Welcome to the enchanting realm of temples in Wayanad, where the whispers of spirituality blend harmoniously with the verdant landscape.
Nestled in the northern reaches of Kerala, this serene hill station beckons travellers with its lush green hills, wildlife sanctuaries, and spice plantations.
But amidst its natural wonders lie equally captivating jewels of architectural and spiritual significance— the Temples in Wayanad.
These sacred sites showcase exquisite craftsmanship and bear testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Explore these sanctuaries of tranquillity to delve into the history, spirituality, and intricate architecture that adorn Temples in Wayanad’s cultural tapestry.
Seetha Devi Temple
Seetha Devi Temple, nestled 25 kilometres away from Sulthan Bathery and 32 kilometres from Kalpetta, holds a distinct charm within Temples in Wayanad circuit.
Its uniqueness lies in being the sole temple to enshrine the deities of Lava and Kush, the esteemed offspring of Lord Ram and Devi Seetha.
According to folklore, this sacred site is believed to have been Sita’s abode during her exile in the Valmiki Ashram. Here, Sita’s idol is revered as Jadayatha Amma.
Legend says that Sita gave birth to Lava and Kusha here, marking their transformative journey into adulthood. Initially known as Sisumala, the place later adopted the name Sasimala.
Pulpally, another name associated with the region originates from the grass bed (Dharbha), where Lava purportedly played during his childhood.
The temple welcomes devotees from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, embracing them with spiritual solace amidst scenic surroundings.
Anantnath Swami Temple
Nestled in Kalpetta amidst the picturesque hills of Wayanad, the Anantnath Swami Temple, also recognized as the Puliyarmala Jain Temple in Wayanad, stands as an architectural marvel steeped in Jain heritage.
Embraced by enchanting gardens, this temple serves as a magnet for tourists. Adhering to the Dravidian architectural style, it shelters the deity of Lord Anantha Natha, the revered 14th Jain Tirthankara.
Visitors see intricately carved towering pillars, pyramid-shaped sculpted panels, and a divine statue of Lord Mahavir, showcasi.
Beyond its religious significance, the temple’s grandeur and serenity provide visitors with a tranquil retreat amidst Temples in Wayanad verdant landscapes and explore the monuments of Kerala Mattancherry Palace.
Thirunelli Temple
Nestled at the base of the majestic Brahmagiri hills, Thirunelli Temple is a serene sanctuary dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu.
The temple’s setting amidst lush greenery and towering hills adds to its enchanting allure. Legend has it that Lord Brahma, on his divine journey, discovered an idol of Lord Vishnu atop a Gooseberry tree.
Moved by the sacred sight, Brahma installed the idol on the Brahmagiri hills, and thus, Thirunelli Temple was born.
The temple is renowned for its purifying stream, which is believed to wash away all sins. Devotees flock to Thirunelli to seek blessings and cleanse their souls.
The times for Darshan are from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Valliyoorkavu Temple
Dating back to the 14th century, Valliyoorkavu Temple is a timeless masterpiece of art and heritage. Situated amidst the picturesque landscape of Temples in Wayanad is a beacon of cultural significance.
The highlight of Valliyoorkavu Temple is its vibrant 15-day festival, celebrated with enthusiasm during February, March, and April.
This festival is a religious event and a celebration of tribal culture, drawing in visitors from far and wide. The temple’s inner sanctum is accessible only to Hindus, adding to its sacred aura.
During the festival, mesmerizing performances of traditional ritual arts such as Kalamezhuthum pattum and the captivating Eedum koorum dance performed by oracles treat visitors..
The incorporation of folk percussion instruments in tribal performances adds to the spectacle. Temple timings are from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Ganapathi Vattam Temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the Ganapathi Temple is a venerable testament to spiritual devotion in Temples in Wayanad.
However, in the historic Sultan Bathery Town, it is one of the region’s oldest temples, with roots tracing back over eight centuries.
Interestingly, they repurposed the temple’s ancient bricks to construct a fort, immortalizing the conquest of Tipu Sultan and earning the town its alternative moniker, ‘Sultan Bathery Town.’.’
In bygone eras, it was known as Purakizha during the reign of the Kulashekara emperors. The temple is a captivating retreat for history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the tapestry of Wayanad’s past.
The temple opens its doors from 6 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 9 PM, welcoming devotees and visitors alike to partake in its sacred aura.
Pazhur Vishnu Temple
The Pazhur Vishnu Temple, as its name implies, venerates Lord Vishnu as its principal deity, accompanied by a pantheon of other revered figures such as Bhagawathy, Ganapathy, Dakshinamoorthy, Ayyappan, Gulikan, and Rakshas.
Despite Bhagawathy being accorded the status of a sub-deity, her worship is conducted with the same enthusiasm and grandeur as that of Lord Vishnu.
An annual highlight of the temple is its celebratory rituals, commencing on the 24th and concluding on the 25th of the Kumbam month, typically falling between the 8th and 9th of March.
This festival draws in a sizable congregation of devotees, elevating it to a larger-than-life event that pulsates with spiritual energy.
The temple operates from 9 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, extending an invitation to all seeking solace and divine blessings in its hallowed precincts.
Thrikkaipetta Shiva Temple
In the quaint village of Thrikkaipetta, this temple honors God Shiva, the supreme deity of the Hindu pantheon..
Apart from Lord Shiva, the temple complex also enshrines idols of Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappan, and Lord Nagam, adding to its spiritual allure.
The name “Thrikaipatta” itself translates to ‘bands in three hands’ in Malayalam, hinting at its mystical significance.
The festival of Maha Shivarathri holds paramount importance here, drawing devotees from far and wide to partake in the divine celebrations.
Thrissilery Shiva Temple
Positioned along the Mananthavady-Mysore Highway, approximately 19 kilometres from Thirunelli, lies the captivating Thrissilery Temple.
Lord Parashurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is believed to have established the temple, a sacred abode of Lord Shiva.
Besides the main deity, the temple features a small shrine dedicated to Goddess Jala Durga, adding to its spiritual charm. The tranquil ambience and lush surroundings make it a serene haven for devotees and tourists alike.
Maha Shivarathri, celebrated from February to March, is the highlight of the temple’s annual calendar. Furthermore, you can explore more about Rivers in Kerala.
Devgardha Temple
However, amidst the verdant landscapes of Temples in Wayanad, the Devgardha Temple holds a special place in the hearts of the local tribal community.
Legend says that the temple originated when devotee Govindan had a divine vision of the famous Shiva temple in Wayanad.
The sacred Banyan Tree, which once served as the focal point of worship for the indigenous tribes, now stands as a testament to the region’s spiritual heritage.
The temple symbolizes communal harmony and devotion, welcoming visitors with open arms. The times for darshan are 9 am to 5 pm, which offers ample opportunity for devotees to seek blessings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the temples in Wayanad encapsulate religious fervour and a profound connection to the region’s cultural and historical narrative.
Each temple, steeped in legend and adorned with architectural splendour, offers visitors a gateway to spiritual solace amidst Wayanad’s breathtaking landscapes.
From the serene sanctity of Thirunelli Temple to the ancient allure of Valliyoorkavu Temple, these sacred sites beckon pilgrims and tourists alike to explore their hallowed precincts.
Moreover, these temples’ vibrant festivities and rituals underscore the tapestry of traditions that thrive in this picturesque region, which has the Wayanad temple list.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of Kerala’s spiritual heritage, a pilgrimage through the Temples in Wayanad is an enriching journey that promises tranquillity and cultural immersion.
FAQ
Q: Which are the most famous temples in Wayanad?
A: Thirunelli Temple Wayanad holds a special place, often called the “Kashi of the South.” Locals believe that Lord Brahma placed Lord Vishnu’s idol there, atop a gooseberry (amla) tree known as Nelli..
Q: What is Wayanad known for?
A: Wayanad is famed for its diverse attractions, from camping and trekking trails to breathtaking waterfalls, caves, and birdwatching sites. Its abundant flora and fauna have made it a perennial favourite among tourists.
Q: What makes Thirunelli remarkable?
A: Thirunelli attracts pilgrims because of its ancient Vishnu temple in Wayanad and the adjacent Papanashini stream. Surrounded by dense forests, it offers a serene retreat for both spiritual seekers and nature loves.
Q: What are the prominent temple darshans in Kerala?
A: Among Kerala’s temple darshans, the four temples in Thrissur and Ernakulam districts stand out—Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple, Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Temple, and Payyammal Shathrughna Temple.
