Koodalmanikyam Temple
About Koodalmanikyam Temple
Far From City: 20 kms from city center
Cost:
About Koodalmanikyam Temple
Weather:
Time Required:1-2 hours
Open Time:3:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Cost:No entry fee
History of Koodalmanikyam Temple
The Sanskrit word 'Sangameswara' means the same as its Malayalam translation, i.e. Koodalmanikyam. The name of the temple, however, carries another story. One day, the idol was found radiating an unusually bright light from its forehead. Some people brought Quartz which was possessed by the Raja of Kayakulam to compare and find out the source of the light. While the comparison of the two was going on, it is believed that the stone fell from the hand mysteriously and merged with the stone present on the idol. After the two stones got merged, it got the name Koodalmanikyam.
The same kind of brightness was again seen on the idol in 1907. It is also said that thousands of years ago, Irinjalakuda which was then a dense forest comprised of some rishis under Kulpini Maharishi who were involved in a Yagna that involved offering self-punishment to please Lord Vishnu. Happy with the sincerity of the devotion showed by these rishis, the Lord appeared before him and offered to make their wish come true. To this, the rishis told him that they wanted to have his eternal presence at the place to which the Lord agreed. The rishis then prayed for Devi Ganga to sanctify the yagabhoomi with her presence and as the springs of the river Ganga came up and swamped the area, the rishis immersed themselves into the sacred waters and became one with the Lord.
Architecture of Koodalmanikyam Temple
The Koodalmanikyam Temple belongs to the 9th century and is an architectural marvel. Covering a vast area, it is surrounded by a gigantic wall with exquisite gateways on the South, East, and West. Constructed in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, the Western and Eastern ways to the inner temple comprise enormous porches on which almost 21 elephants can be accommodated. The Eastern gateway, also known as Gopuram, is an outstanding structure with many carvings entrenched into the front wall. Also, the outer quadrangle can be entered into from the Gopuram.
Koothambalam, which is the temple hall for performing Koothu and Koodiyattam, is situated on the Southern courtyard. Murals are present on walls on both sides of the Eastern entry to Chuttambalam. Kuttan Kulam which is located outside the compound on the Eastern side and Kulipini Theertham which is situated inside the compound are the two most massive ponds out of the four beautiful ponds surrounding the temple. As per history, Kulipini Maharshi performed a great ritual sacrifice at the spot where the Kulipini Theertham stands today. The Kudal Manikkam Temple is the centre of temple arts including Koothu, Koodiyattom, Thullal, and Kathakali.
Koodalmanikyam Temple Utsavam
Many festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm and fun in the premises of the temple. One of them includes the Kudalmanikyam Arattu Festival which takes place for 11 days in the Malayalam month of Edavam, i.e. from April to May. This event starts on the day after the Thrissur Pooram ends on the next Thiruvonam day. Many devotees are attracted towards the festival's music, orchestra, colour, and fine arts which cannot be witnessed in any other part of Kerala.
Another famous festival which is celebrated here is the Thriputhari on the Thiruvonam nakshatram in the month of Thulam, i.e. October to November. During this event, newly harvested rice is cooked and first offered to the deity as an offering and then to the devotees. A special offering known as Mukkudi which is an Ayurvedic mixture and a divine medicine to cure all the diseases takes place the next day.
Best time to visit Koodalmanikyam Temple
Though Kerala can be visited throughout the year, it is advisable to visit the temple during from April to May or October to November since the two biggest festivals are observed here during this time which is worth being a part of.
How to Reach Koodalmanikyam Temple
The Koodalmanikyam Temple is located 18 km to the west of Chalakudy at Irinjalakuda in the Thrissur district. A number of buses ply to the temple from Kochi. Tourists coming from Kozhikode can take a private bus at Moonnupeedika while those who are coming from NH-17 can board the bus that is plying through the Kodungallur-Thrissur route and get down at Irinjalakuda to reach the Koodalmanikyam Temple.
Top Tourist Places in Thrissur
Vadakummnathan temple
Charpa Falls
Heritage Garden
Vazhachal Falls
Vilangan Kunnu
Shakthan Thampuran Palace
All Tourist Places in Thrissur
Thrissur Packages
Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free
Get enthralled by Athirapally, Munnar & 3 places | 7 Days 6 Nights
? 19,400
onwards
CUSTOMIZE & GET QUOTES
Beauteous valley of Athirapally, Munnar & 2 places | 6 Days 5 Nights
? 16,099
onwards
CUSTOMIZE & GET QUOTES
Pleasant Wayanad, Calicut & 2 places | 7 Days 6 Nights
? 19,900
onwards
CUSTOMIZE & GET QUOTES
View All Packages for Thrissur
Photos of Koodalmanikyam Temple
Comments on Koodalmanikyam Temple
Post Your Comment
