Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – Religious Practices

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – Religious Practices

Three Poojas & No Sreebali:

The custom in most of the temples in Kerala is to have five poojas and three sreebalis a day. But in this temple, there are only three poojas and no sreebali. There is no Usha Puja and Pantheeradi Puja at this temple.

No Deeparadhana:

There is no Deeparadhana. Sticks and camphor are not used for the pooja. There are plans to start Deeparadhana in this temple. This temple is considered as the only temple in  the entire world without Deeparadhana.

Rituals of cleansing of the temple priest:

The temple priests (Namboodri Brahmins) are allowed to take part in the temple ceremonies only after cleansing themselves at the Kuttan Kulam, situated outside the temple and then again have to bathe in Kulipini Theertham before entering Srikovil (sanctum sanctorum).

Floral Offerings:

The floral offerings to the deity consist of lotus, Tulasi and thechi (ixora). But they are not grown in the temple compound. No other flower is taken for pooja or for making garlands. Lotus garland is an important offering to the deity. A garland will be offered to the deity which does have not less than 101 lotus flowers.

Deity taken out only during annual festival:

The deity is taken out for ceremonial procession only during the annual festival.

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – Religious Significance

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda – 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 – UshaPooja

3.    Lakshmana Perumal Temple, Thirumoozhikkulam – UchchaPooja

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.

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.

Shatrughna Temple, Payammal – Legends

Shatrughna Temple, Payammal – Legends

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).

Shatrughna Temple, Payammal, Kerala

Shatrughna Temple, Payammal, Kerala

Shatrughna Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shatrughna, the youngest brother of Lord Rama located in Payammal Village in Mukundapuram Taluk in Thrissur District in Kerala, India. This temple is considered as the fourth among the four temples housing the four sons of King Dasharatha, popularly known as Nalambalams. People usually visit a temple of Lord Krishna named Elambalakkattu at Edakkulam while going to the Shatrughna temple.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/shatrughna-temple-payammal-legends.html

History

The temple suffered destruction during the Malabar invasion of Tippu Sultan. It is said that the temple priests hide the idol of Shatrugna in the temple pond in order to the protect it from Tipu Sultan. Later, the temple was reconstructed with the help of locals. The temple is now maintained and administered by Shatrughna Seva Samiti.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west and follows traditional Kerala style of architecture. This temple is considered as the smallest temple among the Nalambalams. All the other three temples of Nalambalams have circular Sreekovils (Sanctums) but here Sreekovil is in rectangular shape. The sanctum enshrines a granite image of Shatrugna, brother of Lord Rama. The idol is about 3.5 feet tall and faces west. He is four armed. An idol of Ganesha can be seen on the wall of the sanctum. A lamp is lighted behind the Shatrughna idol inside the Sreekovil. It is believed that this lamp (Pinvilakku) is for Sruthakeerthi, the wife of Shatrughna. 

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 05.30 am to 10.30 am and 05.30 pm to 07.30 pm. On Karkkidakam month, the temple remains open from 04.30 am to 01.30 pm and 04.30 pm to 09.00 pm.

Poojas

There are three main poojas namely Usha pooja, Utcha pooja and Athazha pooja performed daily at this temple.

Festivals

The five day annual festival is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (Feb-Mar). This festival starts on the Pooyam Nakshatra in the Kumbham month. The prathishta dinam is observed on Makayiram nakshatra during the Malayalam month of Medam (Apr-May). The Malayalam month of Karkkidakam (Jul-Aug) is observed as Ramayana Masam.

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/shatrughna-temple-payammal-religious-significance.html

Prayers

Sudarsana Pushpanjali and submission of Sudarsana chakram offered at this temple are considered to boost the prosperity of the family members.

Contact

Shatrugna Temple,

Shatrugna Nagar, Payammal, P.O.

Mukundapuram Taluk,

Thrissur District – 680 688

Phone: +91 480 286 4500 / 329 1396

Mobile: +91 94465 71668

Email: payammalsathrughnatemple@gmail.com

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Vellangallur Junction, 5 Kms from Mathilakam, 6 Kms from Irinjalakuda Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Irinjalakuda, 14 Kms from Kodungallur, 15 Kms from Irinjalakuda Railway Station, 30 Kms from Thrissur and 40 Kms from Kochi Airport. The temple is situated at about 5 Kms to the west of Vellangallur Junction on Irinjalakuda to Kodungallur route.

Location

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda, Kerala

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Irinjalakuda, Kerala

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Lord Rama located in Irinjalakuda Town in Mukundapuram Taluk in Thrissur District in Kerala, India. This temple is considered as the second among the four temples housing the four sons of King Dasharatha, popularly known as Nalambalams.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/koodalmanikyam-bharatha-temple-irinjalakuda-legends.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/koodalmanikyam-bharatha-temple-irinjalakuda-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/koodalmanikyam-bharatha-temple-irinjalakuda-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 03.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.00 PM to 08.30 PM.

Pooja Timings

·      Ethirthu Pooja – 08.15 AM

·      Noon Pooja – 11.30 AM

·      Athazha Pooja – 08.15 PM

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/koodalmanikyam-bharatha-temple-irinjalakuda-festivals.html

Religious Practices

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/koodalmanikyam-bharatha-temple-irinjalakuda-religious-practices.html

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/koodalmanikyam-bharatha-temple-irinjalakuda-religious-significance.html

Literary Works

Unnai Warrier, the author of Nalacharitam was a native of Irinjalakuda and an ardent devotee of Sangameswara. He has also composed a Sanskrit poem called Sree Rama Pancha Sathi that is an abridged version of Ramayana in fifty dasakas dedicated to Lord Sangameswara.

Prayers

Devotees pray here for relief from incurable diseases, wedding boon, and removing obstacles in marriage alliances. The temple offers brinjal neivedyam to the devotees after their worship. It is said that the brinjal offered has medicinal properties to cure stomach ailments. Devotees offer lotus garland to the deity before commencing any important function like marriage, businesses etc. It is unique to note that even other temples offer lotus garland to this temple before the start of festivals at the respective temples.

Contact

Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple,

Irinjalakuda – 680 121,

Mukundapuram Taluk, Thrissur District,

Kerala, India

Phone: +91 480 282 6631 / 296 0160

Email: contact@koodalmanikyam.com

Web: http://www.koodalmanikyam.com

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Irinjalakuda Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Danavu Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Irinjalakuda Tana Centre, 9 Kms from Irinjalakuda Railway Station, 19 Kms from Chalakudy, 19 Kms from Kodungallur, 24 Kms from Thrissur and 37 Kms from Kochi Airport. The temple is situated at about 1.5 Kms to the west of Irinjalakuda Danavu Bus Stop on Thrissur to Kodungallur route. Buses are available for every five minutes from Thrissur to Kodungallur. All these  buses pass through Irinjalakuda.

Location

Rama Temple, Thriprayar, Kerala

Rama Temple, Thriprayar, Kerala

Rama Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Rama located in Thriprayar Village in Chavakkad Taluk in Thrissur District in Kerala, India. The temple deity is the presiding deity of Arattupuzha Pooram. This temple is considered as the first among the four temples housing the four sons of King Dasharatha, popularly known as Nalambalams. The temple is situated on the bank of Theevra River. This temple is situated between two important religious centres in Guruvayur and Kodungallur.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/rama-temple-thriprayar-legends.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/rama-temple-thriprayar-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/rama-temple-thriprayar-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 03.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM.

Poojas

Five worship services namely Usha pooja, Ucha pooja, Panthiradi pooja, Ethirtha pooja and Athazha pooja are conducted in this temple daily. The deity of Rama is carried around the temple thrice daily in Sheevelis (Ucha Sheeveli, Usha Sheeveli and Athazha Sheeveli). Athazha Pooja and Nirmalya Darshan are considered to be the most sacred of all.

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/rama-temple-thriprayar-festivals.html

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/rama-temple-thriprayar-religious-significance.html

Contact

Rama Temple,

Thriprayar, Valappad P.O.,

Chavakkad Taluk,

Thrissur District – 680 567

Kerala, India

Phone: +91 487 239 1375 / 233 1124 / 232 7028

Fax: +91 487 233 5874 / 232 7029

Email: admin@cochindevaswomboard.org

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Thriprayar South Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Valappad, 17 Kms from Irinjalakuda, 22 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, 23 Kms from Chavakkad, 24 Kms from Thrissur, 25 Kms from Kodungallur, 25 Kms from Guruvayur and 53 Kms from Kochi Airport. The temple is situated on Guruvayur to Kodungallur route.

Location

Giri Gobardhan Temple, Kalna, West Bengal

Giri Gobardhan Temple, Kalna, West Bengal

Giri Gobardhan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Kalna Town in Purba Bardhaman District in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple is situated on the banks of Hooghly river. The temple is situated in front of the Lalji Temple.

History

The temple was constructed in 1758 CE by the rulers of Bardhaman Raj.

The Temple

The temple is situated inside the Lalji Temple premises. The roof of the temple is designed like a Govardana Giri mountain with crocodiles, peacocks, snakes, meditating saints & sages and an idol of Lord Ganesha. The temple houses several stucco images representing the Krishna Leela.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Kalna Old Bus Stand, 2.5 Kms from Kalna New Bus Stand and 2.5 Kms from Kalna Railway Station. Kalna is located at about 22 Kms from Pandua, 23 Kms from Boinchi, 26 Kms from Nabadwip, 26 Kms from Ranaghat, 27 Kms from Satgachia, 30 Kms from Krishnanagar, 33 Kms from Memari, 34 Kms from Purbasthali, 44 Kms from Bandel, 59 Kms from Burdwan, 63 Kms from Katwa, 95 Kms from Kolkata and 95 Kms from Kolkata Airport. Ambika Kalna Railway Station is situated on the Bandel – Katwa railway line.

There are many local trains (EMU) and a few express & passenger trains from Howrah and Sealdah Railway Stations. Kalna is well connected to Pandua, Boinchi, Memari, Krishnanagar, Katwa, Bandel, Bardhaman, Purbasthali and Kolkata. The main bus stand is situated beside the STKK Road (SH 6). Many private local and long route express buses are available. There is a Government bus depot operated by South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) for long distance buses. Autos and Rickshaws are available for exploring this town. 

Location