Kalleli Oorali Appopan Kavu
Sri Kalleli Oorali Appoopankaavu is an ancient temple located in Kallelithottam in Konni, Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The temple lies on the banks of Achankovil River and is surrounded by dense forest.
The main deity is here is the overlord of the forests and mountains. The deity here has long been worshipped as the supreme power of nature and the lord of around Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Mala Daivangal (Mountain Gods). There are no major temple structures here. The main deity and upa devatas are worshipped under trees and in temporary structures.
The major ritual performed in this temple is the Karkidaka Vavu ceremony, rituals observed in memory of the departed souls of ancestors.
The rituals in the temple are entirely different from other Kerala temples. The pujas and rituals have the reflection of Tribal culture and tradition. The Kallely Appooppan Kavu is the only sacred grove where 'Kumbha Pattu' is performed.
Location
Konni
Main Deity
Oorali Appopan & Oorali Ammooma
Other Deities
Kallely Ganapathi, Kuttichathan, Vadakkenchery Valyachan, Nagas Devatas (serpents), Amma Mahamaya, Yakshi Amma, Harinarayanan Thanmpuran, Kuravan-Kurathi Raktha Rakshas and Kochukunju arukal.
Festivals
The 10-day annual festival in the temple begins on Vishu and concludes on the Pathamudayam day (April 14 to April 23).
Main Offerings
Karikku Padeni (using 101 Tender Coconut), Thamboolam, Betel leaves, Aanayoottu (feeding of elephants), Vanarayoottu (feeding of monkeys), Meenoottu (feeding of fish),
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated at 102 KM from the temple.
By Rail: Kayamkulam Railway Station is 55.9 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Konni KSRTC Bus Depot is 9.3 KM from the Temple.