Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple

On the side of the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of 900 metres, Thirunelli is famous for Vishnu temple. Thirunelli Temple has an interesting legend behind. While travelling around the world, lord Brahma came across this beautiful place now known to be Brahmagiri hills. Getting attracted to the beauty of the hills, he descended there and noticed an idol resting on a Gooseberry tree. He recognized the idol as lord Vishnu himself and with the help of the saints, he installed the idol there. On Brahma's request, lord Vishnu promised that the water around the temple would wash away all sins. By that way, the Papanashini stream originated. The temple got its name from ‘Nelli’ means Amla and came to be known as Thirunelli. Chera king Bhasakara Ravi Varma I of the 16th century, did the early rituals for this shrine. Only at this temple, a devotee can perform rituals from life to death and for life after death. The temple has three deities, lord Vishnu, lord Shiva and lord Brahma. People call them trinity. The inner sanctorum has a tilted roof and an open courtyard. The beautiful Brahmagiri hills and the surrounding lush green forests will lead anyone to fall in love with this temple on its first glance. Visitors feel completely relaxed in the sanctum of the temple. Due to its remote location and mountainous drive, this temple is often skipped.