Echoes of Ayodhya: Unveiling Kerala's Hidden Temples

The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya generated an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm across the country. The event will be seen as a symbol of India's rich heritage, unity, and a reclamation of its cultural roots.

The epic tale, Ramayana tells us about the righteous and relations among the four brothers Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrughna. The down-to-earth character of Lord Rama to leaving the kingdom to his brother Bharatha, the dedicated effort of Lakshmana to follow the footprints of Rama to forests, and the unparalleled love and respect of Bharatha and Shatrughana for Rama are depicted in Ramayana.

It is believed that the idols of Rama, Bharatha, Lakshmana and Shathrughna were the pooja idols of Lord Krishna. He worshipped these four idols in Dwaraka. At the end of Dwapara Yuga, Dwaraka was swallowed by the sea. These four idols floated over the sea water all together and at last reached the Cheetuva region of Kerala shore.

Vakkayil Kaimal, a minister with the Ayirur Kovilakam of Ponnani had a dream one night in which some mysterious person appeared before him and told him about the floating idols. The Kaimal being an ardent devotee hastened to the seashore. There the fishermen who got the idols handed over them to him.

They were duly installed in four temples - Rama at Thriprayar, Bharata at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikulam and Shathrughna at Payammal - as directed in the dream. Now these four temples are well connected by roads and so Naalambala Darshanam, a notable pilgrimage is performed during the month of Karkkidakam.

But there is a special rule to follow during the Nalambalam Yatra. The first temple to be attended is the Triprayar Sree Rama Temple then proceed to the Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple. From there, one needs to move to Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple. Devotees must reach the Payammal Shathrughna Temple in the evening.

1. Triprayar Sree Rama Swami Temple

The deity Lord Rama is known as Triprayarappan or Triprayar Thevar in Triprayar Temple. The Chaturbhuja Vishnu image of Rama, with conch, disc, bow, and garland, embodies both Shaiva and Vaishnava aspects, earning the name Khara Samhara Moorthy after slaying the asura Khara.

The deity's portrayal with a garland also hints at Brahmanic aspects, suggesting a manifestation of the Trimoorthis, adorned with jewellery, flanked by Sreedevi and Bhudevi images, and accompanied by Dakshinamoorthy, reinforcing the temple's divine significance.

The temple is not only a divine abode for Lord Rama but also hosts several other deities within its sacred precincts.

Starting with Hanuman, Rama's devoted disciple, there is no separate idol, but his presence is believed to permeate the Namaskara Mandapam in front of the Sreekovil. Devotees bow in reverence, imagining Hanuman's presence before worshipping Lord Rama. The offering of 'avil' flattened rice is specifically meant for Hanuman.

Inside the Nalambalam, there are two Ganapathy 'prathishtas'. One faces south, situated in the 'garbhagruha' near the south door of Sree Rama's Sreekovil, while the other faces east, located in a small Sreekovil at the southwest corner of the 'Nalambalam'.

Dakshinamoorthy, worshipped in the 'garbhagruha' near the south door of Lord Rama's Sreekovil, takes the form of a Shiva Linga adorned with 'Rudraksha; garlands and a crescent moon.

The temple also houses a shrine for Lord Ayyappa, Sastha, outside the 'Nalambalam', emphasising the temple's ancient roots. Triprayar Thevar presides over the Arattupuzha Pooram, a prominent festival in central Kerala, where Lord Ayyappa and other deities once participated.

Adjacent to the main temple, on the northern side of the courtyard, is a shrine dedicated to Gosala Krishnan. The temple, designed in a traditional 'gosala' form, features an east-facing idol of Lord Krishna.

The temple's architecture is a testament to its rich heritage, with intricate wood carvings adorning the circular Sreekovil. The copper-covered conical roof, topped by a golden Thazhikakkudam, adds to its grandeur.

The sanctum showcases sculptural representations of Ramayana scenes, vibrant and dynamic. The walls boast beautiful mural paintings, and the copper-plated Namaskara Mandapa features 24 panels of woodcarvings representing 'navagrahas'. Triprayar Sree Rama Temple stands as a harmonious blend of divine worship, architectural splendour, and cultural heritage.

2. Kondada Ramaswamy Temple

The sculptures of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana at Kodanda Ramaswamy temple are exquisitely carved from a single stone with jewellery details painstakingly etched onto each of the three figures.

It is believed that this temple was erected at the place where Lord Rama anointed Sugriva as the king of Kishkindha. Here, a kneeling statue of Sugriva is found at the feet of Lord Rama, a position Hanuman typically occupies.

This heritage monument was completed in three phases. Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple represents the Hoysala architectural style, while the Sukanasi and Garbhagriha epitomise the Dravidian artwork.

3. Moozhikulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple

The temple sits on the banks of the Chalakudy river at Parakkadavu panchayat in Aluva taluk. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared before Haritha Maharishi here and told him about the coming 'Kali-yuga' and what people need to do to escape its ill effects.

It is one of the temples in Kerala dedicated to Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama, considered the avatar of Adi Shesha, getting ready to slay Meghanadha, the son of Ravana. The same 'garba griha' has the idol of Ganesha. On the northeast is a temple of Goshala Krishna and on the south is the dance 'mandapa'.

The temple complex has four gates and in the middle is a light tower guarded by dragons. There is a wide 'namaskaramandapa' inside.

4. Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple

This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Sri Rama. It is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the deity and is called Lord Sangameshwara.

It is also one of the main Vishnu temples in the state where the lord is in the form of Chathurbahu. The temple has a single Prathista and the deity holds chakra, conch, Gada and Japamala in each of the four hands. Most of the temples in Kerala have a place for Lord Ganesha but this temple does not have a place for him. Also, this is the only temple where Deeparadhana is not done.

There are four ponds in and around the temple. Kuttan Kulam is the largest pond that is situated outside the compound on the eastern side, whereas Kulipini Theertham is located inside the compound. Kulipini Theertham, another pond that is believed to be blessed by the sage Kulipini Maharshi, is also located in the temple premises. All three ponds other than Kulipini Theertham are open to the devotees. Koodal Manikyam Temple represents captivating gateways, a round-shaped Sanctum Sanctorum, the majestic Koothambalam and pretty carvings.

The architecture is outstanding and one can watch the charm of Kerala Vasthuvidya. It is among the largest temples in the state with golden 'dwaja' and 'pancha prakaras'.