Wayanad Religious Centers

Thirunelly

Ask someone what they associated with Thirunelly and the answer would be ‘Vishnu Temple’, then papanansini or pinnapara, the first translating into extinguisher of sins and the second as the rock where offerings for the emancipation of the dead are made. It embodies the spiritual essence that is Thirunelly.

Thirunelly temple, literally meaning the temple with the scared gooseberry (nelli) tree, nestles in a valley amid the south Brahmagiri peaks. Earlier known as Amalaka Kshetram and Sidha Temple, it is believed to have been dedicated by Brahma, the god of creation and to Vishnu, the god who maintains life. Guided by divine force, Brahma built a temple here and considered Vishnu therein. Ever since, Vishnu has been known here by the sobriquet Thirunelly Perumal. Brahma also ordained that visits to, and prayers at, the temple would wash away all sins; that prayers and ceremonies held here for the souls of the departed would give them lasting salvation. Thereafter, Brahma lent his name to the surroundings Brahmagiri hills that soar 5,276 feet high. People all over India make a tour to Kerala to visit this shrine.

Jain Temples

Large scale Jain migration took place from Mysore to Wayanad between the 12th and 16th centuries and settled down as traders, managing its numerous cash crops. Today there are hardly any Jains left in the region, save for a few followers of the Digambar sect, locally known as Gowdas. But the early settlers have left behind a legacy in stone, in shape of many temples they built here. While most of these are in ruins now, the one at Puthangadi close to the Panamaram- Nadayavayal Road, with some exquisite carvings and artistic murals, and another at Sulthan Bathery are relatively well preserved.

One of the most important in this region, the Bathery temple of Kerala which is believed to have been built during the 13th century, its design strongly influenced by the architectural style of the then reigning Vijayanagar dynasty. Another unique feature of the temple is its rather chequered history and should be visited by every traveler when on a Kerala holidays.

Thrissileri Temple

This architecturally pleasing Shiva temple of Kerala, with its antiquity shrouded in the distant past is so performances of rites at the latter remain incomplete until it is followed by offering at Thrissileri. This shrine for Lord Shiva has recently been renovated and Maha Shivaratri is celebrated here with much fanfare during March. People on Kerala tour flock to this place to take part in the procession.

There are few smaller shrines in the vicinity dedicated to various gods. The Jaha Durga shrine is believed to have its deity installed by none other than Parasurama himself. This small shrine is surrounded by water believed to be flowing in from Papanassini and maintains a steady level all through the year. Another smaller shrine sits on a higher ground nearby.

Korome Mosque

This 300-year-old mosque in Kerala is built in traditional Kerala style, with extensive woodcarvings. Originally built by the Nair community, this mosque in Kerala is seen as an excellent example of communal amity. In fact, the annual Uroos festival, conducted here yearly, draws participants from all communities.

Valliyoor Temple

This temple of Kerala is dedicated to the mother goddess, manifested here in the three forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakail and Jala Durga. It is an important place of worship for the tribal people living around this area. The temple has its annual 15-day festival in the months of March and April.

The Glass Temple, Kottamunda

Kottamunda is a small village, 20 km from Kalpetta, the headquarters of Wayanad. The Glass temple is dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy, the third Thirthankara of the Jain religion. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect thousands of beautiful image patterns of the icons in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Close to the temple, you can also see caves used by Jain monks and is a must see when on tour to Kerala.