Nalambalam

Nalambalam is a set of four Hindu temples in Kerala. In malayalam, Nalu means four and Ambalam means Temple. These are the temples for the Rama brothers of Ramayana.

Nalambalam Yatra begins from the Rama temple in Triprayar and ends up at Shatrughna Temple in Payyammal. It is customary to visit the four temples in the order Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna respectively. A pilgrimage to these temples on a single day during the holy month of Karkkidakam believed to shower blessings and ensure prosperity. Starting from Thripprayar and ending in Payammel, through Irinjalakuda and Moozhikulam.

Thriprayar Temple houses a 6 ft tall idol of the Lord, holding Shankha', Sudarsanachakra, Stick and Garland, in a very ferocious form facing east. He is seen in standing posture. Vedi Vazhipadu and Meenoottu are the main offerings. The temple is under the control of Cochin Devaswom Board, an autonomous body.

This temple observes.... SETHUBANDHANAM in every year in "Thiruvonam" day of Malayalam month "Kanni". The only place in earth where SETHUBANDHAN occurs in every year, in memory of those in RAMAYAN, is at Sree Raman Chira Chemmappilly. Chemmappilly is a nearby place to Thriprayar, 2 Kilometres apart from the temple. Whole arrangements are done by Thriprayar Devaswam.The temple is closed early after performing "Deeparadhana" and "Athazhapooja" (Evening and night poojas). At a time the early closin of Sreeramaswamy Temple is done only in two occasions in a year. One is for "Sreeraman chirakettu" (ie.Sethubandhanam)and another is "Arattupuzha Devmela"

Thriprayar is in the middle of Guruvayoor – Kodungallore route . Those who want to come via Trichur should reach Cherpu and proceed west wards to reach the east nada of the temple . Here is the famous Rama temple. This is the first temple to visit as part of Nalambalam Pilgrimage. Darshan is possible from 3am – 12.30pm and 5pm to 7.30pm . Meenuttu and Vedi are important Vazipadu.

Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to the worship of Bharata, the second brother of Rama.Koodalmanikyam Temple houses another 6 ft tall idol of the Lord, seen in ferocious form, facing east, in standing posture holding the same things as seen at Triprayar. This is one of the rare temples where only one idol is there. The temple has a private devaswom.

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