Mangala Devi Temple Near Thekkady

Mangala Devi Temple (Kannagi Temple) is located on the boarder of Kerala and Tamilnadu states. It is on a hill top called Vannathipara later renamed as Kannaki kottam or Mangaladevi.  It sits at the altitude of 1337 feet above sea level and  is surrounded by lush greenery and beatifull hills gives a panoramic view. It is located about 7 Km from Pazhiyankudi in Theni district ( Tamil Nadu) and 13 km from Kumali ( Thekkady) of Idukki District( Kerala ). The view from the temple premises is spectacular and one can see part of Eastern ghats and some villages from adjacent state of Tamil Nadu. A clear view of Thekkady lake is possible from the hill top.

The Madhurai King  wrongly accused Kovalan for theft and Killed him brutally. As a revenge Kovalan’s wife Kannagi burned Madhura town with her pathivritya power and got the heaven. The King of Tamilakam Sri Chera senguttuvan, the king of Tamilakam came to know the story of kannagi from Koola Vanigan Sattanar. The younger prince was fascinated by the character of  kannagi and authored Silappathikaram  Later a  temple was erected by Sri Cheran Senguttuvan  for kannaki.

But some devotees believe that the Devi is in the form of Durgamba. And another belief is that temple is for the Deva for Mangal Grah( planet  Mars). And the visit to this place on Chitra Pournami will give a tremendous change in life.

This temple will remain closed through out the year except on chithra Pournami (full moon day of chithra month). Thousands of people will flow to this place for the special pooja and for the blessings of Mangala Devi.

Conveyance to this place is through jeep service. People can go by own vehicle with a special permission but only four wheel drive vehicles are permitted due to steep roads to hill top. If you are brave enough you can go by walk to the temple. If you are lucky enough, you can see wild animals on the way. Forest authorities have banned the use of plastic materials at the temple premises and in the forest. Several voluntary organization have arranged food and water facility through out.