Location
- Situated on Ramapuram–Uzhavoor
Road, Vellilappally, Kottayam district, Kerala.
- Just 3 km from Ramapuram Sree Rama
Temple, making it easily accessible for Nalambalam pilgrims.
Main Deity
- Lord Lakshmana
in Chaturbahu (four-armed) form, radiating divine grace and
protection.
Subshrines
- Lord Dakshinamurthy
– revered as the teacher of wisdom.
- Lord Ganapathi
– remover of obstacles.
- Goddess Bhadrakali
– worshipped for protection.
- Lord Ayyappa
– venerated alongside the main deity.
- Yakshi and Rakshas figures
– positioned outside the sanctum, symbolizing guardianship.
Temple Significance
- Nalambalam Circuit:
One of the four temples (Rama at Ramapuram, Lakshmana at Koodappulam,
Bharata at Amanakara, Shatrughna at Methiri) forming the sacred
pilgrimage.
- Unique Offerings:
- Manjal Para Vazhipadu
(turmeric drum offering) – believed to bless devotees with a suitable
life partner and marital harmony.
- Couples also pray here for fertility
and family blessings.
- Annadanam:
Free meals are organized on weekends, continuing the tradition of service.
History
- The temple is believed to be centuries
old, forming one of the four Nalambalam shrines (Rama at Ramapuram,
Lakshmana at Koodappulam, Bharata at Amanakara, Shatrughna at Methiri).
- It has been a major Vaishnavite
pilgrimage site in Kerala, especially during the Ramayana month
(Karkidakam).
- Local rulers and families
historically patronized the temple, maintaining its rituals and festivals.
Legends
- Ramayana Connection:
According to tradition, Lord Rama rested in this region during his exile.
Finding Ramapuram ideal for meditation, he stayed there.
- His brothers Lakshmana, Bharata,
and Shatrughna, unable to bear separation, followed him southwards.
They settled nearby, which explains the four temples located equidistant
from each other.
- Devotees believe worshipping all four
temples in one day grants blessings of unity, prosperity, and family
harmony.
Architecture
- Style:
Built in Kerala temple architecture, with sloping tiled roofs,
wooden carvings, and stone foundations.
- Sanctum (Sreekovil):
Houses Lord Lakshmana in Chaturbahu (four‑armed) form, radiating
divine grace.
- Subshrines:
Dedicated to Dakshinamurthy, Ganapathi, Bhadrakali, and Ayyappa,
reflecting inclusivity of traditions.
- Guardian Figures:
Yakshi and Rakshas statues stand outside the sanctum, symbolizing
protection.
- Landscape Harmony:
The temple site is said to align with Vastu principles, radiating
positive energy, similar to sacred groves like Vrindavan.
Daily Rituals
- Tantric Poojas:
Conducted in the Kerala tradition, with offerings of deeparadhana, naivedyam,
and archana.
- Manjal Para Vazhipadu:
A distinctive ritual where turmeric is offered in a drum, believed to help
devotees find a suitable life partner and bless couples with marital
harmony.
- Fertility Prayers:
Couples often pray here for children and family prosperity.
- Annadanam:
Free meals are organized on Saturdays and Sundays, continuing
Swamy’s tradition of service.
Festivals
- Vidyarambham (Ezhuthiniruthu)
- Celebrated with great reverence,
marking the initiation of children into learning.
- On Vijayadashami, children are
guided to write their first letters in rice or sand.
- Nalambalam Yatra (Ramayana Month,
Karkidakam, July–August)
- Devotees visit all four temples
(Rama at Ramapuram, Lakshmana at Koodappulam, Bharata at Amanakara,
Shatrughna at Methiri) in a single day.
- The pilgrimage is believed to bring
blessings equivalent to worshipping Lord Rama and his brothers together.
- Annual Temple Festival
- Each Nalambalam temple has its own Thiruvutsavam,
with flag hoisting, processions, and cultural programs.
Beliefs
- Ramayana Connection:
Legends say Rama rested at Ramapuram during exile, and his brothers
settled nearby, explaining the four equidistant temples.
- Unity & Family Harmony:
Worshipping all four temples in one day is believed to remove obstacles
and strengthen family bonds.
- Educational Blessings:
Vidyarambham rituals are thought to invoke Lakshmana’s wisdom and
discipline, blessing children with success in studies.
- Protective Energy:
The presence of Bhadrakali, Ayyappa, Yakshi, and Rakshas figures
symbolizes divine guardianship.
Temple Hours
- Morning:
5.00 am – 12.30 pm
- Evening:
5.00 pm – 7.30 pm
- Rituals include:
- Nirmalyam
(early sanctum cleansing)
- Usha Pooja
(morning worship)
- Ucha Pooja
(mid-morning offering)
- Deeparadhana
(evening lamp offering)
- Athazhapooja
(night puja)
Getting Here
- By Road
- Located about 3 km from Ramapuram
Sree Rama Temple and 15 km from Pala town.
- Well connected by KSRTC buses and
local taxis on the Ramapuram–Uzhavoor route.
- By Rail
- Nearest station: Kottayam (40 km).
- From Kottayam, buses and taxis are
available to Pala and Ramapuram.
- By Air
- Nearest airport: Cochin
International Airport (75 km).
- From the airport, taxis or buses via
Pala reach Koodappulam in about 2–3 hours.
Tips
- Nalambalam Circuit:
Plan to visit all four temples (Rama at Ramapuram, Lakshmana at
Koodappulam, Bharata at Amanakara, Shatrughna at Methiri) in one day.
Local autos/taxis offer packages.
- Best Season:
Karkidakam (Ramayana month, July–August) for the Nalambalam Yatra,
or during annual festivals.
- Unique Offering:
Manjal Para Vazhipadu (turmeric drum offering) is believed to bless
devotees with marital harmony and family prosperity.
- Dress Code:
Traditional attire preferred (men in dhoti, women in saree/salwar).
- Stay & Food:
Lodges available in Pala town; Annadanam (free meals) offered at
the temple on weekends.
- Accessibility: The temple is on level ground, making it convenient for elderly pilgrims.