Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Maha Vishnu, situated on the Brahmagiri hill in Kerala, India. Classified as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavate tradition, it is revered in Puranic and folklore traditions as having been built by Brahma.
Key Facts
- ›Dedicated to Maha Vishnu.
- ›Located on Brahmagiri hill in North Wayanad, Kerala, India.
- ›Considered one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of Vaishnavate tradition.
- ›According to tradition, the temple was built by Brahma.
- ›Its name derives from 'nelli', the Indian gooseberry.
- ›Situated at an altitude of approximately 900 meters in a valley surrounded by mountains and forests.
Maha Vishnu
Vaishnavate Tradition, Folklore, Puranic Importance
Brahma
About Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli Temple, also known by the alternate spelling Tirunelli, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Maha Vishnu. It is situated on the Brahmagiri hill in the north Wayanad region of Kerala, India, near the border with Karnataka state. The temple holds significant religious importance as it is classified among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavate tradition. Its location is striking, nestled in a valley at an altitude of approximately 900 meters, surrounded by mountains and forests.
History and Mythology
The name Thirunelli is derived from 'nelli', the common word in Tamil and Malayalam for the Indian gooseberry (Amla) tree. According to ancient Puranic texts, including the Matsya Purana, Skanda Purana, Narasimha Purana, and Padma Purana, the temple was originally built by the deity Brahma. These texts refer to the site as 'Sahyamalaka Kshetra'. Folklore traditions recount that Brahma, while on his cosmic journey, was captivated by the beauty of the area now known as Brahmagiri Hill. Upon descending, he discovered an idol set within an Amla tree, which he recognized as Vishnu himself, deeming the location to be Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Thirunelli Temple?
Thirunelli Temple is significant as it is classified among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavate tradition. Folklore and Puranic texts suggest it was built by Brahma himself.
Where is Thirunelli Temple located?
The temple is situated on the side of Brahmagiri hill in North Wayanad, Kerala, India, near the border with Karnataka state. It is located in a valley surrounded by mountains and forests at an altitude of about 900 meters.
What is the origin of the name Thirunelli?
The name Thirunelli derives from 'nelli', which is the Tamil and Malayalam word for the Indian gooseberry, also known as Amla. This refers to the Amla tree.
What do the Puranas say about the temple's origin?
According to the Matsya Purana, Skanda Purana, Narasimha Purana, and Padma Purana, the Vishnu temple was built by Brahma in the Sahya valley. In these texts, it is referred to as 'Sahyamalaka Kshetra'.
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