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KOODALMANIKYAM TEMPLE 1-3
Posted: 01 Feb 2016 03:18 AM PST
Courtesy:Sri.R.Gopalakrishnan
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The earliest historical reference to Koodalmanikyam Temple is found on a stone inscription attributed to the Chera king Stanu Ravi Varman dated 854 A.D, donating vast extents of land for the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.
Source:kn ramesh
Posted: 01 Feb 2016 03:18 AM PST
Courtesy:Sri.R.Gopalakrishnan
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.
Source:kn ramesh
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