Editorial photo #11976090 Human Interest
Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu
A shrine at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple. (Photo by Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto)
