IRINJALAKUDA KOODALMANIKYAM [ BHARATHA] TEMPLE
Koodalmanikyam Temple or Koodal Manikyam Bharatha Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Irinjalakuda, a small town in Thrissur District of Kerala. Kudal Manikkam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Bharata, the brother of Lord Rama. He is worshiped here as Lord Sangameshwara. Sangameswara is a Sanskrit word which in Malayalam translation means Koodalmanickyam. Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple is also one of the four temples in Kerala which form a set known as Nalambalam (Four Temples), of which each temple dedicated to the 4 brothers Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna of the Hindu epic Ramayana.
The Koodalmanikyam Temple sanctum sanctorum is round shaped and is covered with copper plates. There is a six-foot Thaazhikakudam at the pinnacle which adds beauty to the temple structure. The lord here is Chathurbahu Vishnu with Conch, Chakra, Gada and Japamaala. However, it is believed that the Lord is Bharatha, the brother of Lord Rama. According to myths, Bharatha was anxiously waiting for the return of Rama from exile for fourteen years. He heard from Hanuman that Rama has reached Ayodhya and was much relieved and happy. Bharatha is worshipped in his happiest mood here. Lord Hanuman is seen at Thidappilly [the holy kitchen].
Temple Structure
Koodalmanikyam Temple is a 9th century temple with splendid architectural beauty. Built in traditional Kerala style of architecture, the temple spreads over a wide area and is surrounded by massive wall with gorgeous gateways on the East, South and West. The temple’s Western and Eastern approach ways to the inner temple features huge porches which can accommodate even 21 elephants. The eastern gateway (Gopuram) is a remarkable structure with numerous carvings embedded into its front wall. One can enter the outer quadrangle from the Gopuram. Located on the southern courtyard is the Koothambalam, the temple hall for performing Koothu and Koodiyattam. There are murals on the walls on either side of the eastern entry to Chuttambalam.
Koodalmanikyam Temple is surrounded by four vast ponds. Of which the Kuttan Kulam, located outside the compound on the eastern side, and Kulipini Theertham, located inside the compound are the two largest. Legend has it that Kulipini Maharshi performed a great ritual sacrifice, at the spot of Kulipini Theertham. Kudal Manikkam Temple is also a centre of temple arts like Kathakali, Koothu, Koodiyattom and Thullal.
Temple Poojas
Most of the temples in Kerala conduct five poojas and 3 seevelis a day. While Koodalmanikyam Temple conducts only three Poojas per daily and seevelis are performed only during the annual arattu festival. Floral offerings include Lotus, Tulasi and Chethi. No other flower is taken for Pooja.
Offerings
Thamaramala (Lotus garland) is an important offering to the deity. It is believed that if a lotus garland is offered before starting any new project or before the commencement of any important function, the deity bestows success.
Temple Festivals
Koodalmanikyam Temple is renowned for the annual Kudalmanikyam Arattu Festival held for 11 days in the Malayalam month of Edavam (April – May). This famous event starts one day after the Thrissur Pooram and ends on the next Thiruvonam day. The festival attracts a number of devotees to watch the color, music, Orchestra and Fine Arts which cannot be seen anywhere in Kerala.
Another major festival celebrated is the Thriputhari on the Thiruvonam nakshatram in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November). The newly harvested rice is first cooked and offered to deity and then distributed to devotees. Next day is a special offering called Mukkudi, an Ayurvedic mixture, a divine medicine for all diseases.
Nalambalam Yatra
Nalambalam Yatra, also spelled Nalanbala Yathra, is a unique pilgrimage conducted during the Malayalam month of Karkitakam, the last month of Malayalam Calendar. The pilgrims visit four temples in Kerala – Sri Rama Temple at Triprayar (22 Km North west of Irinjalakuda), Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana temple at Moozhikkulam (30 km south-west of Irinjalakuda) in Ernakulam District and Satrugna Temple at Payammal (5 km south of Irinjalakuda). It is believed that worship at these four temples on the same day is exceptionally worthy.
Temple Timings
The temple is opened from 03:00 am to 11.30 am and from 05:00 pm to 8.15pm.
Reaching there
How to reach Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple
Irinjalakuda is located 20 km south of Thrissur and 16 km north of Kodungallur (Cranganore) famous for the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple.
Irinjalakuda Railway Station, managed by the Southern Railways, is just 9 km from the Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple. Guruvayoor – Chennai Egmore Express, Venad Express, Kanyakumari - Bangalore Express, Parasuram Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur Express and Chennai-Alappuzha Express passes through Irinjalakuda Railway Station.
Thrissur Railway Station or Thrissivaperur Railway Station is another major railhead around 20 km from Irinjalakuda.
The Koodalmanikyam Temple sanctum sanctorum is round shaped and is covered with copper plates. There is a six-foot Thaazhikakudam at the pinnacle which adds beauty to the temple structure. The lord here is Chathurbahu Vishnu with Conch, Chakra, Gada and Japamaala. However, it is believed that the Lord is Bharatha, the brother of Lord Rama. According to myths, Bharatha was anxiously waiting for the return of Rama from exile for fourteen years. He heard from Hanuman that Rama has reached Ayodhya and was much relieved and happy. Bharatha is worshipped in his happiest mood here. Lord Hanuman is seen at Thidappilly [the holy kitchen].
Temple Structure
Koodalmanikyam Temple is a 9th century temple with splendid architectural beauty. Built in traditional Kerala style of architecture, the temple spreads over a wide area and is surrounded by massive wall with gorgeous gateways on the East, South and West. The temple’s Western and Eastern approach ways to the inner temple features huge porches which can accommodate even 21 elephants. The eastern gateway (Gopuram) is a remarkable structure with numerous carvings embedded into its front wall. One can enter the outer quadrangle from the Gopuram. Located on the southern courtyard is the Koothambalam, the temple hall for performing Koothu and Koodiyattam. There are murals on the walls on either side of the eastern entry to Chuttambalam.
Koodalmanikyam Temple is surrounded by four vast ponds. Of which the Kuttan Kulam, located outside the compound on the eastern side, and Kulipini Theertham, located inside the compound are the two largest. Legend has it that Kulipini Maharshi performed a great ritual sacrifice, at the spot of Kulipini Theertham. Kudal Manikkam Temple is also a centre of temple arts like Kathakali, Koothu, Koodiyattom and Thullal.
Temple Poojas
Most of the temples in Kerala conduct five poojas and 3 seevelis a day. While Koodalmanikyam Temple conducts only three Poojas per daily and seevelis are performed only during the annual arattu festival. Floral offerings include Lotus, Tulasi and Chethi. No other flower is taken for Pooja.
Offerings
Thamaramala (Lotus garland) is an important offering to the deity. It is believed that if a lotus garland is offered before starting any new project or before the commencement of any important function, the deity bestows success.
Temple Festivals
Koodalmanikyam Temple is renowned for the annual Kudalmanikyam Arattu Festival held for 11 days in the Malayalam month of Edavam (April – May). This famous event starts one day after the Thrissur Pooram and ends on the next Thiruvonam day. The festival attracts a number of devotees to watch the color, music, Orchestra and Fine Arts which cannot be seen anywhere in Kerala.
Another major festival celebrated is the Thriputhari on the Thiruvonam nakshatram in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November). The newly harvested rice is first cooked and offered to deity and then distributed to devotees. Next day is a special offering called Mukkudi, an Ayurvedic mixture, a divine medicine for all diseases.
Nalambalam Yatra
Nalambalam Yatra, also spelled Nalanbala Yathra, is a unique pilgrimage conducted during the Malayalam month of Karkitakam, the last month of Malayalam Calendar. The pilgrims visit four temples in Kerala – Sri Rama Temple at Triprayar (22 Km North west of Irinjalakuda), Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana temple at Moozhikkulam (30 km south-west of Irinjalakuda) in Ernakulam District and Satrugna Temple at Payammal (5 km south of Irinjalakuda). It is believed that worship at these four temples on the same day is exceptionally worthy.
Temple Timings
The temple is opened from 03:00 am to 11.30 am and from 05:00 pm to 8.15pm.
Reaching there
How to reach Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple
Irinjalakuda is located 20 km south of Thrissur and 16 km north of Kodungallur (Cranganore) famous for the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple.
Irinjalakuda Railway Station, managed by the Southern Railways, is just 9 km from the Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple. Guruvayoor – Chennai Egmore Express, Venad Express, Kanyakumari - Bangalore Express, Parasuram Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur Express and Chennai-Alappuzha Express passes through Irinjalakuda Railway Station.
Thrissur Railway Station or Thrissivaperur Railway Station is another major railhead around 20 km from Irinjalakuda.
Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple is about 45 km from International Airport at Kochi.
