KOODALMANIKYAM TEMPLE 1-3
Dear friends
Last Saturday I had been to two temples, one was Aanandapuram temple and other the Koodal manikkam temple close to Irinjalakkuda. It is my first visit to the temple though I have heard about the temple legend in boyhood days from my first cousin brother who was working near by.
I have been to official visits to Irinjalakkuda at least three to four times where the temple is situated, but due to busy schedule I could not make darsan in temple. So I was very specific this time to visit the temple. There is time for everything. The temple is about 1 KM from the bus stand in the straight road from there. There was no rush and we had a comfortable darsan. We offered archana. It is Lord Bharatha temple. The temple is large, sanctum is round shaped. The sanctum is very bright with different types of branch lamps in front of the deity. The deity is interior in the sanctum.
There is also a Ganesa temple, under renovation close to it. The temple elephant is seen near it. The following is a compilation from websites and my experience on visiting the temple
Sincerely
Gopala Krishnan dated 23-10-2015
1. Introduction
Koodalmanikyam Temple or Kudal Manikkam Temple is a Hindu temple which is situated in Irinjalakuda, Trissur district, Kerala state, India. The temple comprises the main structure, walled compound with citadels, four ponds around the main structure where in one of the ponds is situated within the walled structure.Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to THE WORSHIP OF BHARATA, THE THIRD BROTHER OF SRIRAMA. the presiding deity of Koodalmanikyam Temple near Irinjalakuda is Bharata, the brother of Ram. The temple is one of four in Kerala state that form a set called "Nalambalam", each temple dedicated to one of the four brothers in Ramayana: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna.
On the temple website, the Koodalmanikyam Devaswom clarifies that though the deity worshipped is generally believed to be Bharata, the idol in the sanctum sanctorum is that of Vishnu. "Sangameshwara"(Lord of the Confluence) is another name associated with the deity at Koodalmanikyam.
2 History
The earliest historical reference to Koodalmanikyam Temple is found on a stone inscription attributed to the Chera king Stanu Ravi Varman dated 854 A.D, donating vast extents of land for the temple. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that the temple must have been in existence for quite some time before this date and that even then Koodalmanikyam occupied a place of importance among temples of Kerala.
Koodalmanikyam temple plays a key role in the history of Irinjalakuda as most land in and around the region belonged to the Koodalmanikyam Temple. The Devaswom allotted land to accommodate government institutions, Christ College, and for public use to facilitate development activities in the region. Much land that belonged to Koodalmanikyam was subjected to encroachment.
The government appointed a special tahsildar under the Kerala Land Conservancy Act to recover encroached land for the Kochi Devaswom Board, and a tahsildar and a surveyor for the Koodalmanikyam Devaswom. The temple attracts devotees and tourists, a source of revenue for the Irinjalakuda.
3 Rituals and annual festival
The custom in most of the temples in Kerala is to have five poojas and three sreebalis a day. But in Koodalmanikyam there are only three poojas and no sreebali. There is no Usha Puja and Pantheeradi Puja at this shrine. The deity is taken out for ceremonial procession only during the annual festival. There is no deeparadhana. There are plans to start deeparadhana here. This is the only temple without Deeparadhana.
My note- All these are new information to me. When I offered tickets for archana, immediately prasadam was given to me. I thought like Guruvayur archana would have been done earlier and prasadam given collecting receipt.
Agarbatthi Sticks and camphor are not used for the pooja. The floral offerings to the deity consist of lotus, tulasi (ocimum sanctum) and thechi (ixora). But they are not grown in the temple compound. No other flower is taken for pooja or for making garlands. Lotus garland is an important offering to the deity.
My note- I have seen displays for adorning lotus garlands receipt has to be taken from Devaswam at many locations.
The temple holds its chief annual festival for ten days each year in the month of Medam (April/May). The first day of the festival is calculated by the appearance of the Uthram asterism and signified by hoisting a ceremonial flag. (The start day falls one day after the famous Thrissur Pooram festival in nearby Thrissur.)Each day of the festival, a seeveli (procession of caparisoned temple elephants) is held twice, once in the morning and once at night, to the accompaniment of Panchari melam (sacred music). SEVENTEEN ELEPHANTS take part.
Two features of the seeveli(sreebali) are unique to the Koodalmanikyam Temple: first that two baby elephants are included in the procession, one standing on each side of the elephant carrying the deity. Second, while the headdresses ('Netti pattam' in Malayalam) of seven elephants are made of pure gold, the rest are made of pure silver. The last two days of the festival feature Panchavadyam (sacred music from an orchestra of five instruments), and the festival ends at the Thiruvonam asterism.
4 Ponds
There are four ponds that are located in and around the temple. The largest of the four are Kuttan Kulam, located outside the compound on the eastern side, and Kulipini Theertham, located inside the compound. Kulipini Theertham is believed to be sanctified by the sage Kulipini, who held a great ritual sacrifice, a yajna, at the spot. Water from this source is used for rituals and ceremonies within the temple.
Priests are allowed to take part in the ceremonies after clensing themselves at the "Kuttan Kulam" outside the temple and then have to take a dip in "Kulipini Theertham" before entering Sanctum Sanctorum. The pond outside the compound located at the western side is called "Padinjare Kulam" and the pond outside the compound located at the southern side is called "Thekke Kulam". These three water bodies constitute a significant area as much as the size of the temple itself. Except "Kulipini Theertham" the other three water bodies are open to the public.
5 Origin of name Koodal manikkam
Koodalmanickyam is the Malayalam translation of the Sanskrit word SANGAMESWARA. There is, however, another folklore about the name. One day the idol was found to give out uncommonly bright from its forehead. Unable to identify the source of the brightness, some brought a Quartz (Manikyam) in the possession of Raja of Kayamkulam for comparison. As they were comparing the brightness of the two, it is said the stone brought from Kayamkulam mysteriously slipped from the hand and merged with the one on the idol. The merging of two manikyamsled to the name 'Koodalmanikyam'. Similar brightness is reported to have appeared on the idol once again, much later in 1907.
6 The Temple
A straight road from Irinjalakuda Municipal Bus Station takes you to the Temple. The eastern gate way (Gopuram) is an impressive structure in the typical Kerala style of architecture with tiled roof and white washed walls. Numerous carvings are embedded into the front wall of the gateway. From the Gopuram you enter the outer quadrangle. The Temple is situated inside a well walled up ten-acre plot with attractive gateways on the East, South and West. The huge porches on the Eastern and Western approach ways to the inner temple can accommodate not less than twenty-one elephants.
The Sanctum Sanctorum is round shaped and is covered with copper plates. A six-foot Thaazhikakudam at the pinnacle adds to the beauty and majesty of the total temple complex. On the Southern courtyard is the well-known Koothambalam, the Natyagruha for Koothu and Koodiyattom.
7 Historical References
The earliest historical reference to Koodalmanikyam Temple is found in a stone inscription attributed to the Chera king Stanu Ravi Varman dated 854 A.D, donating vast extents of land for the Temple. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that the Temple must have been in existence for quite some time before this date and that even then Koodalmanickyam was occupying a place of importance among the temples of Kerala. Another Cheraman Perumal Bhaskara Ravi Varma has donated vast lands at Potta near Chalakudy to the Temple.
The Temple was in the domain of the erstwhile Maharaja of Cochin; but the administration was under a person designated as Thachudaya Kaimal appointed by the Maharaja of Travancore. In 1971, the Government of Kerala, through a special order, took over the administration of the Temple. A Committee appointed from time to time by the Government of Kerala now manages the Temple. The Chairman of the Committee is the District Collector, Thrissur. The Chief Executive of the Devaswom is the Administrator not below the rank of a Deputy Collector deputed by the Government as the Secretary of the Committee.
8 Art and Architecture
Koodalmanikyam Temple is a marvel in architectural beauty. The impressive gateways, round shaped Sanctum Sactorum, the majestic Koothambalam and the Carvings in wood and stone on the walls all attract students of Art and Architecture. The murals on the walls on either side of the Eastern entry to Chuttambalam also deserve special mention.
The Temple had also been an important centre of nourishment of the Temple Arts like Kathakali, Koothu, Koodiyattom and Thullal. Koothambalam stage had the rare fortune to witness historic stage shows by the masteros of Ammannoor Chakyar family. Unnai Warrier, the author of Nalacharitam was a native of Irinjalakuda and an ardent devotee of Sangamewara. He has also composed a Sanskrit poem – Sree Rama Pancha Sathi that is an abridged version of Ramayana in fifty dasakas dedicated to Lord Sangameswara.
9 The Legend
It is believed that thousands of years ago the entire area now known, as Irinjalakuda was a dense forest a number of Rishis under Kulipini Maharshi were engaged in an incessant Yagna offering severe penance to please Maha Vishnu. Ultimately pleased at the intensity and sincerity of their devotion, the Lord appeared before them and offered to satisfy their wish. All they wanted was his eternal presence at the place. The Lord readily agreed. The Rishis now prayed to Deva Ganga to bless the sacred Yagabhoomi with her presence. As the springs of River Ganga fountained up and inundated the area the Rishis immersed themselves in the sacred waters and became one with the Lord.
THE PRESENCE OF GANGA IS BELIEVED TO CONTINUE IN THE KULIPINI THEERTHAM named after the chief of Rishis. This tank on the Northern side is believed to be as sacred as Sanctum Sanctorum. WATER SNAKES, FROGS ETC. COMMONLY FOUND IN MOST TEMPLE TANKS ARE TOTALLY ABSENT HERE. Only fish grow freely and feeding them is considered to be of special merit. Water for preparation of Nivedyam is taken form this tank only. Archakas after bath at the outside pond have to take a dip in Kulipini Theertham before entering Sanctum Sanctorum.
The temple itself was not built immediately after the incident narrated above. The place was not inhabited for many hundred years probably. The folklore about how the temple came to be established here says that a local Chieftain, Vakkay Kaimal, had a dream one night in which some mysterious person appeared before him and told him that four idols have been washed ashore and that these idols are to be consecrated at such and such places.
The Kaimal being an ardent devotee hastened to the sea shore there lay four idols as indicated in the dream. They were duly installed in four temples as directed in the dream. Rama at Thriprayar (22 Km North west of Irinjalakuda) Bharata at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikulam (30 KM south west of Irinjalakuda) and Satrugna at Payammal (5 KM south of Irinjalakuda). It is believed that worship at all these four temples on the same day is especially meritorious. Ardent devotees used to make it even in those far off days when they had to cover the entire distance by foot or in bullock carts. It has become very easy now a day.
In the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July 15th to August 15th) – the Ramayana Masa, thousands of devotees do this special pilgrimge, which is popularly known as Nalambalam Tthozhal – a pilgrimage to the four temples.
I will continue as a 2nd part.
KOODALMANIKYAM TEMPLE- 2
Continued from part 1
10 Single Prathikshta
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. He anxiously and devotedly awaited the return of Rama from exile for fourteen years and then learnt from Hanuman that Rama has reached the outskirts of Ayodhya. He was much relieved and happy. Baratha in that mood is worshipped here. Naturally Hanuman is also present at Thidappilly [the holy kitchen]
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 diety, its seeds invariably sprouts 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.
Irinjalakuda in former days is believed to have the confluence of two rivers, the place name suggesting 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 river bank, Arattu – the holy dip of the idol at the close of the Annual Festival, is held alternatively in these two rivers suggesting a previous connection with these rivers.
11 FOLKLORE
There is a folklore relating to the name Samgameswara. One saintly person belonging to Taliparambu was on a strange mission. His objective was to collect the chaithanya of idols of important temples in Kerala for being transferred to the idol of the temple in his village. This he did by entering the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temples he visited and transferring the Chaithanya on to the conch in his possession.
WHEN HE DID THE SAME IN IRINJALAKUDA HE ACCIDENTALLY FELL DOWN AND THE CONCH WAS BROKEN INSTANTLY TRANSFERRING THE DIVINITY OF ALL IDOLS HE HAD ACQUIRED ON TO THE IDOL AT IRINJLAKUDA.
Thus the idol in which merged the divine Chaithanya of several idols came to be known as SANGAMESWARA.
The Namboodiri Brahmins associated with the temple still make all their Sevaas in the name of Siva, Vishnu and Devi at Sangamesa Sannidhi itself.
12 LOCATION
Koodalmanikyam Temple is situated at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur District of Kerala. Irinjalakuda is 18 Km west of Chalakudy in NH 47 and 9 Km East of Moonnupeedika in NH 17. It is 23 Km south of Thrissur and 16 Km north of Kodungallur. .
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.
Those who prefer public transport by Road have the following options:-
From Kochi travel by KSRTC Bus to Chalakudy and get a private Bus from there. Pilgrims from Palakkad side may come to Thrissur. BUSES ARE AVAILABLE AT EVERY 5 MINUTES FROM THRISSUR TO KODUNGALLUR. ALL SUCH BUSSES PASS THROUGH IRINJALAKUDA.
If travel is by NH 17, those who come from Kozhikkode side may get down at Moonnupeedika and take a private Bus from there. Those who come from the south via NH 17 may get down at Kodungallur and catch Kodungallur-Thrissur Bus and get down at Irinjalakuda.
Pilgrims who wish to worship Kodungallur, Koodalmanikyam, Thriprayar and Guruvayoor in one trip can do so without considerable extra running.
13 ANOTHER FOLKLORE ABOUT TEMPLE
Koodalmanickyam is the Malayalam translation of the Sanskrit word Sangameswara. There is, however, another folklore about the name. One day the idol was found to give out uncommonly bright from its forehead. Unable to identify the source of the brightness, some brought a Quartz (Manikyam) in the possession of Raja of Kayamkulam for comparison. As they were comparing the brightness of the two, it is said the stone brought from Kayamkulam mysteriously slipped from the hand and merged with the one on the idol. The merging of two manikyams led to the name 'Koodalmanikyam'. Similar brightness is reported to have appeared on the idol once again, much later in 1907.
14 ROUTINE POOJA'S
The custom in most of the Temples in Kerala is to have five Poojas and three Sivelis a day. But in Koodalmanikyam there are only three Poojas and no Siveli. The diety is taken out for ceremonial procession only during the Annual Festival. There is no Deeparadhana. The floral offerings to the diety consist of Lotus,Tulasi and Chethi. No other flower is taken for Pooja or for making garlands.
15 Dhanwanthara Moorthy to ailing Devotees
There is a popular belief that the diety at Koodalmanikyam is a veritable Dhanwanthara moorthy. There are several stories about His curing sometimes even incurable diseases of faithful devotees.
Long ago one aged devotee was sitting in Bhajanam at the Temple. He was a victim of chronic stomachache. One night he had a dream in which the Lord appeared before him and advised him to pluck out 101 brinjals from his garden and offer the same as Nivedya. This was done and he was totally relieved of stomach ache. From THAT DAY ONWARDS BRINJAL NIVEDYAM BECAME A SPECIAL NIVEDYAM AT THE TEMPLE.
Another story is of gold smith who was ailing from severe stomach ache and was cured in a mysterious way at the hands of Koodalmanikyam. This happened in around 1825 AD. The goldsmith had come from Tamil Nadu. As per the custom prevalent at the time he was not allowed to enter the inner Temple. However, undaunted by all such adversities, he started Bhajanam right at the foot of the flagstaff.
When the then Thachudaya Kaimal heard that he was an expert goldsmith, he was sent for and asked to make the Angi in gold for the Lord. At that time only Thirumugham was made of gold. The goldsmith had no opportunity even to have a look at the idol let alone take measurements. Yet when the Angi was done in gold as per measurements given to him, it was found to be perfectly fitting the idol. The goldsmith did not take any remuneration. But the Lord amply compensated by totally relieving him of his stomach ache.
The case of Ponnunni Kartha of Kodassery is a still later incident. It happened in 1907. Kartha was well above seventy and was suffering from acute stomachache. With six months Bhajanam he was completely cured.
Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar having heard the curative effect of Brinjal Nivedya visited the temple in 1972 and made an offering of Brinjal Nivedhya. Since then he was relieved of a stomach pain he was suffering for quiet a long period.
16 Offer a Thamara Mala for an auspicious start
Lotus garland, popularly known as Thamaramala is an important offering to the deity. A full garland will be around twelve feet long and will have not less than 101 lotus flowers. Full flowers not their petals, are used in this garland. There is a strong and substantiated belief that if you offer a lotus garland before starting any new project or before the commencement of any important function like marriage, Koodalmanickyam will make the effort a full success.
During Monsoon Devotees offer Thamaramala as a temporary injunction on rain till the proposed function is over. Even other temples offer Thamaramala to Koodalmanikyam before start of festivals, Kalasams at the respective temples
17 MAJOR FESTIVALS
Thriputhari on the Thiruvonam day in the month of Thulam (October-November) is an important occasion in the Temple. It is a day of feasting when the newly harvested rice is first cooked and offered to diety and then is partaken of by the devotees. The day after the feast, there is a special offering called MUKKUDI, which is considered to be a divine medicine for all ailments. Mukkudi is an Ayurvedic mixture, the formula of which being prescribed by Kuttancherry Mooss, one of the Ashtavaidyas.
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. Thousands of people throng the place during the festival to witness the pageant of colour, music, Orchestra and Fine Arts; the like of which cannot be seen anywhere in Kerala or outside. Brahmakalasam strictly following the Vedic and Tantric rituals are offered to the deity on 11 days in connection with the Festival. This is the unique feature of this temple.
I will continue and complete in the third part
KOODALMANIKYAM TEMPLE- 3 LAST PART
Continued from part 2
18 Nalambalam Yathra
Nalanbalam Yathra is a unique and novel pilgrimage conducted during the month of Karkitakam, the last month of Malayalam Era. Salient feature of Karkitaka is that it is period of famine and illness. To overcome sufferings people resort to medical treatment and spiritual enrichment. A special way of living and worship of Rama is the general trend of he period. Chanting of Rama mantra and Ramayana recitation echoes in each and every house . This is an eve of positive thinking about prosperity.
Since the last decade Nalambalam Yathra has become in Vogue. It is a special kind of visiting 4 temples in Kerala – Sreerama Temple at Triprayar ,Koodalmanickam Bharatha temple at Irinjalakuda ,Lakshmana temple at Moozhikkulam in Ernkulam District and Payammel Sathrukhna temple near Irinjalakuda .
Triprayar is about 23 kms away from Guruvayoor Krishna temple and Moozhikulam is 30 kms away from Irinjalakuda temple via Mala , Annamanada to Aluva . Visiting four temples a day in the given order is the traditional way.
18A Triprayar Sreerama Temple
Triprayar is in the middle of Guruvayoor – Kodungallore route . Those who want to come via Trichur should reach Cherpu and proceed went wards to reach the east nada of the temple . Here is the famous Rama temple. This is the first temple to visit as part of Nalambalam Pilgrimage.
Darshan is possible from 3am – 12.30pm and 5pm to 7.30pm . Meenuttu and Vedi are important Vazipalam
18B Koodalmanikam Temple, Irinjalakuda
This is a unique Vaishnava Temple and the second temple to visit. From Triprayar proceed in the Kodungallore route and divert from Edamuttam or Moonnupeedika . Irinjalakuda is about 20kms away from Triprayar . Darshan is possible from 3am – 12 noon , and 5pm to 8pm .
Important Vazhipatus are Thamaramala , Brinjal Nivedyam , Vedi , Gheelamp , Meeunttu.
18C Moozhikkulam Temple
Moozhikkulam Temple is the third temple to visit and is dedicated to Lakshmana. This is in Ernakulam District near to famous Annamanada Mahadeva temple proceed alongs Vellankallore in Irinjalakuda route to Kodungallore and reach Mala , Annamanada and then Moozhikkulam . Darshan is possible from 4 to 12.30 and 5 to 8 .
18D Payammal Temple
This is the last temple to visit –TEMPLE FOR SATRUGNA. Reach Vellangallore and proceed went wards 4 kms to reach Aripalam . Take right turn and reach the temple . Important Vazhipadu is Sudarshanan dedication . Darshan time is as given along temples.
19 Renovation
As everybody knows, Koodalmanikyam temple is ancient one and temple structures are very old.. Repair and renovation of these structures, preserving its artistic and archeological value is very costly. So, for want of adequate finance, these structures were not repaired periodically for years together.
We understand and acknowledge the necessity and importance of preserving all structures with its artistic beauty, for future generations. Renovation of Sreekovil and Thazhikakudam were taken up and completed at a cost of Rs. 42 lakhs.
Now following structures require urgent repair/renovation.
1) Mukhamandapam 2) Vathilmadam
3) Mulayara 4) Thidappilly
5) Koothambalam 6) Eastern Nadappura
7) Western Nadappura 8) Eastern Gopuram
9) Western Gopuram10) East Anavathil
11) Flag -Staff
Out of these repair/renovations of following structures are proposed to be taken up this year. Estimated cost is shown against each item.
Eastern Gopuram 45.50 Lakhs
Western Gopuram 36.10 Lakhs
Eastern Nadappura 34.51Lakhs
Western Nadappura 35.68 Lakhs
East Anavathil 3.30 Lakhs
Vathilmadam, 100.00 Lakhs
Mukhamadapam Mulayara
At present Devaswom is financially not in a position to take up the task single handedly. Generous help from all corners are absolutely essential. We take this occasion for an appeal to all consent devotees, to donate for the cause. We have made arrangements for booking of Vazhipadu, payment Vazhipadu charges and donations etc ,online.
Account Number of Koodalmanickam Devaswom for the purpose is 12.9.42 of Dhanalakshmi Bank, Irinjalakuda.
In order to transfer funds from foreign countries, through NSTRO ACCOUNT, following particulars required to be filled up in the application for fund transfer.
1.Pay to Name and address of correspondent bank with swift code.
2.For Credit of account Dhanalakshmi Bank, Indian Overseas Bank Mumbai Swift. DLXBINBB Nostroa/c No.
3.Beneficiary Bank Dhanalakshmi Bank Irinajalakuda branch
4.Beneficiary - Address: Koodalmanickam Devaswom, A/c No. 12.9.42
5. Purpose For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE DHANALAKSHMI BANK LTD, TREASURY DEPARTMENT, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, CUFFEE PARADEM MUMBAI [WIFT;DLXBINBB]
The donations to 'Sree Koodalmanikyam renovation fund' have concessions under the Income tax Act, 1961
20 ADDRESS
The Administrator
Koodalmanikyam Devaswom
Irinjalakuda – 680 121, ThrissurDt,
Kerala- S.India
Phone - 0480-2826631 (Office)
0480-2822631 (Temple)
Website - www.koodalmanikyam.com
Email - contact@koodalmanikyam.com
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