Payammal Shathrughna Swami Temple
The Payammal temple, 6 km from Vellankallur along the Irinjalakuda-Kodungallur route, is one of the few Shathrughna shrines in the State. The Payammal temple is about seven kilometers from Iringalakuda Koodalmanikya temple in the Iringalakuda Mathilakam route. Shathrukhna is considered to be the reincarnation of the Sudarsana Chakra(disc) in the hands of Mahavishnu.
This is the smallest temple among Nalambalams. Of the four idols retrieved from the sea by the fishermen this idol is the smallest. All the other three temples have circular sreekovils but here sreekovil is in rectangular shape.
The idol of Lord Shatrughna is housed in a squarish granite sanctum sanctorum in the Shathrughna temple. The original Panchaloha (Five Metals - Brass, Bronze, Copper, Gold and Silver) has been untracable though efforts have been made to retrieve it from the temple pond situated in the back yard of the temple complex. The existing idol made of granite exudes a rare kind of divinity. The temple is a heaven of peace and sanctity, and a devotee experiences a unique sense of satisfaction after praying in this abode.
During the period of Tippu Sultan this temple suffered severe damages. In order to protect the idol of Lord Shathrughna from Tipu's army, the temple priests took the Panchaloha idol from the sreekovil and hid it in the temple pond. You can see this pond in the western side of the temple. Later this temple was rebuilt by the joint efforts of the local people around the temple. By their initiative the temple festivals poojas and all other rituals restarted. Now it is working as a full-fledged temple in all respects.
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
Payammal
Main Deity
Lord Sathrughna Swami
Other Deities
Lord Ganapathy & Lord Hanuman
Festivals
The Ramayana month is celebrated with gaiety in the month of Karkkidaka. The five-day long temple festival starts at Pooyam star of the month of Kumbha.
Main Offerings
Sudarsana Pushpajali, Submission of Sudarsana Chakram, Shanghabhishekam, Ilaneer Abhishekam,
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is situated at 41.8KM from the temple.
By Rail: Angamaly Railway Station is 37.5KM from the Temple.
By Road: Angamaly KSRTC Bus Station is 35KM from the Temple.