Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple Kerala

Koodal Manikyam temple is a well known temple located at Irinjalakuda with exquisite Kerala style temple architecture. It is one of the main Vishnu temples in the state where the lord is in the form of Chathurbahu. The temple has single Prathista and the deity holds chakra, conch, Gada and Japamala in each of the four hands. Most of the temples in Kerala has place for Lord Ganesha but this temple does not have place for him. This temple is believed to be built even before 15th century. The main deity of this temple is Lord Bharatha, the brother of Lord Rama which is a unique feature. This temple is around 20 kilometers away from Thrissur Town. Impressive elephant pageantry is the highlight of its annual festival.

The architecture of the Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam temple is outstanding where one can watch the charm of Kerala Vasthuvidya. It is among the largest temples in the state with golden dwaja and pancha prakaras. The temple houses everything as per the Vasthu like Gopuram, Anakottil in the entry ways of east and west, sreekovil, Nalambalam / Valiyambalam, koothambalam, Vilakkumadam and namaskaramandapam. One can understand the glory of the temple by watching its golden flag mast, golden thazhikakkudams and copper-covered namaskaramandapm and sreekovil. Unlike other Kerala temples, it has no balikkalpura.

Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam temple promotes several temple arts like Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Thullal and Koothu. Most of the temples in the state have the custom to perform five poojas and three seevelis in a day. This temple carries out only three poojas but no seevelis. Unlike other Hindu temples, this temple also has no Usha pooja, Deeparadhana and Pantheeradi Puja. In fact, this is the only temple in Kerala that does not carries Deeparadhana. The deity of the temple is taken out only during the annual festival for ritual procession. The temple celebrates a 10-day annual festival each year during the month of Medam( April/May). Seeveli is taken place during festival for twice every day. Seventeen elephants take part for the seeveli procession including 2 baby elephants. The Netti pattam (headdresses) of seven elephants take part in the procession are made up of pure gold while that of the remaining elephants are made up of pure silver. Irinjalakuda railway station is only 10 km from this temple. Cochin International airport is almost 37 kilometers from this shrine.