Mangala Devi Temple In Thekkady

This ancient temple is situated in the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve at an altitude of 1337 metres above the sea level. The temple is more than 1000 years old and is a major attraction in the area. The deity of the temple is the goddess of moral power, Mangala Devi also called Kannaki in Kerala. The origins of the temple are obscure and the architecture is Pandyan. People believe that the temple was built by a Chera King Chenkuttuvan. The temple is closed most of the year and deity is only brought here once a year during ChithraPournami festival. Rest of the year the deity remains in a temple in Kambam.