Koodalmanikyam Temple
Koodalmanikyam Temple is one of the most well-known temples in Kerala built before the 15th century. It has uniqueness as the deity here is Lord Bharatha or Lord Sangameswara. As a temple with Lord Bhartha as deity is a rarity, there are arguments that once this temple belonged to the Jains (Bharatheswara saint of Jains) and with the descent of Jainism this temple was taken over by Hindus.
Irinjalakkuda in former days is believed to have the confluence of two rivers, the place name Iruchalkkidai suggests such a conjecture. The Lord at the confluence is thus known as Sangameswara. Though the two rivers (Kurumali river and Chalakudy river) have changed course and Irinjalakuda is no longer on any riverbank, Arattu is held alternatively in these two rivers suggesting a previous connection with these rivers. The temple is one of four in Kerala that form a set called "nalambalam", each temple dedicated to one of the four brothers in the epic Ramayana: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna.
The lord at Koodalmanikyam is Chathurbahu Vishnu with Conch, Chakra, Gada and Japamaala. The general belief, however, is that the Lord is Bharatha the brother of Sree Rama. A distinctive feature of Koodalmanikyam temple is that there is only one single Prathista. Even Vigneswara, usually found in all temples dose not find place here. Usually when Thulasi leaves are offered to the deity, its seeds invariably sprout in the premises. How this has not at any time happened in this temple is a mystery. One explanation is that Thulasi plant being sacred; it is worshipped wherever it is found. Probably it is to forbid even such an object of secondary worship in the temple precincts that Thulasi is not allowed to grow by some unforeseen power.
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
Irinjalakuda
Main Deity
Lord Bharatha or Lord Sangameswara
Other Deities
Festivals
Thriputhari on the Thiruvonam day in the month of Thulam (October-November) The Annual Festival of the Temple held for 11 days in April-May is a well-known popular event in central Kerala. The festival starts one day after the famous Thrissur Pooram and comes to a close on the next Thiruvonam day.
Main Offerings
Thamaramala
How To Reach
Koodalmanikyam temple is 45 Km away from International Airport at Kochi. One has to travel 31 Km in NH 47 towards Thrissur and after Chalakudy-Potta Junction take diversion westwards in State Highway 60.
If travel is by rail there is a Railway Station at Irinjalakuda. The town is 9 Km away from the Railway Station.