Vizhinjam Cave Temple, Kerala

Vizhinjam Cave Temple, Kerala

Vizhinjam Cave Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Vizhinjam Village in Neyyattinkara Taluk in Thiruvananthapuram District in Kerala, India. This cave temple is considered as one of the earliest rock-cut cave temples in Kerala and smallest rock cut cave temples in Southern India. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The cave temple is believed to have been excavated in 8^th century CE. The site is a centrally protected monument under the control of Archaeological Survey of India since 1965. Vizhinjam was the administrative capital of Ay kingdom, which is believed to have ruled over parts of the southern India between the 8^th and 10^th centuries A.D. The region had witnessed several battles in which the Chola and Pandya dynasties attempted to gain control of the port town. Vizhinjam gradually lost prominence after the 10^th century CE after coming under constant attack of the other kingdoms.

The Cave Temple

The cave is excavated on a small boulder measuring about 3 metres in height and 3.5 metres in width. The cave is carved on the eastern face of the boulder and is facing towards east. The cave consists of sanctum only. It measures about 1 metre in length, 0.7 metres in width and 1.5 metres in height. The sanctum enshrines an image of Vinadhara Dakshinamurthy. There are two rock cut niches housing bas relief images on either side of the entrance of the sanctum.

The right side niche has bas relief image of Tripurantaka. He is accompanied by two dwarf images on either side. He is four armed. His lower left hand holds the bow & upper left hand holds the axe and his lower right hand holds arrow & the upper right hand shows ardhapathaka mudra. He is depicted standing on his right foot the floor and the folded left foot on the head of the Muyalagan. A carving of Bhooda gana can be seen on the left side of Muyalagan. 

It is interesting to note that different forms of Tripurantaka had developed at such an early date. The left side niche has two bas relief images of Nataraja and Parvati. The Nataraja image is depicted in dancing posture. His left leg is depicted in parsvatha posture and his right leg held in swastika posture. The face is tilted towards his right side. The image to the left of the Nataraja is Parvati. She is shown resting her left hand on her hip and the right hand rests on her chin.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 250 metres from Vizhinjam Bus Stand, 2.5 Kms from Kovalam, 9 Kms from Balaramapuram Railway Station, 14 Kms from Poovar, 14 Kms from Neyyattinkara, 15 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, 16 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram Airport and 21 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is situated on Kovalam to Poovar route.

Location

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – The Temple

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – The Temple

The temple was built in a typical Kerala temple architectural style and is rich in wood carvings. The temple has a small cement compound wall on the east side bordering Thirupuraiyar River. The compound wall in the western and southern side are massive. Oottupura is situated on the north side of the temple. The gopuram is situated on the northside. There is no flag post (Kodimaram) and hence there is no kodiyetram ritual during festivals in the temple.

The Sreekovil is circular in shape with a copper covered conical roof and is surmounted by a golden Thazhikakkudam. The circular sanctum has several sculptures depicting the scenes from Ramayana. The walls of the Sreekovil are decorated with beautiful mural paintings. There are wooden sculptures below the paintings. There are granite sculptures on the sides of the Sopanam structure. The namaskara mandapa is situated in front of the Sreekovil (sanctum).

It is copper-plated and is profusely decorated with panels of wood carvings representing navagrahas. The sanctum enshrines the image of presiding deity Rama / Triprayar Appan / Triprayar Thevar. The image resembles the Chaturbhuja Vishnu form with four arms, bearing a conch (Panchajanya), a disc (Sudarsana), a bow (Kodanda) and a garland respectively. Images of his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi can be seen on either side. The original idol of Rama was severely eroded with the passage of time.

Hence, the idol is covered with a panchaloha coat to avoid further erosion. A lamp behind the idol is always kept burning and devotees believe that they get relief from troubled evil spirits. There is an image of Dakshinamoorthy in the sanctum facing towards south. Dakshinamoorthy is commonly found in Shiva temples. The temple also has Chuttambalam, mukha mandapam, and a balikallu which is slight away from the front side of the sanctum sanctorum.

There is no separate shrine for Lord Hanuman in the temple premises. However, it is believed that his presence is always there at the Namaskara mandapam in front of the Sreekovil (sanctum) of the temple. Devotees generally bow before the mandapa imagining the presence of Hanuman in the mandapam before worshipping Lord Rama. There are two shrines for Ganapathy inside the Nalambalam.

One of the shrine is facing towards south and situated near the south door of the sanctum. Another shrine is facing towards east and situated at the south-west corner of the Nalambalam. There is a shrine for Ayyappan in the southern side of the courtyard outside the Nalambalam. It is believed that this shrine is ancient than the Rama temple. The new temple was built near the Ayyappa shrine after the arrival of Rama idol.

Thriprayar Thevar is the presiding deity of the Arattupuzha Pooram, one of the important festivals of central Kerala. Lord Ayyappa of this temple also participated in this pooram before the installation of Lord Rama. Except Triprayar Thevar, all other participants in this pooram are Sasthas and Bhagavathys of different temples. This also points to the prominence of Shastha shrine. There is an east facing shrine for Goshala Krishna in the north of Chuttambalam in the outer courtyard.

The temple have a Nalambalam in traditional goshala form. There is mention about this temple in earlier Sandesa kavyas. The sacred river, Thirupuraiyar River flows in front of the temple. There is a nadapura and small Ayyappa temple situated between the river and the main temple. Triprayar Devaswom Satram, a small shelter for the pilgrims is available near the temple. It is managed by the Cochin Devaswom Board.

There is a temple dedicated to Avanangattu Chathan situated near to this temple. Avanangattu Chathan is believed to be the son of Triprayar Thevar. When the deity in Triprayar goes to participate in Arattupuzha Pooram, He takes Avanangattu Chathan along with him. There is also a belief that Avanangattu Chathan was a deity who travelled along with Triprayar Sri Rama as a helper.

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – Legends

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – Legends

Nalambalam Yatra:

As per legend, the deities presently worshipped in the Nalambalams were worshipped Lord Krishna in Dwaraka during the Dvapara Yuga. When Dwaraka was submerged, the idol of Rama was immersed in the sea along with the idols of his brothers Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna. Later, some fisherman went to the sea for fishing near Chettuva region of Kerala and found the idols of Rama and his brothers entangled in their fishing nets.

They brought the idols ashore and handed over to Vakkayil Kaimal who was the minister of Ayiroor Kovilagam. He consulted the astrologers and came to know about the previous history of these idols. It was decided after prasannam that the idol of Lord Rama was to be installed at Triprayar, Bharatha at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikulam and Shatrugna at Payammal.

All these four idols are those of Lord Vishnu but are referred to as Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna. It is believed that worship at all these four temples on a single day in  the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam (July 15 to August 15) is considered auspicious. Thousands of devotees do this special pilgrimage, which is popularly known as Nalambalam Yatra (a pilgrimage to the four temples).

Legend of Peacock:

As per legend, when the image of Lord Rama was discovered and was about to be consecrated by Vakkayil Kaimal at Thriprayar, a divine voice instructed that a peacock would appear and mark the exact spot on which the idol of Lord Rama to be installed. Kaimal and his men waited for a long time for the peacock to appear, but it did not appear. Then, the chief priest (Thantri) installed the idol when a devotee holding a bundle of peacock feathers appeared. Soon after the installation of the idol, a peacock appeared in front of the Sreekovil.

It is said that the priest and Kaimal regretted their decision later when a peacock actually appeared at another spot. To make up for this deficiency, the sacrificial altar (Valiya Balikallu) was installed at the spot marked by the peacock. Hence the Balikallu is said to have the same importance as the deity itself. It is believed that the sacrificial altar kept spinning on its axis until a yogi named Naranathu Bhranthan  stabilized it by hammering a nail through it amidst the chanting of mantras. A mark of a nail can still be seen gives credence to this belief.

Vilwamangalam Swamiyar:

As per legend, one day Vilvamangalam Swamiyar reached this temple and offered prayers to Lord Rama. During his pooja, he noticed that the goddesses Sridevi and Bhoodevi were entering the temple from the western gateway to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. This flawed entry to the temple was due to the incorrect installation of the Lord. Hence, Vilvamangalam Swamiyar requested the goddesses to stay inside the sanctum. The goddesses agreed and later Swamiyar installed the images of Sridevi and Bhoodevi on either side of the Lord. He then closed the western doors and left the temple. The western doors of the temple remain shut even today.

Manifestation of the Trimurthis:

As per legend, it is believed that this deity possesses some aspects of Lord Shiva. When Lord Rama killed the asura named Khara, he got both the Vaishnava and Shiva aspects. Thus, deity came to be called as Khara Samhara Moorthy. It is also believed that the deity represents Brahma due to the portrayal of Lord Rama with a garland held in his hands. Hence, the deity is said to be a manifestation of the Trimurthis.

Ubiquitous form of Lord Hanuman:

It is believed that Lord Hanuman is ubiquitous (present everywhere) in this temple. Hence, there is no separate shrine for Hanuman in this temple. It is believed that Lord Hanuman is always present in the Namaskara Mandapam, located just opposite to the sanctum. It is also said that Lord Hanuman had given the message and news of Sita to Rama who was longing to know about her at Namaskara Mandapam. It is believed that Lord Hanuman is present in this temple chanting 'Drishta Sita, Drishta Sita'.

Thiru Purayar:

As per legend, Lord Mahavishnu during his Vamana incarnation visited this place while going to Thrikakkara. He found the region was so dry and could not be able to find water to wash his legs. Vamana took the water from his kamandalu (a small round vessel used by Hindu sages to carry water) and poured the water to wash his legs. From then on, the source of water never went dry but kept on flowing as the Thiru Purayar / Thriprayar (river of divine source). This river is currently called as Purayar / Sreepriya River / Nandiyar / Theevra.

Thriprayar:

As the place is surrounded by the river on three sides, the place came to be called as Thirupuraiyar (Tri means Three, Pura means Sides and Aaru means River). Later, the name got corrupted to Thriprayar.

Combination of Seven Rivers:

As per legend, the river Thirupuraiyar was sent by Lord Brahma as combination of seven rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Sindhu, Godavari, Saraswathi, Narmada and Kaveri.

Theevra River:

As per legend, when the devas washed the feet of Lord Vishnu, the water flowed as Theevra / Thirupuraiyar river in the land created by Parasurama.

Tipu Sultan gift of lands to this temple:

Tipu Sultan ravaged several temples in South India. This temple also suffered destruction at the hands of Tipu Sultan during his Malabar invasion. In order to check the divinity of the deity, he struck at the hand of the idol and soon blood started coming out. Terrified by this incident, Tipu Sultan repented for his misdeed and donated lands to this temple.

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – History

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – History

The temple was originally under the domain of the Zamorin rulers of Kerala. It later came under the possession of the Dutch, the Mysore sultans, and the rulers of Cochin. The temple is located on land known as Chettuva Island, that was annexed by the Dutch in 1718 CE. When Tipu Sultan came to defeat the Dutch, he also threatened Triprayar temple. However, realizing the divine power of the Lord, he donated land to the temple for the Vedi Vazhipadu during the Athazha pooja.

The profit from the land was used for Vedi Vazhipadu. This small land is known as Tipu Sarvmanyam. The temple later became part of Kingdom of Kochi and was given over to the Namboothiri families. The roof of the sanctum was covered with copper by the king of Kochi. The temple belonged to 42 Illams of Namboothiris. 39 of these 42 Illams perished during the course of time. The temple then came under the control of Cheloor, Punnappilly and Janappilly Illams.

The three Illams had a fight with local ruler (Naduvazhi), Blahayil Nair, in 1825 CE. The temple remained closed due to the fight for six months. The temple later came under the control of Blahayil Nair from 1827 CE to 1841 CE. The temple was returned to the three Illams in 1841 CE. The temple came under the control of Cochin royal family in 1865 CE. Finally, the temple was handed over to the Cochin Devaswom Board.

Still, the heads of these three Illams serve as the Ooralans of the temple and take part in the rituals and festivals in accordance with the customs. There are two inscriptions found in this temple. One of the inscriptions gives information about Moozhikulam Kacham. Another inscription records the donation of property and things to the temple by Muruknattu Sankaran Kanttapozhan.

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – Festivals

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – Festivals

Triprayar Ekadashi:

The Krishna Paksha Ekadashi in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (Nov-Dec) is known as Triprayar Ekadashi is the most important festival in the temple. The day preceding Ekadashi witnesses a procession of Sashta, while the Ekadasi festival is marked by a procession of Rama flanked by 21 elephants and royal paraphernalia. The local theatre group performs a musical form of art known as Angya Koottu in this temple. They enact the episodes from Ramayana like Hanuman meeting with Sita in Lanka and bringing the news about Sita at Lanka to Rama.

Sethubandhanam:

This temple observes Sethubandhanam every year in Thiruvonam day during the Malayalam month of Kanni (Sep-Oct). It is the only place in earth where this tradition exists. Sethubandhanam is done in the Sree Raman Chira at Chemmappilly, Thrissur. Chemmappilly is located at about 2 Kms away from the temple. Pilgrimage to Triprayar temple is said to be complete only with a worship of Sethubandhanam.

Prathishta Dinam:

The prathishta dinam (annual consecration day of the presiding deity) is observed on the Atham Nakshatram in Edavam month (May-Jun) as per traditional Malayalam calendar in Kerala.

Onam Festival:

Onam festival is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug-Sep). A snake boat race is held here during this festival.

Pooram Festival:

Pooram festival is celebrated for seven days during the Malayalam month of Meenam (Mar-Apr). This festival concludes in the Pooram asterism (just one day ahead of Panguni Uthiram in Tamilnadu).

Arattupuzha Pooram:

Triprayar Thevar has the prime position in the famous Arattupuzha Pooram in Malayalam month of Meenam (Mar-Apr). During the Arattupuzha Pooram, 21 elephants dressed in their royal paraphernalia lead the procession. Only the deity of Triprayar Rama Temple and Kolam are permitted to be carried by elephant.

Meen Oottu:

Meen Oottu is an interesting ritual carried out in this temple. Devotees feed the fishes in the Purayar River that flows in front of the temple. Fishes throng the banks to eat the grains of rice thrown by the devotees, who consider it a great blessing to be splashed by water from the fish. Majority of patients suffering from Asthma get relieved from their problems when they offer Meen Oottu.

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – Religious Significance

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – Religious Significance

The Nalambalam pilgrimage (Yatra) is an annual pilgrimage taken by the devotees to visit the four temples housing the four sons of King Dasharatha namely Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna. These temples are located in temples in Thrissur and Ernakulam Districts. This pilgrimage takes place during the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam / Ramayana Masam (Jul-Aug). It is said that the Nalambalam darshan should be performed in a single day in the following order;

1.    Rama Temple, Thriprayar – Nirmalya Darshanam

2.    Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – Usha Pooja

3.    Lakshmana Perumal Temple, Thirumoozhikkulam – Uchcha Pooja

4.    Shatrugna Temple, Payammal – Athazha Pooja

Devotees offer prayers at all four temples, getting darshan of the deities, and purification from worldly sins. The tradition of Nalambalam is growing in popularity, and there are three additional sets of Nalambalams in Kerala: one in Kottayam District, one in Ernakulam-Kottayam Districts, and another in Malappuram District.

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – The Temple

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – The Temple

The temple was built in typical Kerala style of architecture. The temple covers an area of about ten acres and enclosed within a compound wall. The compound wall are provided with gateways on the eastern, southern, and western sides. The eastern gate way (gopuram) is an impressive structure in the typical Kerala style of architecture with tiled roof and white-washed walls. The front wall of the gateway is decorated with numerous carvings.

The porches on the eastern and western approach ways to the inner temple can accommodate around twenty elephants. There is no Balikkalpura in this temple. The sanctum is circular in shape and is covered with copper plates. The roof of the sanctum is crowned a six-foot Thazhikakudam. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Bharata, the brother of Lord Rama. He is also called as Sangameshwara (the Lord of the Confluence).

However, the deity is Chaturbhuja Vishnu holding shanka (conch), chakra (discus), gada (mace) and japamala. It is unique to note that this temple has only the presiding deity. Even Ganesha, usually found in all temples dose not find place here. It is said that Hanuman is present at Thidappally (the temple kitchen). The Koothambalam is situated on the southern courtyard. The temple is an important centre for performing the temple arts like Kathakali, Koothu, Koodiyattom and Thullal.

Koothambalam stage had the rare fortune to witness historic stage shows by the maestros of Ammannoor Chakyar family. There are beautiful murals on the walls on either side of the eastern entry to Chuttambalam. There are four ponds, situated in and around the temple. The largest of the four are Kuttan Kulam, located outside the compound on the eastern side, and Kulipini Theertham, located inside the compound. The water from the Kulipini Theertham is used for rituals and ceremonies within the temple.

Priests are allowed to take part in the ceremonies after cleansing themselves at the Kuttan Kulam outside the temple and then have to take a dip in Kulipini Theertham before entering the sanctum. The pond outside the compound located at the western side is called Padinjare Kulam and the pond outside the compound located at the southern side is called Thekke Kulam.

The Kuttan Kulam, Padinjare Kulam and Thekke Kulam constitute a significant area as much as the size of the temple itself. Except Kulipini Theertham, the other three water bodies are open to the public. It is said that the Tulsi seeds do not sprout, unlike other temples. As Tulasi plant is considered sacred and worshipped wherever it is found. It is forbidden even such an object of secondary worship in the temple precincts that Thulasi is not allowed to grow by some divine power.

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – Legends

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – Legends

Nalambalam Yatra:

As per legend, the deities presently worshipped in the Nalambalams were worshipped Lord Krishna in Dwaraka during the Dvapara Yuga. When Dwaraka was submerged, the idol of Rama was immersed in the sea along with the idols of his brothers Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna. Later, some fisherman went to the sea for fishing near Chettuva region of Kerala and found the idols of Rama and his brothers entangled in their fishing nets.

They brought the idols ashore and handed over to Vakkayil Kaimal who was the minister of Ayiroor Kovilagam. He consulted the astrologers and came to know about the previous history of these idols. It was decided after prasannam that the idol of Lord Rama was to be installed at Triprayar, Bharatha at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikulam and Shatrugna at Payammal.

All these four idols are those of Lord Vishnu but are referred to as Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna. It is believed that worship at all these four temples on a single day in  the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam (July 15 to August 15) is considered auspicious. Thousands of devotees do this special pilgrimage, which is popularly known as Nalambalam Yatra (a pilgrimage to the four temples).

Kulipini Theertham:

As per legend, Irinjalakuda was a dense forest during ancient times. Large number of sages under Kulipini Maharshi performed a Yagna to please Lord Vishnu. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before them and asked for their wish. All the sages requested his eternal presence at this place. Lord Vishnu readily agreed their request. Then, the sages prayed to Ganga to bless the place with her presence. Pleased with their prayers, Ganga sprung up in the place. The sages immersed in the sacred waters of Ganga and attained salvation.

The presence of Ganga is believed to continue in the Kulipini Theertham named after the Kulipini Maharshi. The Kulipini Theertham is situated on the northern side of the temple, and it is believed to be as sacred as the sanctum. Water snakes, frogs etc. commonly found in most temple tanks are totally absent here. Only fish grow freely and feeding them is considered to be of holy.  The water for preparation of neivedyam is taken form this tank only. Archakas after bath at the outside pond, Kuttan Kulam have to take a dip in Kulipini Theertham before entering the sanctum.

Sangameswara:

As per legend, a saintly person from Tali Parambu was on a strange mission of collecting the energy of the idols of all important temples in Kerala for being transferred to the idol of the temple in his village. He entered into the sanctum of the temples he visited and transferred the energy of the idol into the conch in his possession. When he tried the same in Irinjalakuda he accidentally fell down and the conch was broken. Thus, the energy of the deities stored in the conch was instantly transferred to the idol at Irinjalakuda. Thus, the idol in which the energy of the other deities got merged came to be called as Sangameswara. The Namboodiri Brahmins associated with the temple still make all their Sevas in the name of Shiva, Vishnu and Devi at Sangameswara shrine itself.

Koodalmanikyam:

As per legend, one day, the idol emitted an uncommon bright light from its forehead. Unable to identify the source of the brightness, a Quartz (Manikyam) was brought from the Raja of Kayamkulam to compare the brightness with the uncommon light emanating from the idol. As they were comparing the brightness of the two, it is said the stone brought from the raja of Kayamkulam mysteriously slipped from the hand and merged into the light from the idol. The merging of two manikyams led to the name Koodalmanikyam. Similar brightness is reported to have appeared on the idol once again, much later in 1907.

A goldsmith from Tamil Nadu got cure of his stomach pain here:

As per legend, a gold smith from Tamilnadu came to this temple to worship Lord to get relief from his stomach pain. As per the custom prevalent at the time, he was not allowed to enter the sanctum. However, he started worshipping the Lord by singing hymns in praise of the Lord at the foot of the flagstaff. When the then Thachudaya Kaimal heard that he was an expert goldsmith, he was sent for and asked to make the Angi in gold for the Lord. At that time. only Thirumugam was made of gold. The goldsmith had no opportunity even to have a look at the idol let alone take measurements. Yet when the Angi was done in gold as per measurements given to him, it was found to be perfectly fitting the idol. The goldsmith did not take any remuneration. But the Lord amply compensated by totally relieving him of his stomach pain.

Brinjal Neivedyam:

Once, an aged devotee suffering from chronic stomach pain did bhajan in praise of Lord at this temple. He had a dream at the night in which Lord appeared before him and advised him to pluck 101 brinjals from his garden and offer the same as neivedya to him. As instructed, the aged devotee did and was totally relieved of the stomach pain. From then on, brinjal neivedyam became a special neivedyam at this temple. Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar having heard the curative effect of Brinjal Nivedya visited the temple in 1972 and made an offering of Brinjal Naivedhya. Since then, he was relieved of a stomach pain he was suffering for quite a long period.

Arattu:

Irinjalakuda is believed to have been situated at the confluence of two rivers during ancient time. The Lord at the confluence of the rivers are commonly referred as Sangameswara. Though, the two rivers namely Kurumali river and Chalakudy river have changed course and Irinjalakuda is no longer on any river bank, Arattu (the holy dip of the idol at the close of the Annual Festival), is held alternatively in these two rivers suggesting a previous connection with these rivers.

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – History

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – History

This temple is believed to be built in 8^th century CE. The earliest inscription found in this temple is dated to 854 CE belonged to King Sthanu Ravi of Cheraman Perumal dynasty of Mahodayapuram. It records the endowments of vast extents of land for the temple. Most of the lands in and around Irinjalakuda belonged to the Koodalmanikyam Temple and the Thachudaya Kaimals of Travancore until 1971. The Thachudaya Kaimal is the spiritual chief and the temporal ruler of the Koodalmanikyam Temple and its estates. Their lineage is mentioned in the sacred Skanda Purana. The Thachudaya Kaimals enjoyed spiritual superiority and the rulers of Cochin and Travancore had to pay them obeisance.

The residence of the Kaimal is the Kottilakkal Palace in Irinjalakuda. The scenario has changed since 1971 with the passing of the 26^th amendment of the Indian constitution, the Princely order in India was abolished and the Thachudaya Kaimals lost their ownership of the temple and its estates. Presently the estate and the temple are managed by a Trust under the District Collector. Much of the land belonged to this temple is now encroached by the locals. The descendants even today enjoy some special rights over the lands and the temple. Even today, the ruling spiritual leader has the privilege of being escorted by the Travancore Nayar Brigade.

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – Festivals

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – Festivals

Annual Festival:

The annual festival of this temple is celebrated for ten days during the Malayalam month of Medam (Apr-May). The first day of the festival is calculated by the appearance of the Uthram asterism and signified by hoisting a ceremonial flag (the start day falls one day after the famous Thrissur Pooram festival in nearby Thrissur). Each day of the festival, a Seeveli (procession of caparisoned temple elephants) is held twice, once in the morning and once at night accompanied by panchari melam (sacred music).

Seventeen elephants takes part in the procession. Two features of the Seeveli are unique to this temple. The first is that two baby elephants are included in the procession, one standing on each side of the elephant carrying the deity and the second is the headdresses (netti pattam in Malayalam) of seven elephants are made of pure gold & the rest are made of pure silver. The last two days of the festival feature panchavadyam (sacred music from an orchestra of five instruments), and the festival ends at the Thiruvonam asterism.

Thriputhari:

Thriputhari is celebrated on the Thiruvonam day in the Malayalam month of Thulam (Oct-Nov) in this temple. It is a day of feasting when the newly harvested rice is first cooked and offered to deity and then is partaken of by the devotees. The day after the feast, there is a special offering called Mukkudi, which is considered to be a divine medicine for all ailments. Mukkudi is an Ayurvedic mixture, the formula of which being prescribed by Kuttancherry Mooss, one of the Ashtavaidyas.

Other Festivals:

Annual prathishta dinam during Kumba month, Ayyankavu Thalappoli during Meenam month, Thrikettu Vechu Namaskaram during Edava month, Illam Nira during Karkidaka month and Maha Shivaratri are the other festivals celebrated here.