Thirunelli temple also called as Tirunelli is an ancient temple of Maha Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. It is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavite tradition. The temple is situated at a height of around 3000 ft in a valley surrouned by mountains & forests.
The temple is closely connected to rituals for honoring ancestors, especially a ceremony called 'bali tharpanam' which is done for the souls of those who have passed away. The nearby Papanasini stream, which means "the remover of sins" is said to be believed that bathing in its water cleanses them and helps wash away sins and negative energies.
The name Thirunelli derives from the Tamil word nelli, which means Indian gooseberry of the Amla tree. The Matsya Purana, Skanda Purana, Narasimha Purana and Padma Purana said that the Vishnu temple was built by Brahma, in the Sahya valley and it is referred to as Sahyamalaka Kshetra.
According to tradition, Brahma was traveling around the Universe on his hamsa, when he became attracted by the beauty of the area now known as Brahmagiri Hill. As Brahma landed to that spot, he saw an idol placed within an Amla tree. He immediately recognized it as lord Vishnu himself and realized that the place was none other than Vaikuntam.
Thirunelli bus stop is the nearest stop at a distance of around 400 m from the temple and can be reached easily by walk from the bus stop.
