Koodalmanikyam Temple

About Koodalmanikyam Temple

Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharat, the brother of Lord Ram. It is located Irinjalakuda from Thrissur district, Kerala. The sanctum is believed to have the presence of all godly powers and hence the name Koodalmanikyam - Koodal means ‘joining together’. The temple is surrounded by four vast ponds called ‘Kulipini Teertham’. A story about this temple is that the idols of Ram and his three brothers where brought from the sea coast by one Vakkayil kaimal. He then placed the idol of Ram in Thriprayar, that of Bharat at Irinjalakuda,Lakshman in Moozhikulam and Shatrughna in Payammal.Koodalmanikyam Temple is a marvel in architectural beauty. The impressive gateways, round shaped Sanctum Sanctorum, the majestic Koothambalam and the Carvings in wood and stone on the walls all attract students of Art and Architecture. The murals on the walls on either side of the Eastern entry to Chuttambalam also deserve special mention. Temple has two unique features: the temple holds the image of only one deity even though most large temples in India have several; and it is also the only temple in India dedicated to the worship of Bharata (Lord Sangameshwara), the brother of Lord Rama. Thachudaya kaimal is the caretaker of the temple.

This peaceful and ancient temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Sanghameshwara. During your temple tours to the Koodalmanikyam Temple you must visit the beautiful pond that is located within the temple premises. As legend goes this pond became sacred when the sage Kulipini organized a huge yagna inside the temple premises. This temple pond is known as the Kulpini theertam.During your temple tours to the Koodalmanikyam Temple located in Kerala, South India you can pray to the presiding deity by offering marigold garlands, payasam and boiled brinjals.It is believed that the temple was built at the beginning of Kaliyug’. The entire area was once a dense forest where learned sages, headed by ‘Kuleepini Maharshi’, lived and meditated. The temple walls are adorned with beautiful murals. There is also a ‘Koothambalam’, the theater for traditional temple art forms, in the temple courtyard. Woods for construction were provided by the Kochi king.The temple is surrounded by a compound and the big walls of this are called ‘Anawayaran mathil’. There are ‘gopurams’ on the east, south and west side of the temple. On the north side is the holy kuleepini theertham. One specialty is there is no ‘upadevas’ in this temple.

This ancient temple with a unique deity hosts a colorful eleven-day annual festival with a display of twelve caparisoned elephants. Falling in April/May, this festival marks the end of Hindu festival season in Kerala. Festival is held for all days in Medom (April-May) from Utram to Thiruvonam asterisms, the flag hoisting being on the Utram day. Procession accompanied by caparisoned elephants is the special features of the festival. Darshan is possible from
3am – 12 noon , and 5pm to 8pm . Important Vazhipatus(offerings) are Thamaramala , Brinjal Nivedyam , Vedi , Gheelamp , Meeunttu.

History

A story about this temple is that the idols of Ram and his three brothers where brought from the sea coast by one Vakkayil kaimal. He then placed the idol of Ram in Thriprayar, that of Bharat at Irinjalakuda,Lakshman in Moozhikulam and Shatrughna in Payammal

Interesting things to Visit

Art Museum:

Art Museum is just 2 kms from Thrissur town, there is nice little art museum, which has a good collection of woodcarvings metal sculptures, Kathakali figures and ancient jewellery. There are also wonderful figures and good paintings. This art museum is also well known fro a great collection of traditional Kerala lamps.

Cheruthuruthy (Kathakali Centre):

North of Thrissur, 29 kms away, near the Shoranur Railway junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. It is in this academy that the best of Kerala’s Kathakali performers get their training. The institution also offers training in music, drama and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal.

The Zoo:

Zoo is 2 kms from Thrissur town, is the zoo, which is a wonderful place for animal enthusiasts. Within the 13.5 acres of compound, a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, various species of birds, deer etc. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobra, Kraits, Vipers and rat snakes.

Vilangakunnu:

7 kms from Thrissur, Vilangakunnu is a beautiful little hill which is a wonderful picnic spot. This spot is a feast for ones eyes with its natural charm and serenity.

Peechi- Vazhani Wild life Sanctuary:

This large dam in the Western Ghats, 20km east of Trissur, provides the ares’s drinking water while the attached sanctuary offers protection for animals.

Thriprayar:

This is situated at 22 Km from Thrissur. This is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shri Rama. The important festival here is the Thriprayar Ekadasi held for three days in Vrischikam during Nov-Dec.

.Lourdes cathedral:

It is situated near Thrissur, which turned to a Cathedral in 1995 with an underground chapel.

Nearest Visiting places

Guruvayoor:

Guruvayoor is away from Thrissur, this is also one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers in the state. The presiding deity is Lord Krishna. Legend has it that Guru, the preceptor of Gods and Vayu, the God of wind, created the temple.

Lourdes Cathedral:

Thrissur district was under the control of Dutch and British invaders. During their period they had created several beautiful churches, an example is the Lourdes Cathedral. The exterior features an Indo-European facade with pink spires. The Centenary of Our Lady of Lourdes was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Thrissur in 1986.

Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Shelter):

Near Guruvayoor, 2 km away is Punnathur Kotta, the place where temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else one can find so many elephants at a time. Visitors with little children are allowed to come near and have a look at the elephants.

Vadakkumnatha Kshethram:

Vadakkumnatha Kshethram temple sits atop a hill in the centre of Thrissur. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathi, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathi, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. Thissur Pooram, the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April every year. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

State Museum:

Archeological Museum, farther along Museum road , has temple models, stone reliefs, Gandharan pieces and reproductions of some of the Mattancherry murals.

Athirapilly Water falls:

It is situated at 63 Km distance from Thrissur district. This 80“ high waterfall at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges is a popular picnic spot. Dream World and Silver Storm are the two Amusement parks, which are located nearby. DTPC has a unit to gratify the needs of tourists.

Vazhachal Chalakudy River Vazhachal:

Tourist can reach there very easily as it is just a short drive from Athirapilly. This place is close to dense forests and a part of the Chalakudy River is also situated nearby.

Sakthan thampuran palace:

This is also named as Vadakkekara Palace. Sri.Ramavarma Thampuran of the former Princely State of Cochin reconstructed this in Kerala-Dutch style in 1795. However Sakthan Thampuran who was the greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty has preserved this by Archaeological Department

Chavakkad beach:

This is seashore, and is famous for rare scenic beauty. This has been acknowledged as one of the best beaches along the west coast. Unaltered by modernization and laced on the borders by an array of coconut palms.

Nearest Petrol Pump

HP Petrol Pump
SH 22, Vasanth Nagar
Thrissur, Kerala.

Thaliyath Petrol Pump
Irinjalakuda,
Thrissur, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Swaraj Round West,
Thrissur, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Swaraj Round West
Thrissur, Kerala.

Prabhus Petrol Pump
Kodungallur
Thrissur, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Trichur Towers
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2425290.

Kanoos Residency
Guruvayoor
Thrissur, Kerala.

Rugmini Regency
Guruvayoor, Thrissur
Kerala 680101
Tel: 0487 2551873.

Hotel Nalummakal
Municipal Bus Stand (west)
Kodungallur, Thrissur Kerala
Tel: 0480 2802222.

Colombo Hotel
Irinjalakuda
Thrissur, Kerala.

Bhasuri Inn Hotel
Opposite Municipal Bus Stand
East Nada, Guruvayur
Kerala
Tel: 0487 2558888.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Ayyanthole Police Station
Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala
0487 2363608.

Police Station
SH 22, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala.

Chalakudi Police Station
Chalakudi, Thrissur, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Modern Hospital
P.O. Box No:22, Kodungallur Post
Thrissur, Kerala 680664
Tel: 0480 2802022.

Sree Chithra Ayur Home
Manathala, Chavakkad
Thrissur, Kerala 680506
Tel: 09895091639.

Nilayoram Resorts & Ayurvedic Centre
Painkulam Post, Cheruthuruthy
Thrissur, Kerala 679531
Tel: 09847044244.

Link:

http://q4music.blogspot.com/2009/05/melam-at-koodalmanikyam-temple-festival.html
http://keralatourist-place.blogspot.com/2009/04/koodalmanikyam-temple.html
http://keralatouristheaven.blogspot.com/2008/04/koodalmanikyam-templeirinjalakuda.html
http://pazhayathu.blogspot.com/2009/03/kerala-temple-at-koodal-maanikyam.html
http://pradeepcvasudevan.blogspot.com/2008/07/koodalmanikyam-temple.html

Location info

• **Address:**Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district, Kerala.

• District: Thrissur district

• **Nearest City:**kochi, sholayar, kaladi, Irinjalakuda , Kunnamkulam, Kodungallur.

• Best time to visit: April to may.

Climate & weather

The weather Temaparture on Summer: (January - May) 300 to 360C and Monsoon: (June - October) 260 to 320C.

Things to do at Koodalmanikyam Temple

You can do pooja to god Rama, Watch the beauty of pond, take the Picture of the Scenaries around Temple.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s towns and cities offer diverse food ranging from traditional Kerala sadhya to multi-cuisine restaurants. Kochi has a thriving food scene with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and Jewish traders. Temple festivals feature traditional Kerala vegetarian feasts.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Kerala has some of India’s finest church architecture. The Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), and the numerous Syrian Christian churches across the backwaters feature distinctive Kerala-style facades mingling European and local design. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.