ABOUT

Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli) is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. On the side of the Brahmagiri hills in Wayanad lay an ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu, the Thirunelli temple. The temple, surrounded by beautiful hills and forests, is located 32 km away from Mananthavady. The temple is also known as Sahyamala Kshetram and Kashi of South.The temple has an interesting legend behind. While travelling around the world, Lord Brahma came across a beautiful place now known to be Brahmagiri hills. Getting attracted to the beauty of the hills, he descended there and noticed an idol resting on an Amla (Gooseberry) tree. He recognized the idol as Lord Vishnu himself and with the help of the other Devas, he installed the idol there. On Brahma's request, Lord Vishnu promised that the water around the temple will wash away all sins and thus the stream Papanashini originated, destroying all the sins. The temple got its name from Nelli means Amla (Gooseberry) and came to be known as Thirunelli.