Tirtha Atlas

The sacred geography of the Indic world — every site mapped, dated, storied, and cited.

1805 sites15 countries4 traditions30 centuries
Ancient · Hindu · India

Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple

Kumily, Idukki district, Kerala · 9.5981°, 77.2219°

Mangaladevi (Kannagi-Pattini)CheraDravidian
Sacred since
100 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
1st-2nd c. CE (Chera)
Chera

History & significance

An early historic stone temple at 1,337 metres inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, ascribed to the Chera ruler Chenguttuvan. It opens only once a year for the Chitra Pournami festival, when about 25,000 pilgrims are admitted with the Wildlife Warden's permission, and it stands in territory disputed between the two states.

Sthala katha — the legend

Kannagi, heroine of the Tamil epic Cilappatikaram, is said to have come to this spot after burning down the Pandya capital of Madurai and to have remained here fourteen days.

Open in Google Maps ↗Wikipedia ↗View on the atlas map

Related sites

Palani Dhandayuthapani Temple
Palani · India
attributed to Chera kings, early centuries CE; renewed since
Vadakkunnathan Temple
Thrissur · India
classic Kerala-style complex, medieval
Thrichittatt Mahavishnu Temple
Chengannur · India
Second Chera period (800-1102)
Thripuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple (Thiruppuliyur)
Puliyoor, Chengannur · India
Second Chera period (800-1102)
Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple
Thiruvanvandoor · India
Second Chera period (800-1102)
Thiruvazhmarban Temple (Thiruvanparisaram)
Thiruppathisaram · India
by 1139 (trad. Kulasekara Alvar)

Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Chera