Situated at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district, Kerala,
Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharata, the
brother of Lord Rama. One of the distinctive feature of Koodalmanikyam temple
is that there is only one single Prathista (single deity). It is one of the
four temples in Kerala that form a set called "Nalambalam", each
temple dedicated to Lord Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. The temple
enshrines Chathurbahu Vishnu with Conch, Chakra, Gada and Japamaala.
Location Kerala, Trichur, Thiruvananthapuram
Legend
According to the legend, thousands of years ago,
Irinjalakuda was a dense forest . Kulipini Maharshi and some other sages did a
great Yagna to please Lord Vishnu. Pleased with their devotion, the Lord Vishnu
appeared before them. As boon, Kulipini Maharshi and other sages wanted the
eternal presence of the Lord at that place. The Lord readily agreed. Happy with
the presence of the Lord, all the sages prayed to Goddess Ganga to bless the
sacred Yagabhoomi with her presence. All the sages immersed themselves in the
sacred waters and became one with the Lord. The temple itself was not built
immediately after the incident. The place was not inhabited for many hundred
years probably. According to the legends, a local Chieftain, Vakkay Kaimal, had
a dream one night in which some mysterious person appeared before him and told
him that the four idols have been washed ashore and that these idols are to be
consecrated at such and such places. Next day,
Kaimal hastened to the seashore and he saw four idols laying there as
indicated in the dream. As per the instructions in the dream, the four idols
were duly installed in four temples. Lord Rama at Thriprayar (22 Km North west
of Irinjalakuda), Bharata at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikulam (30 KM
south west of Irinjalakuda) and Shatrughna at Payammal (5 KM south of
Irinjalakuda). It is believed that worshiping at these four temples on the same
day is especially meritorious.
This temple is part of the famous Nalambala Darshana Yatra.
Architecture
The eastern gate way (Gopuram) is an impressive structure in
the typical Kerala style of architecture with tiled roof and white washed
walls. Numerous carvings are embedded
into the front wall of the gateway.
From the Gopuram you enter the outer quadrangle. The Temple is situated inside a well walled
up ten-acre plot with attractive gateways on the East, South and West. The huge porches on the Eastern and Western
approach ways to the inner temple can accommodate not less than twenty-one
elephants. The Sanctum Sanctorum is
round shaped and is covered with copper plates. A six-foot Thaazhikakudam at the pinnacle
adds to the beauty and majesty of the total temple complex. On the Southern courtyard is the well-known
Koothambalam, the Natyagruha for Koothu and Koodiyattom.
Culture
Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and
archaeological wealth, is called as cultural capital of Kerala. The town is
famous for its Pooram festival. This district is also a veritable treasure
trove of history. The sylvan beauty of Northern Kerala begins here, with tiny,
tranquil hamlets by the sides of tediously flowing rivers. An ancient cultural
center, Thrissur houses the Kerala Kalamandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy,
the Kerala Lalitakala Academy and the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Academy.
Darsan Info
The Diety is believed to be Bharata, brother of Ram, but the
idol is that of Lord Vishnu.The diety is taken out for ceremonial procession
only during the Annual Festival.
Darsan Dresscode
Male devotees are expected to wear Kerala Mundu, which is
also known as Veshti or Dhothi and are not supposed to wear shirt while inside
the temple. But there is no dress code for women, as they can wear any
traditional dress like Saree, Churidar, Salwar Kameez or Skirt.
Temple Rituals
The custom in most of the Temples in Kerala is to have five
Poojas and three Sivelis a day. But in Koodalmanikyam there are only three
Poojas and no Siveli.
Special Rituals
The deity at Koodalmanikyam is believed to be an incarnation
of Dhanwanthara Moorthy and has curing powers. One legend says that an aged
devotee was suffering from chronic stomach ache and as instructed by the Lord
in his dreams, he made an offering of 101 brinjals as Nivedya. This cured his
ailment. From that day onwards, Brinjal Nivedyam became a special Nivedyam at
the Temple.
Additional Info
Open Flame Restaurant NH 47 Bypass Road, Opposite Mahindra
Showroom, Kuttanellur, Thrissur, Kerala 680014 Phone:093880 02000 Food Coast
Restaurant NH17, Valapad, Kerala 680567 Phone:081570 84708 Malayali Family
Restaurant Mathilakam, Kerala 680685 Phone:081119 40100
Supermarket : Available
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