Amanakara Sree Bharathaswami Temple
Situated in Rampuram, Kottayam, Amanakara Sree Bharatha Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Bharatha. The idol of Bharatha was installed here by a great Yogi more than 1500 years ago. The temple is part of the Nalambalam (Four Temples) yatra or visit in Kottayam.
A perfect blend of Kerala Vashtukala can be spotted in the Sreekovil and Namaskaramandapam of this temple.
Bharatha is considered as a great ruler and hence the Balikkal pura of the temple was the court of this village. Bharatha idol is facing west direction.
This temple on the Koothattukulam route is very scenic. It is one among the few temples where ‘Sankhu (conch shell) Pooja’ is performed. The new moon day in Karkidakam is observed by offering special prayers by devotees. The beautiful pond is also an attraction here, and people used to often feed the fish as an act of offering. There is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva which faces towards the East. A wide range of facilities including ‘Annadanam’ have been arranged by the temple administration on all days.
Completing darsan of all four temples in Kottayam i.e. Ramapuram Sree Rama Temple, Amanakara Sree Bharathaswami Temple, Koodappulam Sree Lakshmanaswami Temple, Sree Sathrughnaswamy Temple and finally Ramapuram Sree Rama Temple (The exact order needs to be followed) before the noon pooja is believed to be auspicious to free the devotee from ailments, woes from previous lives and provide them with good progeny.
Visiting Nalambalams in the month of Karkidakam (July-August) is considered as sacred and known as Nalambala-yathra which is becoming popular as Pilgrimage Tourism.
Location
Amanakara
Main Deity
Lord Bharatha or Lord Sangameswara
Other Deities
Lord Siva, Lord Ganesha, Yakshiamma & Naga Devatha
Festivals
April/May: Annual Festival, July/August: Nalambalam Visit on Karkidakam.
Main Offerings
Shankh Pooja, Ney Vilakku, Udayada Samarppanam, Koottupayasam, Meenoottu, Paalpayasam, Thulasi Mala, Thirumadhuram.
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is situated at 57KM from the temple.
By Rail: Vaikom Railway Station is 26.2KM from the Temple.
By Road: Pala KSRTC Bus Station is 15.2KM from the Temple.