 Wayanad, a hill station in north Kerala with
abundant sweet sounds and sights of nature, is rich in enchanting myths and legends. Each
temple, each cave, each tree has an exotic tale from the bygone era to narrate to the
visitor.
Wayanad is a meeting place for the exotic
and the myth, the beauty and the piety. While beauty is truth, truth is naturally God or,
in other words, beauty is God. And Wayanad can be called the throne of God’s own
country.
 A description of Wayanad should begin with
Thirunelli temple, itself a haven of myths. Encircled by the Papanasini river, Thirunelli
is better known as the ‘Kashi of South’. The Papanasini is believed to have
divine cleansing powers to purge the soul of all its sins. Legend says the idol of Lord
Vishnu in the temple was installed by Lord Brahma.
Thirunelly temple, Jain temples at
Sulthan Battery and Panamaram and Valliyoorkav temples historically date back from the
12th to 16th centuries. The temples are the living testimony of the cultural heritage of
Wayanad.
 Thirunelly and Valliyoorkav are called the
temples of adivasis (tribals) by outsiders. In fact, the temples are run by Hindu settlers
and the Brahmin priests are performing poojas. Adivasis are allowed to worship and
participate in the temple festivals.
Wayanad has a large adivasi population.
Primitive forms of worship still prevail among them. Ancestral worship and offerings to
propitiate the spirits of ancestors are still prevalent. Thampuratty and Vettakkorumakan
are the two deities worshipped by them.
 It is the large tribal population of Wayanad
with its fascinating lifestyles, rituals and romantic superstitions which the visitor
might find most attractive.
Wayanad is called ‘the Green
Paradise’ with its forests and plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and
rubber.
It is better to experience than read when
beauty, myths, legends and faith make an elevated mix.
Salil Jose |
