Photo 1 / 4Temple reflected in the tank. Photo: Pyngodan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Koodalmanikyam Temple
About the Temple
Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda is described by Kerala Tourism as the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Bharata, Rama's brother. It is known for its circular, copper-roofed sanctum, a temple theatre and large ponds, and for keeping fewer daily rituals than most Kerala temples. It is the second stop of the Nalambalam pilgrimage, about 20 km from Triprayar.
Why visit
- Visit a rare shrine to Bharata on the Nalambalam round.
- See the circular sanctum, the temple theatre and the protected eastern gateway.
Temple Timings
- Morning
- 4:00 AM – 7:30 AM
- Morning
- 8:15 AM – 10:45 AM
- Morning
- 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
- Evening
- 5:00 PM – 7:45 PM
- Evening
- 8:15 PM – 8:20 PM
Official source, checked 22 Oct 2026 · Source
Darshan pauses for Ethruthu Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha Pooja. Karkidakam (Nalambalam): 03:00-12:00 and 17:00-20:00 per the Devaswom's Nalambalam page.
Before You Go
- Time to allow
45 minutes to 1.5 hours inside the temple. This is a planning allowance, not a queue time; festival days take longer.
- Dress
Not confirmed. The Devaswom's site does not publish a dress rule. Many Kerala temples ask men to enter in a mundu without a shirt, so carry one and ask at the entrance.
Not confirmed: check with the temple before you go
- Phones
Not confirmed. The Devaswom's site does not state a phone rule; ask at the entrance.
Not confirmed: check with the temple before you go
- Access
Not confirmed. Step counts and wheelchair access were not found; ask the Devaswom office.
Not confirmed: check with the temple before you go
Highlights
- Circular sanctum with a copper roof
The round sanctum is roofed in copper plate and topped by a finial about six feet tall.
- Koothambalam and the eastern gateway
The complex has a Koothambalam (temple theatre), and its eastern gateway is a protected monument of the Archaeology Department.
- Kuttan Kulam and Kulipini Theertham
Four ponds surround the temple. Kuttan Kulam, the largest, lies outside on the east; Kulipini Theertham inside the walls supplies water for rituals.
- Lotus garlands and a simpler ritual day
Lotus garlands are the key offering. The temple keeps three pujas a day and is noted for having no deeparadhana.
Sources: keralatourism.org, en.wikipedia.org · checked 22 Oct 2026
How to reach Koodalmanikyam Temple
- By air: Cochin International Airport (COK) · about 45 km
- By train: Irinjalakuda (IJK) · about 9 km
- By road: From Kochi, drive about 31 km on the national highway towards Thrissur and turn west at Chalakudy-Potta junction onto State Highway 60. Buses between Thrissur and Kodungallur pass through Irinjalakuda.
Sources: koodalmanikyam.com · checked 22 Oct 2026
Nearby Places
- Payammal Shatrughna TempleThe Shatrughna temple, last stop of the Nalambalam yatra.7 km by road
- Triprayar Sree Rama TempleThe Rama temple, first stop of the Nalambalam yatra.20 km by road
- Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal TempleThe Lakshmana temple, third stop, via Mala and Annamanada.30 km by road
- Kodungallur Bhagavathy TempleA major Bhagavathy temple to the south-west.13 km away
Sources: keralakaumudi.com, koodalmanikyam.com, en.wikipedia.org · checked 22 Oct 2026
Questions Visitors Ask
Is there a dress code at Koodalmanikyam Temple?
Not confirmed. The Devaswom's site does not publish a dress rule. Many Kerala temples ask men to enter in a mundu without a shirt, so carry one and ask at the entrance.
Can I take my phone inside Koodalmanikyam Temple?
Not confirmed. The Devaswom's site does not state a phone rule; ask at the entrance.
Is Koodalmanikyam the only Bharata temple in Kerala?
Kerala Tourism describes it as the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Bharata. It is the second stop of the Nalambalam yatra.
What are the Koodalmanikyam temple timings?
The Devaswom lists darshan from 04:00 to 11:30 and from 17:00 to 20:20, with short breaks for pujas. In Karkidakam its Nalambalam page gives 03:00 to 12:00 and 17:00 to 20:00.
What is the main offering at Koodalmanikyam?
The lotus garland (Thamaramala) is the best-known offering. The Devaswom also lists Brinjal Nivedyam, Vedi and the ghee lamp for Nalambalam pilgrims.
How far is Koodalmanikyam from Irinjalakuda railway station?
The Devaswom says the town is 9 km from the railway station, which stands at Kallettumkara to the east.