Koodal Manikkam temple, Irinjalakuda is dedicated to Lord Bharatha , Lord Sree Rama's brother. Here the deity,Bharata is also known as Lord Sangameshwara. This is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Bharata. This temple is situated at a distance of 22 Kms from the Sree Rama temple, Triprayar. and forms parts of the Nalambala darisanam.
The temple structure and its sprawling grounds are of exceptional beauty and one can see a huge Koothambalam on the Southern side where the famous performing arts koodiyattam and koothu are conducted. The porches on East and west side are huge and tall. It can accommodate up to 21 elephants during the temple festivals. The main towers on the East and West are simple but they stand tall and magnificent. There are 2 ponds inside the temple and meenuttu , feeding fish is famous here too.
There is a dress code for men and women here for those who wish to go to inner most part of the temple to worship the God.
For Men- Dhoti and angavastram and for women - sarees.
Chudihars and pants, shirts are not allowed.
This is supposed to be a 9th century temple. More details can be found at this http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2009/05/koodalmanikyam-temple-irinjalakuda.html.
How to reach-How to reach- One can approach this temple either from Ernakulam or Thrissur.Both towns have excellent accommodation facilties as well as bus services to this place.
Pictures in this link
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOwKGUdtveuAcj2GZRtvwbQ0VhReojWXL743XbZ
How to reach-How to reach- One can approach this temple either from Ernakulam or Thrissur.Both towns have excellent accommodation facilties as well as bus services to this place.
Pictures in this link
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOwKGUdtveuAcj2GZRtvwbQ0VhReojWXL743XbZ
Now you are very close to my native place. Your photographs are great. Incidentally this temple was originally a Jain shrine which got converted. It is said that there is no idol of Ganesa here.
ReplyDeleteWonderful.. so good to see the temple well kept amid all the greenery. Very beautiful pictures. I was particularly intrigued by the weighing scale. Is it used during festivals?
ReplyDeleteThe temple looks neat and serene. Seems to be conservative, not even churidhar!!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures, I have not been to Kerala yet.
ReplyDeleteDedicated to Bharata means what?Is there a shrine for Bharata or did he worship Lord Sangameshwara?The temple seems very spacious with large halls.Is there a sannithi for the consort of presidinbg diety as we find in Tamil nad temples?Nice pictures.Thanks
ReplyDeletePNS, I never knew it was a Jain shrine. Absence of Ganesha is also news to me.thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteArti, the balance is used for a ritual called thulabaram, I have mentioned that in my last post.Devotees sitting in one pan make offerings of sugar, jaggery, coins etc equal to their weight to the Lord. Shall post a picture of that soon.
ReplyDeleteInsignia, even Guruvayur temple is allowing is Chudidhar these days but here it is a big No.
ReplyDeleteMridula, make one trip. you would love it..
ReplyDeleteKP
ReplyDeleteI have mentioned clearly Bharata is also known as Sangameshwara.But the deity appears like Vishnu .No shrine for Thayar here. It is said that Bharata is awaiting Rama's arrival and is in a happy mood.
I have been wanting to visit this temple for the past 4-5 years. Always gets cancelled or postponed. Thanks for this wonderful post. Inspires me again. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2012/04/conserve-wildlife.html
Niranjan, hope you are able to visit soon.thanks
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Chitra! visited it long time back.
ReplyDeleteI believe, this is one of the temples, which harks back to the Jain history in Kerala. Many such temples with 'standing' figures exist. The Thiruvilwamala Sree Rama temple near Ottapalam is another example.
Advance Vishu greetings.:-)
Wow , nice temple and lovely pictures ...
ReplyDeleteShri.
ReplyDeleteI came to know today only this temple was a Jain shrine.thanks for the input abt. Ottapalam temple also. If I go that side would remember to visit that also.
Vishu Greetings to you also.
TGS
ReplyDeletethanks a lot for the appreciation.
As always wonderful photos, you never fail to amaze me with how good they are. Today I've learnt two new words - koodiyattam (thanks for the explanation) and angavastram which Google informs me is a piece of cloth worn by men during religious festivals, is this a correct summary? I only ask as it is not unheard of for Google to get it wrong.
ReplyDeletePW,
ReplyDeletethanks.
Angavastam is a traditional costume but it actually means a cloth that is used for covering the torso.
This is used during festivals, visiting temples and while performing religious ceremonies. Pic 17 has a person wearing the angavastram.
Thanks Chitra; was hampered by several things. Will write to you in a couple of weeks!
ReplyDeleteA lovely temple in Irinjalakuda !
ReplyDeletebeautiful temple..iam seeing for the first time.Thanks C
ReplyDeleteRamakrishnan, thank you. Have you visited this?
ReplyDeleteAshok
ReplyDeletethanks dear Ashok.
Lovely. The dress code is very interesting. Is that due to the age/history (9th century) or is that common for the inner temples?
ReplyDelete:-)
Traci
Star Traci
ReplyDeleteSome temples are very conservative and follow these rules but not all.
Thanks for the clarification.
Delete:-)
Traci
This place looks so quiet! A place for people to rest and find breathing space. Have a lovely week Chitra!
ReplyDeletethanks chitraji 4 those consoling words..and sorry for late reply.just returned to sharjah..am really touched..will stay connected:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Martina,
ReplyDeleteNice to see you.Shall see you soon.
beautiful pics
ReplyDeletethanks sm.
ReplyDeleteRamesh, I understand. take care.
ReplyDeletemanoharamayittundu...... aashamsakal...... blogil puthiya post...... NEW GENERATION CINEMA ENNAAL...... vayikkane...........
DeleteGreat pics ! I visited Kerala once and would love to visit again to see the temples.
ReplyDeleteStopping by to say hello and wish you well.
ReplyDeleteShobha, thanks a lot.
ReplyDeletePW, welcome. Love your visits.
ReplyDeletejayaraj thanks. shall do for sure.
ReplyDeleteNamaste.....
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, the photographs are wonderful. One question, i saw the sign about what not to wear, then what wear is premitted?
Rhapsody,
ReplyDeleteOnly traditional costumes, sari is allowed and Dhoti are allowed.Sorry for the delay in replying as I was away.
beautiful pics
ReplyDeletethanks SM
ReplyDeleteu r doing a gr8 job chitra ji..proud of u..
ReplyDeletethanks Ramesh.
ReplyDeleteSuperb..!
ReplyDeleteSridharan, thanks
ReplyDeleteHai..will u tell me what is the dress code at thiruvilwamala sree ramakshethram
ReplyDeleteNice temple.........jay sree ram
ReplyDeleteParvathi- I haven't visited Tiruvilwamala..so cannot tell ..But most of the Kerala temples,men can enter the main shrine only in Veshti and angavastram..for ladies sari or chudidar.. ( some temples do not allow pants)
ReplyDeleteSmiju-thanks
ReplyDelete