Idukki: The Chitra Pournami festival of Mangaladevi Kannagi temple, located in the deep forest of Periyar Tiger Reserve will be celebrated on May 5. Mangaladevi is one of the ancient temples in the state which is dedicated to Kannagi. 

The devotees are allowed to visit the temple only once a year during the Chitra Pournami festival. The temple is situated 15 kilometres inside the dense forest of Periyar Tiger Reserve at Kumali in Idukki district. The temple was built on a hill which is the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Pilgrims visit the temple in the presence of Idukki and Theni district collectors as the location has been a disputed land between the two states. 

As per legends, Kannagi had arrived at this hill after destroying Madurai. The temple was constructed in an ancient method by piling up square-shaped granite pieces. The devotees believe that Kannagi left for Kodungallur after spending 14 days on the hilltop. 

 

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Kannagi temple

The temple which remained hidden for centuries inside the forest is in a ruined state now. The land dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala began when the former raised ownership claims for the temple in 1980 which is located within the geographical area of Kerala. Following this, separate rituals will be performed in the two structures of the temple on Chitra Pournami day under a priest from Kerala and another from Tamil Nadu. 

Over 25,000 pilgrims visit Mangaladevi temple on an average during the festival. The rituals will be carried out from 6 am to 4 pm on this day. Private vehicles will not be allowed to pass through the Periyar Tiger Reserve to reach the temple. The pilgrims can head to the temple in taxi jeeps, with prior permission or by walk. 

The Periyar Tiger Reserve is under the strict surveillance of the officials of the forest department. A meeting was convened under Theni collector RV Shajeevan and Idukki collector Sheeba George to discuss the festival arrangements for this year. The devotees are allowed to visit the temple without compromising on their security and tampering with the conservation of the forest and temple.