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.