In news– The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the government to conserve the historically significant structures, including the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom’, an exquisite granite structure, at the Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Thirunelly in Wayanad district during the on-going renovation of the temple.
About the temple-
- This Mahavishnu temple, also known as ”Sahyamala Kshetram” and ”Kashi of the South”.
- The temple displays the traditional architectural style of Kerala, and the Chera king Kulasekharan is popularly considered to be the builder of this temple.
- It houses a stone aqueduct that ensures uninterrupted water supply to the temple from the forests. Its channels are supported by pillars with interesting murals carved on them.
- 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”.
- Thirunelli Temple draws pilgrims from allover, primarily for ancestral rites.
- The rituals are performed on the banks of the stream Papanasini which flows down from Mount Brahmagiri.
- It is believed that this stream has divine power to dissolve sins of all the mortals. Another major attraction of the temple is the holy rock where people pray for their forefathers.
- On the western side of the temple is the cave temple Gunnika, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Thus Thirunelli becomes blessed by the unique presence of all the members of the trinity.
Further reading: https://journalsofindia.com/the-indian-national-trust-for-art-and-cultural-heritage/
Source: The Hindu
