
Sree Koodalmanikyam Temple – Temples in Kerala
Koodalmanikyam Temple, nestled in Irinjalakuda of Thrissur district, is a sacred and unique shrine where Lord Bharata, the noble brother of Sri Rama, is worshipped with great devotion. Surrounded by serene ponds and encircled by majestic walls, the temple radiates an ancient charm and divine tranquility. Though dedicated to Bharata, the idol enshrined here represents Lord Vishnu, also lovingly known as Sangameshwara—the Lord of the Confluence. The sanctity of the temple, its architectural beauty, and the spiritual calm it bestows upon every devotee make it a rare and blessed abode of worship.
Koodalmanikyam is the only ancient temple in India devoted to Lord Bharata, making it an exceptional place of reverence. It forms part of the sacred Nalambalam Yatra, along with the temples of Rama, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna, where devotees seek blessings from all four brothers of the Ramayana. To stand within its divine precincts is to feel joy, peace, and harmony, as the temple exudes the happiness of brotherly love, dharma, and devotion. Every visit to Koodalmanikyam fills the heart with bliss, reminding one of the eternal bond between the Ramayana brothers and the grace of the Divine.
Koodalmanikyam 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 uncommon brightness from its forehead. Beaing 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 the two manikyams led to the name ‘Koodalmanikyam’. Similar brightness is reported to have appeared on the idol once again, much later in 1907.
Rituals and Poojas:
In most temples of Kerala, the customary practice is to perform five pujas and three sivelis daily. However, at Koodalmanikyam Temple, only three pujas are conducted, and there are no sivelis. This shrine does not observe usha puja or pantheeradi puja. The deity is taken out in a ceremonial procession only during the annual festival. Interestingly, there is no deepa-aradhana here, making it the only temple in Kerala without this ritual.
For the puja, neither sticks nor camphor are used. The floral offerings are limited exclusively to lotus, tulasi (ocimum sanctum), and thechi (ixora). These flowers are not cultivated within the temple premises, yet no other flower is ever accepted for worship or garland-making. Among these offerings, the lotus garland holds special significance, as it is an important nivedyam to the deity, and each garland must contain no fewer than 101 lotus flowers.
Temple Ponds:
There are four ponds situated in and around the temple. Among them, the largest are Kuttan Kulam, located outside the compound on the eastern side, and Kulipini Theertham, located within the compound. Kulipini Theertham is believed to have been sanctified by the sage Maharishi Kulipini, who is said to have performed a great yajna (ritual sacrifice) at this spot. The water from this sacred pond is used for various rituals and ceremonies inside the temple.
Before participating in temple ceremonies, priests cleanse themselves first at Kuttan Kulam outside the temple and then take a ritual dip in Kulipini Theertham before entering the sanctum sanctorum. Another pond outside the western side of the compound is called Padinjare Kulam, while the one to the south is known as Thekke Kulam. Together, these three ponds, along with Kulipini Theertham, cover an area almost as extensive as the temple itself. Except for Kulipini Theertham, which is reserved for rituals, the other three ponds are open to the public.
Lotus Garland
A lotus garland is considered a most pleasing offering to Lord Sangameshwar. Devotees believe that presenting this sacred garland helps in the fulfillment of their wishes and ensures the smooth accomplishment of auspicious endeavors. Offering a lotus garland is also regarded as a means of seeking divine protection from natural calamities. Even unpredictable natural events, such as heavy rains or droughts, are believed to turn auspicious when dedicated to Lord Sangameshwar.
Thripputhari – Mukkudi
The Thripputhari and Mukkudi of Sree Koodalmanikyam are renowned traditions celebrated with deep reverence. Thripputhari takes place on Thiruvonam day in the month of Thulam, marking the offering of the first harvest of the year to Lord Sangameshwar. These sacred offerings, carried on foot and tied to bamboo poles from the Chalakudy Pottapravritti concert, are presented before the deity. The following day, the Devannivedyam prepared from these offerings is distributed to devotees as the Thripputhari Sadhya, symbolizing divine blessings and abundance.
The next day, the sacred ritual of Mukkudi is performed. In this tradition, the renowned physician family of Kuttenchery Moose prepares a unique herbal medicine made from special green herbs, mixed with yogurt. This divine medicine is first offered to the Lord and then distributed among devotees. It is widely believed that those who partake in Mukkudi remain free from stomach-related ailments for a whole year. Today, its fame has spread so widely that even people living abroad seek to obtain and partake in this sacred offering.
Vazhuthananga Nivedyam
This is one of the principal offerings at Koodalmanikyam Temple, revered as a divine medicine believed to cure stomach ailments.
Meenoot
The fish in the sacred waters are believed to embody divine forms. They are considered dear to the gods and are also offered as a means to honor and please one’s ancestors.
PATHIKRIT
It plays a vital role in fostering intellectual growth and in the pursuit of higher education.
Sharkkara Kkoottu, Vella Nivedyam
The offering of Sharkkara Kootu is regarded as auspicious for the blessing of a male child, while the offering of Vella Nivedyam is considered auspicious for the blessing of a female child. It is believed that those who spend seven days in bhajans, partake of ghee, and consume these offerings will be blessed with virtuous and excellent children.
Offering to Hanuman – Aval Nivedyam
By divine grace, it is believed to greatly enhance the intelligence, strength, and concentration of children, while also bestowing quick and auspicious results.
ANNADAANAM
Annadanam is offered on every Thiruvonam day, invoking the blessings of the Lord for the prosperity of agriculture.
ARIYIDAL
The offering of Ariyidal at the sacred feet of the Lord is believed to be highly auspicious for those seeking progeny. It is performed with deep faith, as the blessings received through this offering are said to remove obstacles in family life and bestow the divine grace of healthy and virtuous children.
NAANAYAPPARA
Offering Naanayappara at the temple is considered highly auspicious, as it invokes divine blessings for prosperity, abundance, and the successful fulfillment of one’s goals and aspirations.
KALABHAM
This offering is believed to help devotees overcome obstacles in life and receive divine blessings for prosperity, success, and overall well-being.
Offering of the Angulyangam Koothu
The Anguliyangam Koothu is one of the most significant offerings at the sacred Sree Koodalmanikyam Temple. This unique ritual spans twelve days and is performed by a Chakyar in the divine guise of Hanuman, the ardent devotee of Lord Rama. During the ritual, the Sundarakaandam episode from the Ramayana is beautifully enacted, offered with devotion to the presiding deity. It is believed that this sacred performance invokes divine blessings, removes obstacles, and fills the hearts of devotees with spiritual strength and joy.
Thriputhari, celebrated on the sacred Thiruvonam day in the month of Thulam (October-November), is one of the most auspicious and spiritually significant occasions at Sree Koodalmanikyam Temple. On this blessed day, the freshly harvested rice-the first fruits of the year-is lovingly cooked and offered to Lord Sangameshwar before being partaken by the devotees as prasadam. It symbolizes gratitude to the Lord for a bountiful harvest and invokes His continued blessings for prosperity and abundance. The very next day, a divine offering known as Mukkudi is prepared and served. This holy preparation, an Ayurvedic mixture prescribed by the great physician Kuttancherry Mooss of the renowned Ashtavaidyas, is revered as a celestial medicine that cures ailments and blesses the devotees with health and well-being. Tradition and experience affirm that those who partake in Mukkudi remain free from stomach-related illnesses for an entire year, testifying to its sanctity and divine power.
Equally majestic is the Annual Festival of the temple, held for eleven days during April-May. Beginning on the day after the famous Thrissur Pooram and culminating on the sacred Thiruvonam, this festival is a grand confluence of devotion, colour, music, and cultural magnificence. Thousands of devotees and art lovers gather from far and wide to witness the spectacular pageantry, the enchanting orchestras, and the vibrant performances of fine arts-an experience unparalleled in Kerala or elsewhere. Each of the eleven days is sanctified by the offering of Brahmakalasam, performed with utmost precision according to Vedic and Tantric rituals, invoking divine grace and cosmic harmony. This unique and spiritually profound feature makes the Sree Koodalmanikyam Festival not merely a celebration, but a divine communion, where the hearts of devotees overflow with joy, devotion, and blessings beyond measure.
The Administrator
Koodalmanikyam Devaswom
Irinjalakuda – 680 121, Thrissur Dt.
Kerala.
Phone – 0480-2826631 (Office)
0480-2822631 (Temple)
contact@koodalmanikyam.com
booking.koodalmanikyam.in
Our bank details
Bank Account Number :- 1517155000006167
IFSC Code :- KVBL0001517
Bank :- Karur Vaisya Bank , Irinjalakuda Branch
Sree Koodalmanikyam Temple – Temples in Kerala
Main Deity:
Bharata, Lord Vishnu
Location:
Irinjalakuda
District:
Thrissur
State:
Kerala
Ownership:
Travancore Devaswom Board
Established on:
Before 854 A.D.
Nearest Bus Stand:
Irinjalakuda Municipal Bus Stand
Nearest Railway Station:
Irinjalakuda Railway Station (Station Code: IJK)
Nearest Airport:
Cochin International Airport (COK) - Nedumbassery
Important Festival:
Annual Festival of the Temple
Important Months:
April-May
Website:
Morning:
- 04.00 AM Temple Opens & Darshan Starts
- 07.30 AM Darshan Ends & Ethyam Pooja Starts
- 08.15 AM Ethyam Pooja Ends & Darshan Starts
- 10.45 AM Darshan Ends & Ucha Pooja Starts
- 11.15 AM Ucha Pooja Ends and Darshan Starts
- 11.30 AM Temple Closes
Evening:
- 05.00 PM Temple Reopens & Darshan Starts
- 07.45 PM Darshan Ends & Athaazha Pooja Starts
- 08.15 PM Athaazha Pooja Ends & Darshan Starts
- 08.20 PM Darshan Ends & Temple Closes
By Bus:
- From Thrissur:
Take a bus from Thrissur KSRTC Bus Stand (Sakthan Bus Stand also has private buses).
Board any bus going towards Irinjalakuda / Kodungallur / Chalakudy.
Travel time: about 1 hour (25 km).
Get down at Irinjalakuda Bus Stand. From there, the temple is just 1 km away. You can walk or take an auto-rickshaw. - From Kochi (Ernakulam):
Take a KSRTC or private bus from Ernakulam KSRTC Bus Station (Vyttila Hub also has services) towards Kodungallur / Irinjalakuda / Thrissur.
Travel time: about 1.5-2 hours (50 km).
Alight at Irinjalakuda Bus Stand and proceed to the temple. - From Chalakudy:
Regular buses are available from Chalakudy KSRTC Bus Stand to Irinjalakuda.
Distance: 12 km; Travel time: 20-25 minutes.
From Irinjalakuda Bus Stand, temple is just nearby. - From Kodungallur:
Take a direct bus to Irinjalakuda (25 km, about 45 minutes).
Get down at Irinjalakuda Bus Stand.
✨ Final Step
Once you reach Irinjalakuda Bus Stand, the Koodalmanikyam Temple is about 1 km away. Autos are easily available, and many pilgrims prefer walking with devotion, chanting hymns as they approach the sanctum.
By Rail:
- Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest station is Irinjalakuda Railway Station (IKK).
Distance to temple: 8-9 km.
Autos, taxis, and buses are available from the station to the temple. Travel time: 15-20 minutes. - From Thrissur Railway Station:
Distance: 22 km.
After alighting at Thrissur, you can take a bus or taxi to Irinjalakuda. Travel time: 40–50 minutes. - From Chalakudy Railway Station:
Distance: 12 km.
After getting down, buses and autos are available to reach Irinjalakuda town and then the temple. Travel time: 20-25 minutes. - From Kochi (Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town):
Direct trains are available from Ernakulam to Irinjalakuda Railway Station.
Distance: about 50 km, travel time 1-1.5 hours.
From Irinjalakuda station, hire an auto or taxi to reach the temple.
✨ Devotional Touch
Pilgrims arriving by train usually get down at Irinjalakuda Railway Station, then proceed with reverence towards the sacred abode of Lord Bharata (Sangameshwaran) at Koodalmanikyam. Many devotees choose to chant hymns or walk part of the way, believing the journey itself purifies the mind before stepping into the temple.
By Air:
- Nearest Airport:
Cochin International Airport (COK), Nedumbassery
Distance: about 45 km from the temple.
Travel time: 1 – 1.5 hours by road, depending on traffic. - Travel Options from the Airport:
- Taxi / Cab:
The most convenient option. Taxis are available 24×7 at the airport.
Direct journey from the airport to the temple through Angamaly – Chalakudy – Irinjalakuda. - Bus:
From the airport, first take a KSRTC or private bus to Chalakudy or Thrissur.
From Chalakudy or Thrissur, board another bus to Irinjalakuda.
From Irinjalakuda town, the temple is just 1 km away (auto rickshaws available). - Rail (via Airport Shuttle to Aluva or Chalakudy):
Airport is about 15 km from Aluva Railway Station and 20 km from Chalakudy Railway Station.
From either station, board a train to Irinjalakuda Railway Station (IKK).
From Irinjalakuda station, take an auto/taxi to the temple (8-9 km).
- Taxi / Cab:
✨ Devotional Journey
Pilgrims flying into Kochi often consider their journey a divine calling – descending from the skies to the sacred land of Irinjalakuda, where Lord Bharata resides as Sangameshwaran. Many choose to begin their travel from the airport with a silent prayer, offering their steps as a pilgrimage itself, before finally entering the holy temple to receive blessings.