MAHAVISHNU TEMPLE , THIRUNELLI
The temple is also known as the Sahyamala Kshetram. It is believed to be more than 3000 years old. Legend has it that this temple dedicated to lord Vishnu was built by lord Brahma (The Creator) himself - an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.
Papanasini, the holy mountain spring believed to have divine cleansing powers to absolve the soul of all its sins, flows nearby. Also in the vicinity is a sacred rock where ritual offerings (known as bali) are made for the ancestors on the New Moon days of the Malayalam months Karkkidakom, Thulam and Kumbham. Besides the rituals during the two-day festival, art forms like Kathakali and Ottanthullal are performed.
BATHERI MAHA GANAPATHY
This shrine is located at Sulthan Bathery. The presiding deity is Ganapathy, facing east. Sulthan Bathery was formerly known as Ganapathy Vattom, signifying the presence of Lord Ganapathy. The shrine was once destroyed by Tipu Sulthan. Thereafter the name of the Ganapathy Vattom was changed to Sulthan Bathery. The temple stone was used by Tipu to build a Fort, the ancestors recorded.
A six-day festival is conducted during the month of Makaram (January/February). The festival is attended by thousands.
Batheri Ganapathy possesses immense power and is larger-hearted to shower blessings on devotees.. Jalabhishekam (ritualized pouring of water on the idol) is an important ritual performed here which is meant for getting sufficient rain in the region.The temple is also strengthened by sub-deities. They are Shiva, Ayyappa, Bhagawathy and Nagaraja.
SITA LAVA KUSA TEMPLE, PULPALLI
This temple is located at Pulpally. The deity is Sitha.
Lavan, Kushan, Thalachiluan, Ayyappan, Subramanyan, Ganapathy, Vettakaran and Naga are sub-deities.
The brothers Lavan and Kushan are installed in a single sanctum sanctorum, whereas others have individual sanctum sanctorum. Lava-Kushan and Thalachiluan are face to face. These two shrines were getting more offerings in the initial stage. Now the picture is changed and the main deity Sita gets more offerings.
This is the only known temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.
VALLIYURKKAVU BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE
Located 8km east of Manathavadi, this is the principal shrine for the tribal community ( adivasis) of Wayanad who gather here in large numbers each year for the festival of the goddess in March/April. The event also served as a major slave trade market until well into the twentieth century. The inner sanctum is closed to non Hindus.
THRISSILERI SIVA TEMPLE
This stunning temple of rather perfect architectural proportions, is inextricably linked with the Vishnu temple at Thirunelli. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thiruneli remain unfinished unless followed by offerings at this temple.
Within the premises there is also a shrine devoted to Jala Durga, believed to have been installed by no less a personage than the legendary Parasurama.
There are many myths connected with the temple tank here, which curiously enough never dries up!
GLASS TEMPLE
This temple located at Koottamunda is dedicated to Parswanatha Swami, the Third Thirthankara of the Jain faith. It is an exquisitely beautiful family temple. The icons of Paraswanatha Swami and Padmavathi Devi set in the sanctum of this temple are reflected in a thousand beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the temple walls. (45 km)
JAIN TEMPLE - SULTHAN BATHERI
This temple is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine, an important for centre for commercial activity and eventually as a battery (ammunition store) for Tipu Sultan’s marching armies.A striking Jain temple, dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami represents one of the saints belonging to the Jain faith is situated just six kms from Kalpetta. This temple is in the wayanad district and is commonly known as Tippu’s fort. This is prominent as Tippu’s fort because Tippu used this place for storing ammunition. Hence, it gains the name sultans battery. This is believed to have constructed during the 13th century and served as an essential centre for commercial activities. It is 24 km for Kalpetta, and now the beautiful pillars are almost ruined yet convey an air of secrecy.