The Mangala Devi Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve near Thekkady in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. The temple holds significant religious and historical importance and is a revered pilgrimage site for devotees.
Key features of the Mangala Devi Temple:
- Historical Significance: The temple is believed to have ancient origins and is dedicated to Goddess Mangala Devi, a form of the divine feminine in Hinduism. The temple is considered to be around 2000 years old and holds a place of historical importance in the region.
- Pilgrimage Site: Mangala Devi Temple is a popular pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from various parts of Kerala and neighboring states. It is especially frequented by devotees during certain auspicious occasions and festivals.
- Restricted Entry: The temple is situated within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is a protected wildlife sanctuary. Due to its location in the forest reserve, access to the temple is restricted, and visitors need to obtain special permission from the forest authorities to visit the temple.
- Scenic Trekking Route: To reach the Mangala Devi Temple, visitors have to undertake a trek through the forest. The trek offers a beautiful and scenic trail with lush greenery and an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
- Views from the Temple: Apart from its religious significance, the temple also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The hilltop location of the temple allows visitors to enjoy panoramic vistas of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Mangala Devi Temple is a 1000-year old temple in Kerala located nearly 15 kilometers away from Thekkady on a beautiful place inside dense forest. The traditional Pandyan architecture style is the main attraction of this temple. Nestled at a height of around 1337 meters above sea level, Mangala Devi Temple is a must visit tourist attraction of people who visit Thekkady.
Located deep inside the forest, Mangala Devi temple is on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. This renowned pilgrim center with traditional temple architecture is dedicated to Goddess Mangala Devi. This temple is closed throughout the year except the months of April and May. The popular Chitra Purnima festival held in this temple during these months. Travelers who are keen to visit this temple during rest of the months should get permission to enter the temple premises from the forest ranger.
Goddess Mangala Devi, also known as Kannaki symbolizes the moral strength of every woman. Surrounded by rich green forests, a trip to this temple can be an effective way to enjoy the wilderness of nature. The enchanting natural beauty also fascinates travelers to Mangala Devi temple.
It is believed that Goddess Mangala Devi is Kannaki who reached the thick forests of Periyar after destroying the whole town of Madurai after hearing the death of her husband. The temple is located now where the place she had reached. You will certainly admire the charm of the stone architecture once you enter the temple.
A lot of people comes Mangala Devi temple every year to worship the goddess. This temple was constructed by a Cherai King named Chenkuttuvan. You can watch the beauty of Pandyan architectural style also in this elegant temple. In fact, Mangala Devi temple is a master piece of stone architecture. One cannot express the charm and style of the Pandyan architecture of this temple in mere words.
The Chitra Pournami festival of this temple occurs on a Full Moon day and it has been organized jointly by the governments of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The priests from both the states come during this time and perform rituals. A trip to Mangala Devi temple can be an overwhelming experience for each visitor.
Aside offer prayers to Goddess Mangala Devi, your trip to this sacred temple provides you the opportunity to enjoy the majestic nature and beautiful vistas of Western Ghats. You can also watch a few scenic small villages of Tamil Nadu from this spot.
How to Reach:
By bus: Located on the Kumuly – Kannaki Temple Road, Mangala Devi Temple is almost 11 kilometers from Thekkady junction.
By rail: Kottayam is the nearest railway station which is about 125 kilometers away.
By air: Madurai is the nearest airport to this temple which is situated at a distance of around 140 kilometers. Cochin/Kochi International Airport is 175 kilometers away from Mangala Devi temple.