Seetha Devi Lava Kusha Temple, Pulpally

Pulpally's Seetha Devi Lava Kusa Temple, in Wayanad, is one of the very few temples known to enshrine Lava and Kusha, the sons of Rama and Sita, with worship still continuing. Local belief sets much of the later Ramayana here: the abandoned Sita is said to have found shelter with Valmiki and given birth to the twins nearby. Pazhassi Raja built the temple in the 18th century and met his army chiefs in its courtyard; a member of the Kuppathode family still serves as trustee.

The temple pond is among the largest in Wayanad. Legend says Sita banished the leeches that bit her sons, and none are found around the temple. A kilometre away is Chedattinkavu, the original shrine, where Sita is said to have sunk into the earth as Rama caught her hair; ghee lamps are its main offering. The yearly festival in the first week of January draws people from across Wayanad.