Tour to Thiruneli

Tour to Thiruneli

Facts and Figures:

History of Thiruneli

Nestled beautifully amidst the Brahmagiri hills, Thiruneli is a treasure-trove of scenic beauty, housing the divine Thiruneli Temple and the holy mountain spring of Papanasini flowing close by. Legend has it that Thiruneli temple was built more than 3000 years ago by Lord Brahma – The Creator of the Universe, and that he himself dedicated the temple to Lord Visnu – the Preserver of the Universe according to Hindu mythology. Perhaps this explains how the hill ranges surrounding the temple came to be known as Brahma Giri. But the actual origin of the temple still remains a mystery.

Historical records provide evidence that present day Thiruneli ranked as an important and prosperous place in South India till 16th century AD. Copper inscriptions of Chera kings Bhaskara Ravi Varman I and II have been excavated from Thiruneli village and they bear testimony to the historical importance of the Vishnu Temple.

About Thiruneli

The temple at Thiruneli is a marvelous specimen of Kerala temple architecture with 30 granite slabs supporting the shrine and the floor being tiled with massive square granite blocks. The 'Koothambalam' at the temple is among the best in Kerala, and the walls are adorned with exquisite paintings. The ethereal charm of the place and the divinity of the deity lure devotees and visitors of all kinds to embark upon a tour to Thiruneli during their Kerala visit. There is a sacred mountain spring located nearby, known as Papanasini (the destroyer of sins), which is supposedly blessed with divine powers to free the soul from all its sins.

On your tour to Thiruneli you will also come across a holy rock in close proximity to the temple where devotees make ritual offerings for their ancestors on New Moon days.