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Mangla devi temple, Thekkady

Mangla devi temple

The Mangala Devi Temple, also known as Kannagi Temple, is an ancient shrine nestled deep within the Periyar Tiger Reserve near Thekkady (Idukki district, Kerala), close to the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border.

“मंगला देवी केवल नाम नहीं, हर भक्त के जीवन की मंगल कामना हैं।”

― Mangla devi temple

Positioned at an altitude of approximately 1,337 m above sea level, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats and adjoining hill villages.

Mythological Significance & History

Kannagi, the legendary heroine of the Tamil epic Silappathikaram, is worshipped here as Mangala Devi, symbolizing moral strength and justice. The temple was believed to be constructed by Chera king Chenguttuvan as homage to her divine transformation.
Estimated to be over 1,000 years old, the temple reflects Pandyan-style architecture

Significance of the Temple

The temple is revered for its deep cultural and mythological connections. Kannagi’s transformation into divine power is central to the temple’s spiritual identity.
It opens only once a year, on Chitra Pournami (full moon, April–May), drawing priests from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu and thousands of devotees.
Married women bring Pongala offerings, and thalis and bangles are blessed — a deeply symbolic ritual

Architecture of the Temple

The temple showcases ancient Pandyan architecture, built with massive granite stones and featuring a layout of four shrines within a prakara (enclosure) with a gopuradwara entrance .

Secondary shrines include Karuppa Swamy, Lord Shiva, and Ganesha. The temple walls and steps remain imposing despite the ruins.

An underground passage—legends say—connects the temple to Madurai or the Pandya palace

How to Reach to Temple

Location~15 km from Thekkady, ~7 km from Pazhiyankudi (Theni, TN).
By RoadAccess via Periyar Tiger Reserve; jeep or forest vehicle required for ~12 km trek.
Rail (Kerala)Kottayam (~107–125 km).
Rail (TN)Theni (~63 km).
AirMadurai (~140 km) or Cochin International Airport (~142–175 km).
PermissionsPrior permission needed from Wildlife Warden, Thekkady

Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    5.00 PM to 6:15 PM

Temple Location

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