Located on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple is a famous and ancient temple dedicated to Kannagi. The temple is popularly known as Mangaladevi Kannagi Kottam. The temple is closed throughout the year except during the Chitra Pournami festival. The temple dates back to around 2000 years. It was built by the Cheran Chenguttuvan, King of ancient Tamilakam.

Location Kerala, Idukki, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

According to the legends,  Kannagi's husband, Kovalan was wrongly accused of being thief. The Madurai King ordered to execute Kovalan without a proper trial. After the death of Kovalan, a furious Kannagi burnt down the entire town. She walks for 14 days and reaches the spot near Kumuli in Kerala where she is said to have reunite with her husband. A temple was built on the top of Sahyadri (Western Ghats) for Kannagi.

Architecture

According to Poonjar Rajakudumba Charitravalokanam, the original temple complex had 58 cents area. It was in rectangular shape having 211 feet length and 118 feet breadth. At present, the shrine of Lord Shiva is used as the shrine of Goddess Mangala Devi. There are no properly installed idols now at the original shrine for Mangala Devi.

Culture

In the olden times people from other parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu migrated to Idukki and so Idukki district is said to have a mixed culture. A large tribal population is settled in Idukki and there are more than 200 tribal clans here. The main inhabitants of this place are the scheduled tribes which include Malayarayan, Mannan, Oorali, Paliyan, Malapandaram, Malayan etc. Out of all the tribes Malayarayan excel in socio economic and educational aspects.

Darsan Info

Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple is open only on Chitra Pournami day, which falls in April-May, that too between 5 AM and 5 PM.

To visit Mangaladevi temple, devotees need to get prior permission from the wildlife warden of Thekkady. The journey to the temple is an interesting and daring experience. One can reach the temple only in a jeep, as the 12-km stretch leading to the temple is covered with dense forests and grasslands.

Darsan Dresscode

No specific dress code at Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple.

Famous Festival

April/May : Chitra Pournami Day

The annual festival on Chitra Pournami Day is finalised through discussions between District Collectors of Idukki and Theni. Village Office personnel and police are engaged to make all arrangements for the single day event

Temple Rituals

Poojas are performed in the traditional Kerala style in front of the shrine of Lord Ganapati (Ganapati Homam) and for the Goddess, uchcha pooja is done in front of the shrine for Lord Shiva under the sankalpa of Goddess Mangala. Pooja before the shrine of Goddess Kannaki is done in the Tamil traditional style. No pooja is done before the original shrine for Goddess Mangala Devi now.

Additional Info

 


Eateries near Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple

Shalimar Spice Garden Kumily, Idukki, Kerala 685535 Phone:04869 222 132 Grandma's cafe Bypass Rd, Kattappana, Kerala 685515