#Thread
1⃣
I was very fortunate to visit Thirunelli temple last Monday.
The temple lies at an altitude of 3000 feet and can be reached by driving through three wildlife sanctuaries. hence on the way to the temple, one can easily get to see a number of wild animals. we too, spotted a few🦌🐒🐘 of them.
This Temple is the only ancient temple in the world where the devotees can perform all the rituals related to one’s life, starting from birth to death and life after death. It is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala🌴.
It is believed that here the prathishta of Lord Vishnu was performed by Lord Brahma. It is also known as ''Sahyamala Kshetram'' and ''Kashi of the South''.
#SanatanaDharma
#Hindutva
#SPIRITUAL
#Kerala
1⃣
I was very fortunate to visit Thirunelli temple last Monday.
The temple lies at an altitude of 3000 feet and can be reached by driving through three wildlife sanctuaries. hence on the way to the temple, one can easily get to see a number of wild animals. we too, spotted a few🦌🐒🐘 of them.
This Temple is the only ancient temple in the world where the devotees can perform all the rituals related to one’s life, starting from birth to death and life after death. It is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala🌴.
It is believed that here the prathishta of Lord Vishnu was performed by Lord Brahma. It is also known as ''Sahyamala Kshetram'' and ''Kashi of the South''.
#SanatanaDharma
#Hindutva
#SPIRITUAL
#Kerala
2⃣
The Legend goes like this....
Lord Brahma (the Creator) while traversing the world on his swan got attracted by the bewitching beauty of the area. Then he landed on a hill which is later known as Brahmagiri.
Lord Brahma while walking through the hills enjoying the tranquility and serenity of the surrounding hills, saw an idol of Lord Vishnu resting on an amla🍈 tree, hence the name Thirunelli. (nelli, the Malayalam/Tamil equivalent for Indian gooseberry (Amla) tree.)
Brahma realized that this abode of peace is nothing but Vishnuloka. This was confirmed by a disembodied voice.
Soon he installed the deity with a request to Lord Vishnu that he should remain in this area to give peace to the human souls hounded by the thought of their sins.
Lord Vishnu assured that the rivers around this temple would wash away the sins of human beings during their mortal life and life after death.
Brahma entrusted two pious Brahmins of the Amalaka village, its keeping. He also instructed them that everyday he himself visit the place and do service to Vishnu.
The puja in every shrine closes ordinarily at about 9 to 10 P.M. But in this shrine, where the ordinary puja is done five times, from morning till Night the priest prepares for a sixth puja before leaving the place. On opening the doors next morning he finds that all the materials for the puja have been utilised during the night. It was Lord Brahma who performed the sixth puja when the animate and inanimate objects are in deep slumber.
This has been going on every day and will go on for ever.
The priest before entering the temple in the morning swears thrice that he will not divulge what he sees there on opening the door, and no priest dares to give out the secret at the risk of being bitten by cobras🐍 emanating from the shrine.
The Legend goes like this....
Lord Brahma (the Creator) while traversing the world on his swan got attracted by the bewitching beauty of the area. Then he landed on a hill which is later known as Brahmagiri.
Lord Brahma while walking through the hills enjoying the tranquility and serenity of the surrounding hills, saw an idol of Lord Vishnu resting on an amla🍈 tree, hence the name Thirunelli. (nelli, the Malayalam/Tamil equivalent for Indian gooseberry (Amla) tree.)
Brahma realized that this abode of peace is nothing but Vishnuloka. This was confirmed by a disembodied voice.
Soon he installed the deity with a request to Lord Vishnu that he should remain in this area to give peace to the human souls hounded by the thought of their sins.
Lord Vishnu assured that the rivers around this temple would wash away the sins of human beings during their mortal life and life after death.
Brahma entrusted two pious Brahmins of the Amalaka village, its keeping. He also instructed them that everyday he himself visit the place and do service to Vishnu.
The puja in every shrine closes ordinarily at about 9 to 10 P.M. But in this shrine, where the ordinary puja is done five times, from morning till Night the priest prepares for a sixth puja before leaving the place. On opening the doors next morning he finds that all the materials for the puja have been utilised during the night. It was Lord Brahma who performed the sixth puja when the animate and inanimate objects are in deep slumber.
This has been going on every day and will go on for ever.
The priest before entering the temple in the morning swears thrice that he will not divulge what he sees there on opening the door, and no priest dares to give out the secret at the risk of being bitten by cobras🐍 emanating from the shrine.
3⃣
In Padma Purana (written by Veda Vyasa)there is mention of a beautiful Vishnu temple located in the picturesque Sahya valley deep in the middle of the forest. Thirunelli temple is also referred to as Amalaka temple and Sidha temple.
In Padma Purana (written by Veda Vyasa)there is mention of a beautiful Vishnu temple located in the picturesque Sahya valley deep in the middle of the forest. Thirunelli temple is also referred to as Amalaka temple and Sidha temple.
4⃣
The copper plates of the 10th century and a few books of the later centuries convincingly prove that Thirunelli was an urban hub in South India at least from 10th century onwards.
Also in the dense forest surrounding the temple, the ruins of two ancient villages can be found.
Recent excavations at the time of paving roads have yielded coins🪙 of 9th and 10th centuries.
There are two copper plate inscriptions pertaining to the history of Thirunelli Temple. They date back to the period of Bhaskara Ravivarma, a ruler of the Chera kingdom who lived in the 10th century.
The copper plates of the 10th century and a few books of the later centuries convincingly prove that Thirunelli was an urban hub in South India at least from 10th century onwards.
Also in the dense forest surrounding the temple, the ruins of two ancient villages can be found.
Recent excavations at the time of paving roads have yielded coins🪙 of 9th and 10th centuries.
There are two copper plate inscriptions pertaining to the history of Thirunelli Temple. They date back to the period of Bhaskara Ravivarma, a ruler of the Chera kingdom who lived in the 10th century.
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Papanasini:
It is a wild stream that originates from the Brahmagiri Hills. . Literally it means, extinguisher of sins. It is believed that River Ganga and River Saraswathi join in Papanasini. Therefore Papanasini is called the Southern Kashi.
At Papanasini there is a sacred rock called Pinnappara where ritual offerings to the spirits of the departed are made (known as bali).
The ashes of Rajiv Gandhi was immersed in Papanasini in 1991.
Papanasini (destroyer of sins) has an interesting story to reveal. When Brahma was consecrating Vishnu’s idol, Garuda (the carrier of Vishnu) reached over the sky, above the installation venue with the Amrit Kumbha (pot of nectar). During Garuda’s circling over, a drop of Amrit fell on the stream, which provided purifying power to the water in the stream. After that incident the stream came to be called Papanasini.
Papanasini later joins in River Kalindi which is a tributary of River Kabani which later joins in River Kaveri.
Papanasini:
It is a wild stream that originates from the Brahmagiri Hills. . Literally it means, extinguisher of sins. It is believed that River Ganga and River Saraswathi join in Papanasini. Therefore Papanasini is called the Southern Kashi.
At Papanasini there is a sacred rock called Pinnappara where ritual offerings to the spirits of the departed are made (known as bali).
The ashes of Rajiv Gandhi was immersed in Papanasini in 1991.
Papanasini (destroyer of sins) has an interesting story to reveal. When Brahma was consecrating Vishnu’s idol, Garuda (the carrier of Vishnu) reached over the sky, above the installation venue with the Amrit Kumbha (pot of nectar). During Garuda’s circling over, a drop of Amrit fell on the stream, which provided purifying power to the water in the stream. After that incident the stream came to be called Papanasini.
Papanasini later joins in River Kalindi which is a tributary of River Kabani which later joins in River Kaveri.
6⃣
People believe that Parasurama, the famous incarnation of Lord Vishnu visited Thirunelli and performed last rites at the death of his father sage Jamadagni. He also took immersion in the Papanasini to wipe away sins committed owing to the annihilation of Kshatriyas.
People believe that Parasurama, the famous incarnation of Lord Vishnu visited Thirunelli and performed last rites at the death of his father sage Jamadagni. He also took immersion in the Papanasini to wipe away sins committed owing to the annihilation of Kshatriyas.
7⃣
Pinnappara
This rock is supposed to be the bone of an asuran (demon) named Pazhana-bhedi, who was killed by Vishnu.
At the time of his death he prayed to Vishnu that his body be converted into a rock extending from Thirunelli to Gaya and divided into three parts fit for the performance of offerings for the departed, at (1)Thiurnelli representing his foot, (2)Godavari representing the middle part, and (3)Gaya representing the head. Offerings at any of these three places are supposed to have special benefits in producing happiness and in the propitiation of the spirits.
In Thirunelli ritual offerings to the spirits are made at Pinnappara, especially on the New Moon days of the Malayalam months Karkkidakom, Thulam and Kumbham.
Pinnappara
This rock is supposed to be the bone of an asuran (demon) named Pazhana-bhedi, who was killed by Vishnu.
At the time of his death he prayed to Vishnu that his body be converted into a rock extending from Thirunelli to Gaya and divided into three parts fit for the performance of offerings for the departed, at (1)Thiurnelli representing his foot, (2)Godavari representing the middle part, and (3)Gaya representing the head. Offerings at any of these three places are supposed to have special benefits in producing happiness and in the propitiation of the spirits.
In Thirunelli ritual offerings to the spirits are made at Pinnappara, especially on the New Moon days of the Malayalam months Karkkidakom, Thulam and Kumbham.
8⃣
It is believed that Sri Rama and his brother Lakshmana performed the ‘pithrukarma’ of their father King Dasaratha, standing on this rock.
It is believed that Sri Rama and his brother Lakshmana performed the ‘pithrukarma’ of their father King Dasaratha, standing on this rock.
9⃣
Panchatheertham
The steps at the back of the temple actually leads to the tank Panchteertham. It is believed that Panchteertham, at one point of time was a meeting point of five rivers. Hence its sacred importance was immense.
But today most of the water has dried up and the only remaining attraction is the footsteps of Vishnu, Vishnupad. It is the image of a footprint on a boulder in the middle of the tank.
Panchatheertham
The steps at the back of the temple actually leads to the tank Panchteertham. It is believed that Panchteertham, at one point of time was a meeting point of five rivers. Hence its sacred importance was immense.
But today most of the water has dried up and the only remaining attraction is the footsteps of Vishnu, Vishnupad. It is the image of a footprint on a boulder in the middle of the tank.
🔟
Gunnika temple
The Gunnika temple on the western side of Thirunelli Temple is the abode of Lord Shiva. Thus all the members of the trinity Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are omnipresent here.
Gunnika temple is embellished in the Kongu-Chera styles of handiworks. The belief is that, Gunnika was the abode of Lord Shiva and it was from here that he started to Kottiyur to kill Dhakshan, the father of Sathi Devi.
Gunnika temple
The Gunnika temple on the western side of Thirunelli Temple is the abode of Lord Shiva. Thus all the members of the trinity Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are omnipresent here.
Gunnika temple is embellished in the Kongu-Chera styles of handiworks. The belief is that, Gunnika was the abode of Lord Shiva and it was from here that he started to Kottiyur to kill Dhakshan, the father of Sathi Devi.
1⃣1⃣
Stone Acquaduct
During early times, water for temple use was brought from Papanasini stream.
During a draught period, the wife of Chirackal Raja who was a member of the famous Vaarikkara Nayanar tharavad, came with her attendants to temple to worship. She asked the Priest some water to dissolve the sandal, which he was not able to give. Being enlightened about the water scarcity in the temple she asked her attendants to solve the problem.
They found out the water source called Varaham in the thick forest. From there the water was brought, using bamboo halves for immediate use.
Subsequent to her return home, she sent men and materials to construct the present stone aqueduct to bring uninterrupted water supply to the temple.
The granite open channels are supported by pillars with interesting murals carved on. Even till date, cold mountain stream water gush out of this aqueduct.
My entire experience at this 🛕 was blissful😇. Unlike few other famous temples, here one is allowed to witness the unique offering of sound or nada (specific rhythm being created using drums) and take darshan peacefully without being pushed to exit.
I would definitely say that it's one of the must-visit temples🙏
@LostTemple7
@KalaForTemples
@TempleTrails
@ReclaimTemples
Stone Acquaduct
During early times, water for temple use was brought from Papanasini stream.
During a draught period, the wife of Chirackal Raja who was a member of the famous Vaarikkara Nayanar tharavad, came with her attendants to temple to worship. She asked the Priest some water to dissolve the sandal, which he was not able to give. Being enlightened about the water scarcity in the temple she asked her attendants to solve the problem.
They found out the water source called Varaham in the thick forest. From there the water was brought, using bamboo halves for immediate use.
Subsequent to her return home, she sent men and materials to construct the present stone aqueduct to bring uninterrupted water supply to the temple.
The granite open channels are supported by pillars with interesting murals carved on. Even till date, cold mountain stream water gush out of this aqueduct.
My entire experience at this 🛕 was blissful😇. Unlike few other famous temples, here one is allowed to witness the unique offering of sound or nada (specific rhythm being created using drums) and take darshan peacefully without being pushed to exit.
I would definitely say that it's one of the must-visit temples🙏
@LostTemple7
@KalaForTemples
@TempleTrails
@ReclaimTemples
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