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Why to visit Mangala Devi Temple
An ancient temple named Mangala Devi is located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve's lush forests in Kerala's Idukki district, which borders Tamil Nadu State. According to a folktale that is widely spread among the locals, Kannagi was a devout Tamil woman who cursed the Pandyan dynasty after unfairly killing her husband Kovalan in a theft case.
Kannagi is elevated to the status of a goddess and praised as the model of purity. Around 2000 years ago, the ancient Tamilakam King Chera Chenguttuvan built this temple. The temple is recognised for its Pandiyan design. In addition to Mangala Devi, the temple is decorated with idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Karuppuswamy, and Ganesh.
A short tale behind the history of Mangala Devi Temple :
Every temple has a version of history to tell. When her husband was wrongfully charged with theft and slain, it is reported that Kannagi set the entire city of Madurai ablaze in a fit of wrath. Therefore, it is thought that Kovalan, Kannagi's husband, and she travelled to Suruli Hills and subsequently to heaven on Pushpaka Vimana. This tale served as inspiration for the then-King Chera Chenguttavan, who constructed a temple honouring steadfastness and unwavering love. Later, the King told the tale of Kannagi to the Tamil poet Illango Adigar. Later, the poet built his work "Silapathikaram" on the tale of Kannaki and Kovalan.
Construction of the Mangala Devi Temple :.
It is unknown what year the temple was built exactly. Senguttuvan, monarch of the former Chera Kingdom in southern India, may have constructed the temple at least a thousand years ago. After learning about the legend of Kannagi from the local tribes during his visit to the mountainous region, Senguttuvan decided to construct a shrine there in her honour.
