Koodalmanikyam temple situated at a distance of 20 km away from Thrissur town, in Irinjalakuda is a unique temple with its structure and religious significance. It is the only temple in all India that is dedicated to and worships Lord Bharata, the third brother of Lord Rama in Ramayana. Within the shrine, Lord Bharata is worshipped as a sage rather than a prince as depicted in the epic. “Sangameshwara” is what the devotees refer to their main deity, who is capable of curing the foremost fatal diseases. “Brinhal Nivedyam” served after every prayer is said to be very effective in curing stomach ailments.
Koodalmanikyam temple belongs to the “Nalambalam”, it is one among the four temples dedicated to the four brothers, Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Sathrugna. An annual pilgrimage to all these four temples is considered to be extremely auspicious for a blessed life ahead. The temple is also quite noted for its architecture, structure and surroundings. Residing on 10 acres of land, the temple has four gateways from different directions, four massive ponds within the premises, a circular sanctum sanctorum with its copper plate roof and a temple theatre, Koodambalam, where art performances of Kathakali, Koothu, Koodiyaatam and Thullal are regularly performed.
The eastern gateway is a rare, attractive structure with typical Kerala style architecture. It’s the tiled roof and whitewashed walls add charm to the temple. This gateway is also a protected monument of the Archeological Department. The entrance walls are yet peculiar for the prehistoric figures and paintings, enhancing the heritage of the temple. The eastern and western courtyards within the temple compound are tremendously spacious enough to accommodate around 21 elephants on festive occasions.
Kuttan Kulam located outside the compound towards the eastern side is the largest of the ponds surrounding the temple. Kulpini Theeram located within the compound is believed to have been blessed by Kulpini Maharshi, a great sage. He is known to have performed a massive sacrifice in exactly the same place where the theeram resides today. The eleven days long annual festival of the temple during April- May is a glorious moment to attend. It can be said that a visit to Koodalmanikyam Temple is a real delight as the place is historically and culturally sophisticated, and offers a grand spectacle to the visitors.
Contact Details
Koodalmanikyam Temple
Koodalmanikyam Devasom,
Thrissur District, Irinjalakuda,
Kerala 680121
