirunelli Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it’s one of the famous temples in Wayanad. It’s a masterpiece of simple yet enchanting Kerala style of architecture.

Thirunelli Temple Wayanad is also known as the “Kashi of the South.” It’s an ancient temple where Lord Brahma is said to establish the idol of Lord Vishnu. It’s believed that he found the idol on a gooseberry (amla) tree, locally known as nelli, thus giving Thirunelli its name.

It’s a unique place of religious importance to experience the powers of divine forces with the beauty of nature. You can be completely relaxed in its idyllic surroundings.

Thirunelli draws pilgrims from all over Kerala, primarily for ancestral rites. It’s said to be the only temple in the world where you can perform all the rituals related to one’s life.

Where is Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad?

Thirunelli Temple is about 50 km away from Wayanad, on the Kerala-Karnataka border. It’s in a valley surrounded by beautiful forests, with Brahmagiri hills as its backdrop. And a road trip to the temple through the hilly landscape can be exhilarating.

Speciality of Thirunelli Temple

The pilgrims to Thirunelli Temple come mostly to perform the ancestral rites – Bali Tharpanam. It’s said that by conducting rituals here, the soul of the deceased person is liberated from this earthly world.

Bali Tharpanam starts with a prayer in front of the temple. The priest dictates the prayer, and the ritual performers recite that. After the prayer, they prostrate in front of the deity and take his blessings.

The other parts of the rite are performed at the Papanasini stream and the Pindappara rock. It ends after praying to Lord Shiva in the Gunnika Temple nearby and circling the main temple.

Image Gallery of Thirunelli Temple Wayanad

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History of Thirunelli Temple Wayanad

Copper plate inscriptions from the period of Bhaskara Ravivarma’s rule, a Chera king, mention the existence of the temple. These plates were from the 10th century.

Literary works also indicate that Thirunelli was an important pilgrim center during Bhaskara Ravivarma’s rule. A few of those works include Kokila Sandesham (written around the 12th-13th centuries) and Unniyachi Charitham (written in the 15th century).

But no records exist to confirm the exact dates of the temple’s establishment.

Things to do at Wayanad Thirunelli Temple

1. Take blessings of Lord Vishnu – Thirunelli Temple Wayanad has been an ancient pilgrim site. Even if you aren’t visiting it to perform ancestral rites, you can take the blessings of the lord. It also hosts special pujas and festive celebrations throughout the year. You can witness the temple in its full glory during those days.

2. Relax in the tranquil premises – The temple is built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. The sanctum has a tiled-roof structure, surrounded by an open courtyard. Lush green forests encompass the temple premises, and the peaceful surrounding has a refreshing effect on the mind.

3. Explore the site of ancestral rituals – The rituals at Thirunelli Temple are performed on the banks of the Papanasini stream, only a few hundred meters away. It’s a holy river in which devotees take a dip first. And a boulder nearby, called Pinnappara, is used for ritual offerings. Some ritual prayers are also said at the temple pond Panchatheertham.

4. Visit the cave temple of Lord Shiva – Close to Wayanad Thirunelli Temple, you’ll find a small cave temple called Gunnika Temple. It’s close to the Papanasini stream, and devotees visit it after the rites to take blessings from Lord Shiva.

5. Trek to Pakshipathalam Sanctuary – Another must thing to do at the temple is to plan a trek to Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary. The only way to explore it is by trekking the distance. The trek starts near the temple, and it takes you on an exploration of a unique ecosystem hidden deep within the forests.

Thirunelli Temple Wayanad Timings and Entry Fee

The temple opening timings in Thirunelli are from 5:30 AM to 12 PM and 5.30 AM to 8 PM. You should go to the temple in winter, between November and February, to enjoy the best. The weather is ideal during that time. It takes only about 1-2 hours to explore the premises.

There is no entry fee for Wayanad Thirunelli Temple.

Things to keep in mind when visiting Thirunelli Temple

• Wear clothes that cover the shoulders and legs.
• Shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops and other revealing clothes aren’t allowed.
• The temple dress code is shirt & trousers, or dhoti/pyjamas with upper cloth for men.
• For women, the dress code is saree with blouse or churidar/salwar with pyjama.
• Keep your shoes, sandals and other footwear outside the temple.

How to reach Thirunelli Temple Wayanad?

Thirunelli Temple is 48 km away from Wayanad. Kalpetta bus stand in Wayanad is the closest to it. The nearest railway station is in Kozhikode (120 km away). The nearest airport to Wayanad Thirunelli Temple is Calicut International Airport (130 km away).

And here’s how to reach Thirunelli Temple from Wayanad –

By bus – You’ll find many buses from Wayanad to Thirunelli Temple. The buses stop only a few meters away from the temple entrance.

By taxi/cab – Taking a taxi/cab is the most convenient way to explore Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad. You can book a cab from the top car rental companies in Wayanad easily. The road trip allows you to enjoy the landscape surrounding the temple. And you’ll get ample time to see the temple premises.

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Location Map for Thirunelli Temple Wayanad