Information of Koodalmanikyam Temple (Kudal Manikkam Temple), Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala

Koodalmanikyam Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated for the Ramayana legend King Bharatha. It is a rear temples found in the gods own country to dedicate temples for Lord Rama's brothers. This was a famous temple for the Kerala rulers like the Kayamkulam, Chera and the Travancore. This temple was maintained by them since the ancient and medieval times. The origin of this temple is unknown, but it is a masterpiece for temple architecture, temple ponds and murals. This temple is maintained by a specially formed committee, where its head is District Collector and above grade officials. This temple is locally called as Kudalmanikkam Kshetram. It is beautifully located in the Western Ghats on Irinjalakuda Village, Thrissur District of Kerala State.

Koodalmanikyam Temple Religious Significance

Koodalmanikyam Temple's main deity is the Brateshwara. Barath is also one of Lord Rama's brothers in the Tretha Yuga. He is called as Bharat and the India is called as Bharat because of his righteous rule in Ayodhya in 4000 BC. He is considered as more noble and honest than the Lord Rama, since he didn't accept the throne when Lord Rama was in forest exile. He is considered to be a true man and will bless us with prosperity. He is worshiped her as higher than the Lord Rama by his deeds. In this temple no Agarbathis and Karpura are allowed to burn. The flowers too have restriction since the lotus and thulasi is the only flower to be offered to this deity for his purity. His favorite garland is lotus made one. This is the only temple where all sects of Hindus visit and worship the ancient King of Hindus.

Koodalmanikyam Temple Mythology & History

Bharat was a noble King who ruled Ayodhya in the Tretha Yuga. He ruled Ayodhya with our wearing the crown and not taking the Kings throne. Instead he kept his brother's sandal either Lord Ramas on the throne and ruled the Kingdom for 14 years till Lord Rams come to his province from forest exile. Because of his righteousness he is called as Bharatvamsh and later India was known as Bharat since the ancient times. The Kerala State has temple for all four legends of Ramayana, which are known to be the Lord Rama Brothers. This is a very ancient temples and known in the record of Chera Dynasty since 854 AD.

Koodalmanikyam Temple Architectural Significance

Koodalmanikyam Temple is a unique temple whose creator is unknown still today. But the present temple is seen with lot of architectural values in the Kerala temple art forms. It occupies a 10 acre of land areas. This is a rear temple to find ponds on it all four sides. One of the important temple ponds is the Kulipini Theertham, which was named after the Sgae Kulipini who performed a long ceremony here in the ancient times. This temple pond is attached to the main temple and is the water source of this temple. The other three temple ponds are allowed to public usage. There are three main entrances except no entrance on the northern side. The main entrance is a huge stone carved tower having three gabled slot covered with terracotta tiles. The main sanctum sanctorum is found in a cylindrical structure with a conical dome on it. The main deity of Bharat is placed here. There are many porch and other temple complexes are seen inside this temple. Nearly the upper portion of all of its structure is erected by wood works. It has a beautiful carving activity by skilled carpenters. This is a laterite block made temple and is found with stucco's painted in lime stone white color. The white color structure along with terracotta tiles gives it a traditional looks. The western gateway has many murals on its walls. The painters of these murals are unknown but they are really classic's to look.

Festival at Koodalmanikyam Temple

Koodalmanikyam Temple conducts is annual festival in between the April and May months. It is an 11 day grand festival celebrated with lights and sounds where one can see the marvelous creation of art and culture. The temple is decorated with illuminating lights which enhance the brightness of the temple and add more to the festivity mood of the temple and the people who come to be the part of the festival. The first day of the festival commence by the temple flag hoisting and followed by various rituals in the temple. It is a great place to see the Kerala traditional dance and art forms during the festival times. These are the Katha kali, Chenda Melam, Theiyam, Thullal and the grant elephant procession. The festival celebrate here is sure to sweep you by feet and gives you an everlasting memories to relish with religious values.