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Koodalmanikyam Temple
Koodalmanikyam Temple is a Hindu temple located at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur/Trichur district of Kerala, India. Koodal Manikyam is renowned for being the only temple in India, where Bharata (one of the brothers of Lord Rama) is being worshipped. In this temple, the deity has been depicted as a sage rather than Bharata as a prince. In this temple, Bharata is called Lord Sangameshwara. Koodalmanikyam is one of those four sets of temples, which are together called ‘Nalambalam’. Each of the f
Like any other temple, Koodalmanikyam Temple also has some interesting legends. As per a popular legend, once the deity was found to radiate light from its forehead. The local people were unable to find out the reason for the idol. Few of them brought Quartz that belonged to the king of Kayamkulam for comparison. It is said that while comparing the deity and the Quartz, the stone strangely slipped out from the hand and merged into the deity of Bharata. In this way, the merging of two Manikyam happened and thus, the temple came to be known as Koodalmanikyam.
Establishment of this temple is an important chapter in the history of its location - Irinjalakuda, as most of the land in and around Irinjalakuda has been possessed by Koodalmanikyam temple.
The temple is best known for its architectural grandeur and splendid craftsmanship. The temple complex comprises a round shaped sanctum, a Chuttambalam, magnificent murals on the interior walls and four ponds in and around the temple. Attached to the temple premises is a Koothambalam where traditional temple arts like the Kathakali and Koothu are regularly performed. The major annual festival is observed for ten days each year during April-May. The grand procession during the festival time, accompanied by caparisoned elephants and Panchari Melam (sacred music), offer a marvelous sight to spectators.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thrissur Railway Station, about 22 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 38 km
Google map coordinates: 86W2+JC Irinjalakuda, Kerala
