- Location: Near Thekkady, Kerala
- Main Deity/Deities: Mangala Devi (Kannaki)
- Major Attraction: Chitra Pournami Festival
- Timings: 6 AM to 10 AM
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
Built with ancient style of Architecture, Mangaladevi Temple lies at an altitude of about 1337 meters above sea level. This 2000-year old piece of architecture lies at a distance of 15 kilometers form Thekkady. The premises of the temple are hidden in a dense forest area.
Attractions
Visitors can enter the premises only on the special occasion of Chitra Poornima. The temple is situated on the boundary separating Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Its Pandiyan style of construction will allure you. The temple is devoted to goddess Kannaki. The interiors are adorned with a number of sculptures and beautiful stone carvings which will remind you of the Cheran era. You, as a visitor, can enter the temple on the full moon day of the Hindu month Visakam. On remaining days, the premises remain deserted. The panoramic views from the peak at which temple is located attract the tourists.
You will notice that temple is made up of huge rocks. In the past, the premises were attacked by invaders. They robbed it of many precious sculptures. The sacred idol of the deity at Mangaladevi Temple was attacked too.
Historical Significance
The temple’s history can be traced back to the 9th century AD, making it one of the ancient temples in the region. It is believed to have been constructed by the legendary Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Legend of the Temple
According to the belief, Kovalan, husband of Kannaki was beheaded by the guards of the king, he was blamed to have stolen the anklet of the queen. Without investigating into the matters properly, Kovalan was killed. This enraged his wife so much that she burnt the entire city of Madurai by utilizing her divine powers. Later she returned to the hill and got salvation with her husband. Chera kings erected Mangaladevi Temple in her memory.
The temple is in its ruins and if not preserved will become a part of History. Due to the ongoing dispute between the governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, no concrete steps have been taken till now to renovate or preserve it.
How to Reach
To reach the temple, one can travel to Kumily, which is well-connected by road and rail. From Kumily, it’s a trek through the Periyar Tiger Reserve to the temple.
- Suggested to Read: Popular Hindu Temples in Kerala
FAQs
Q-1: What is the best time to visit Mangaladevi Temple?
Ans: The best time to visit is during the Chitra Pournami Utsavam, which usually falls in April.
Q-1: Are there any accommodation options near the temple?
Ans: Yes, there are several hotels and resorts in Thekkady, which is the nearest town.
Q-1: Can non-Hindus visit the temple?
Ans: Yes, Mangaladevi Temple is open to people of all faiths and beliefs.
Q-1: What should I wear when visiting the temple?
Ans: Visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees as a mark of respect.
Q-1: Is photography allowed inside the temple?
Ans: Photography is generally not permitted inside the sanctum sanctorum, but you can take pictures of the temple’s exterior and the natural beauty that surrounds it.