Koodalmanikyam Temple

Introduction to the Koodalmanikyam Temple

Koodalmanikyam Temple, also known as Sree Bharatha Temple, is located in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district, Kerala. It is a rare temple dedicated to Bharatha, brother of Sri Rama.

Generally, all the temples in Kerala perform five Poojas and three Seevelis (procession of elephants). However, in Koodalmanikyam Temple, only three Poojas and Seevelis are conducted during the yearly Arattu festival. Lotus, Chethi, and Tulasi are the only flowers offered to the deity.

Legend of the Koodalmanikyam Temple

According to legend, Irinjalakuda was a dense forest thousands of years ago. Kulipini Maharishi and many other sages held a Yagna and performed penance to please Maha Vishnu. Pleased with their devotion, Maha Vishnu appeared before them and granted their wishes. However, they all wanted his eternal presence at the place. He readily agreed.

The sages then prayed to Devi Ganga to bless the sacred Yagna Bhoomi. As the waters of the River Ganga swamped the area, the sages immersed themselves in the holy waters and united with the deity. Later, this swamped area became Kulipini Theertha Kulam.

The Architecture of the Koodalmanikyam Temple

The Koodalmanikyam Temple is built in the classical Kerala style of architecture, based on the Kerala Vasthuvidya. The eastern gateway (gopuram), a notable structure, is a protected monument of the Archaeological Department. The temple was built in the 9th century. The Maharaja of Travancore contributed to its construction.

It has a golden Dhwaja Sthambam and Pancha prakaras, along with the Anakkottil (shelter of elephants) in the east and west entrances, Koothambalam (dance hall), Vilakkumadam, Naalambalam, Namaskara Mandapam, and the Sreekovil (sanctum). Beautiful sculptures adorn the walls of the Koodalmanikyam Temple. There is no Balikkal (altar stone) at the temple.

The sanctum is round and covered with a copper plate roof. A 6-foot-high Thaazhikakudam at the top of the sanctum roof provides a majestic look to the entire temple complex. Koodalmanikyam (Sree Bharatha) is the principal deity of the Koodalmanikyam Temple, enshrined in the sanctum.

The deity holds Shankh (Conch), Chakra (Disc), Gada (Mace), and Japamala (Rosary) in each of his four arms. The Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only temple in India with Bharatha as the main deity.

Naalambala Darshanam is the annual pilgrimage held between July and August that involves visiting the four shrines dedicated to Sree Rama and his three brothers, Bharatha, Lakshmana, and Shathrughna.

The other three shrines are the Triprayar Sree Rama temple, Moozhikkulam Lakshmana temple, and Payammel Shathrughna temple.

Visitors can see four ponds in and around the Koodalmanikyam Temple. The largest pond, 'Kuttan Kulam,' is situated outside on the eastern side, and 'Kulipini Theertham,' inside the compound. Priests use water from Kulipini Theertham for the rituals and ceremonies of the Koodalmanikyam Temple.

The 'Padinjare Kulam' is outside the compound on the western side, and the 'Thekke Kulam' is outside the compound on the southern side.

Except for Kulipini Theertham, the remaining water bodies are open to devotees.

Festivals in the Koodalmanikyam Temple

The Koodalmanikyam Temple celebrates many festivals throughout the year. The Koodalmanikyam Arattu is an 11-day festival celebrated between April and May. It starts after the culmination of Thrissur Pooram. Music, orchestra, dance, and fine arts are the main attractions on this occasion.

Thriputhari is another festival celebrated on the Thiruvonam Nakshatra between October and November. On this occasion, newly harvested rice is cooked and offered to the deity. The next day, Mukkudi, a unique Ayurvedic mixture and divine medicine, is offered to the deity and distributed to devotees. This medicine is believed to cure all ailments.