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.