Koodalmanikyam Temple, Kerala

Koodalmanikyam Temple, also known as Sree Bharata Temple, is positioned in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Bharata, brother of Lord Rama. This is one of the rarest temples of its kind.

Koodalmanikyam Temple, Thrissur, Kerala.

Architecture
History
Puja Timings
Festivals
Special Rituals
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The temple comprises the main structure, walled compounds with four majestic ponds around the main structure. One of the ponds is seated within the walled structure of the temple. The temple is built in the Classical Kerala style of Architecture, specifically, the Kerala Vasthuvidya. The temple is a Maha Kshetra with the golden dwaja and the pancha prakaras, along with the Anakkottil in the east and west entrances, Koothambalam, Vilakkumadam, Nalambalam, Namaskara Mandapam and the Sreekovil. All the aspects, making this temple a Maha Kshetra, are adorned with beautiful sculptures. The Balikkalppura is absent in this temple.

The earliest historical reference to Koodalmaikyam temple is found on a stone inscription attributed to Ravi Varman, the Chera King, who donated vast extents of land to the temple. Therefore, it is assumed that the temple must have been in existence for quite some time before 854 AD. Koodalmanikyam has occupied a place of importance among the other temples in Kerala. The Devaswom has also allotted land to accommodate government institutions and to facilitate development activities in the region.

Temple is opened from 4 AM to 11.30 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM.

The deity is taken out for ceremonial procession only during the annual festival. The temple holds its chief annual festival for ten days each year in the month of Medam(April/May). The first day of the festival is calculated by the appearance of the Uthram and is signified by hoisting a ceremonial flag. During the festival, Seeveli, a procession of temple elephants, takes place twice a day regularly. Seventeen elephants take part in the procession. The best feature of this temple festival is that two baby elephants are included in this procession. The last two days of the festival feature Panchavadyam and the festival ends with the auspicious Thiruvonam.

The presiding deity in the temple is Bharata. Thamara mala (lotus garland) is an important offering to the diety. A full garland will be around twelve feet long and will have not less than 101 lotus flowers. Full flowers not their petals, are used in this garland. There is a strong and substantiated belief that if you offer a lotus garland before starting any new project or before the commencement of any important function like marriage, Koodalmanickyam will make the effort a full success. During Monsoon Devotees offer Thamaramala as a temporary injunction on rain till the proposed function is over. Even other temples offer Thamaramala to Koodalmanikyam before start of festivals, Kalasams at the respective temples. The offering is performed in the morning and to be booked on the previous day. The rate for this offering is Rs. 400/- and devotees will get a lotus, a piece of jaggery, coconut pieces and piece of banana as prasadam of Thamara mala offering.

Brinjal Nivedyam (Vazhuthinanga Nivedyam)

The deity of Koodalmanikyam is considered as the incarnation of Dhanvanthari moorthi – the God of Ayurveda. Hence many people approach this temple expecting cure of their ailments. There are several stories about this ritual. Brinjal or Vazhuthinanga nivedyam is a special offering here to cure stomach diseases.

Mukkudy Nivedyam

The Mukkudy nivedyam in this temple also has great curing powers. Thripputhari on the Thiruvonam day in the month of Thulam (October-November) is another important occasion in the Temple. It is a day of feasting when the newly harvested rice is first cooked and offered to diety and then is partaken of by the devotees. The day after the feast, there is a special offering called Mukkudi, which is considered to be a divine medicine for all ailments. Mukkudi is an Ayurvedic mixture.

By Road

Koodalmanikyam Temple is situated at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur District. Irinjalakuda is 18 Km west of Chalakudy in NH 47 and 9 Km East of Moonnupeedika in NH 17. It is 23 Km south of Thrissur and 16 Km north of Kodungallur. Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available frequently to reach the temple.

By Rail

The nearest rail head is the Thrissur Railway station at a distance of 22 kms from the temple.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport at a distance of 40 kms from the temple.