Koodalmanikyam Temple

Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district, is the only ancient temple in India dedicated to Lord Bharata, brother of Lord Rama. Dating back to at least the 9th century, this Kerala-style architectural marvel features a round sanctum sanctorum and an impressive Koothambalam stage for traditional performing arts. The temple is part of the Nalambalam pilgrimage circuit and hosts an annual 11-day festival with caparisoned elephants.

Visitors can explore a spacious temple complex enclosed within walled courtyards featuring traditional Kerala architecture with carved gateways. The temple houses a unique single deity shrine with a round copper-plated sanctum sanctorum. Visitors can observe the Koothambalam performance hall, view mural paintings on the walls, and see four temple ponds including Kulipini Theertham. The atmosphere is peaceful with lush greenery surrounding the premises.

The earliest historical reference dates to a stone inscription from 854-855 AD attributed to Chera king Sthanu Ravi Varman, indicating the temple existed before this date. The temple was under the administration of Thachudaya Kaimals appointed by the Maharaja of Travancore until 1971, when the Government of Kerala took over its administration. The temple has been an important center for nourishing temple arts like Kathakali, Koothu, and Koodiyattom.

The temple is uniquely significant as the only ancient temple in India solely dedicated to Lord Bharata. It forms part of the Nalambalam circuit, comprising four temples dedicated to the four brothers of the Ramayana. The temple is renowned for preserving traditional Kerala performing arts including Koothu, Koodiyattom, Thullal, and Kathakali. The annual festival marks the end of Kerala's temple festival season.