Shatrughna Temple, Payammal – Religious Significance

Shatrughna Temple, Payammal – 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.