Widely popular among devotees, the Thirunelli Temple in Kerala is also known as "Kashi of the South". This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and located on the Brahmagiri hills 900 meters above sea level. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, Thirunelli is one of the most ancient temples. It is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma performed the pratishtha of Lord Vishnu. Besides this, there is a cave temple towards the western side dedicated to Lord Shiva. This makes the Thirunelli Temple a rare ground blessed by all the members of Trinity, Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma.
What makes this temple a hotspot for pilgrims from all parts of the world is the distinct ability of this being the only temple in the world where one can perform all rituals, from birth to death and even afterlife. Any rituals performed on the banks of stream Papanasini are believed to have a divine effect and power that dissolves all the sins of any mortal. Yet another reason for believers to visit this temple is the holy rock (Pinnappara). All prayers performed before this sacred rock are said to reach the ancestors directly.
Thirunelli Festival, one of the major festivals celebrated at this temple is a two-day event in the eve of Lord Vishnu in April. The most noteworthy performance of this festival is the “Kolkali” which is a tribal art form performed by the tribe of Kuruma.
Bali Tharpaman is yet another famous festival pilgrims attend in huge numbers every year at the Thirunelli Temple. This consists of a ritual conducted for the departed souls in October & November, May & June and July to August.