Kerala to renovate ancient Mangala Devi temple in Idukki

Thiruvananthapuram: The ancient Mangala Devi temple situated about 1,300 metres above sea level in Periyar wildlife sanctuary in Idukki district will be renovated by the Kerala government.

A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently and attended by officials of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), Forest, Archaeology and Revenue departments, a release said here.

Though the temple is situated near Theni district in Tamil Nadu, it is in Kerala, the release added.

The decision to renovate the temple was as per a High Court order in 2016.

The TDB, which administers temples including the famous Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, has been entrusted with the responsibility of installing the damaged idol, the release said.

Lakhs of devotees from Theni and Idukki visit the temple every year on Chithra Pournami day in April-May, the release said.

The ancient temple of Mangala Devi is located in the dense woods at the top of a peak (1,337 m above sea level).

The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture.

The peak allows a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu.