Koodalmanikyam Temple dedicated to Lord Bharatha- brother of Sree Rama,
is located at Irinjalakuda, about 23km south west of Thrissur and 10 km
from Irinjalakuda railway station. It is said to be the only temple in
India dedicated to Lord Bharata. The temple surrounded by four ponds,
is an architectural marvel with remarkable gateways, 'Koothambalam', murals
on the 'Chuttambalam' (outer enclosure) and its round shaped Sanctum Sactorum.
A distinctive feature of Koodalmanikyam temple is that there is only one
single 'Prathista' (diety) here- 'Dhanwanthara Moorthy' famed for curing
even fatal diseases of faithful devotees. Daily ritual of the temple include
three poojas, and only lotus, chethi and tulasi flowers are used
for offering and making garlands. Another peculiarity of the temple is
the offering of 'brinjal nivedyam' that is believed to be very effective
to cure stomachache. Thriputhari (the day of feasting) on the Thiruvonam
day observed in the month of Thulam (October-November) is an important
occasion in the Temple. On that day newly harvested rice is first cooked
and offered to the deity and then distributed among the devotees. The
annual festival of the temple is celebrated for eleven days in April-may.
'Brahmakalasam' strictly following the Vedic and Tantric rituals are offered
to the deity for the 11 days during the Festival. The temple timings are
from 3.00 am to 11.30 am and 5.00 pm to 8.15 pm. There is a unique Four
temple pilgrimage conducted during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (August)
called 'Nalanbalam Yathra' which involves visiting the four temples dedicated
to Rama( Sreerama Temple at Triprayar), Bharata (Koodalmanickam temple),
Lakshmana (Lakshmana temple at Moozhikkulam, Ernakulam District) and Sathrukhna
(Payammel temple near Irinjalakuda).
Contact Address:
The Administrator,
Koodalmanikyam Devaswom, Irinjalakuda – 680 121
Phone : 0480-2826631
E-mail : Contact
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