Nalambala darshanam: A spiritual journey through the four divine temples in Kerala

Karkidakam is an important month in the Malayalam calendar as it is the time for physical, mental and spiritual renewal. Ramayana recitals are a common practice at households during Karkidakam. Pilgrims believe that visiting the Nalambalam or the four temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Sathrughna, all in a single day, is the ultimate expression of devotion. Nalambala Darshanam involves a pilgrimage to the Sree Rama temple in Thriprayar, the Bharata temple in Irinjalakkuda, Koodalmanikyam, the Moozhikulam Lakshmana temple, and the Sathrughna temple in Payammal. All the temples are ready to receive devotees for the iconic Nalambala Darshanam, having made elaborate arrangements.

Sree Rama temple, Thriprayar
The Nalambala Darshanam begins at the Sree Rama temple in Thriprayar. The idol of Lord Rama has a bow in his right hand and a conch and wheels in his left. The Sethubandana ritual, also known as Chirakettanam, is held on the day of Thiruvonam in the Malayalam month of Kanni, a unique tradition in this region. Besides, Sundarakandam, a book in the Ramayana, is recited as an offering at the temple. The sanctum sanctorum opens at 3 am, and the devotees can enter the temple from 3.30 am onwards. However, there won’t be darshan between 5.15 am and 6.15 am, as well as from 6.30 am to 7.30 am. Devotees can enjoy darshan up to 12 pm and also from 4.30 pm to 8 pm.

Barricades, hand railings and rain shelters have been installed around the temple complex, allowing over 5000 devotees to stay in the queue at a time for the darshan. Additionally, a flyover has been constructed at the northern gate. Devotees should enter the temple through the western gateway.

How to reach
1)From Ernakulam, reach Puthukad centre via Chalakudy and turn left to Pazhayi and Oorakam centre. Raja Company stop is located to the left, and then turn right to Herbert Canal before travelling seven kilometres to the right.
2) You could reach the temple from Ernakulam via Paravur and Kodungallur
3) From Thrissur via Palakkal, Cherpu, Pazhuvil, Peringottukara as well as through Olari, Kanjani, Vadanappally and Thalikkulam
4) Devotees coming from the northern side can reach the temple via Chavakkad, Vadanappally and Thalikkulam

Lakshmana temple, Koodalmanikyam
From Thriprayar devotees head to the Koodalmanikyam temple dedicated to Lakshmana. The darshan is from 3.30 am to 12.30 pm on ordinary days and from 3.30 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Besides, devotees can also enjoy darshan in the evenings from 5 to 8.30 pm. The temple will be closed only after the last devotee has offered his/her prayer to the idol.

Canopies have been erected from the eastern gateway to the entrance of the main temple complex, allowing devotees to experience a comfortable darshan without being exposed to heavy rains or harsh sunlight. Besides, the massive shelter on the southern side of the eastern walkway can accommodate over 5000 devotees. They can sit and relax here without having to stand in the long queue.

Here is how you can reach
1) From Thriprayar, cross the bridge to reach Thannyam via Kattur. This temple is 19 kilometres from the Sree Rama temple in Thriprayar
2) Reach Moonnupeedika in the Ernakulam route in the national highway and turn left to Irinjalakkuda (21 km)

Bharata temple, Moozhikkulam
The Moozhikkulam Bharata temple is located at Parakadavu in Ernakulam district. It is 31 kilometres away from the Koodalmanikyam temple. The temple opens at 5 am on regular days, and the devotees can enter until 1 pm. The darshan timings are from 5 pm to 8 pm in the evenings.

Here’s how to reach
1)You could reach Kombidi from Irinjalakuda via Pullur. From here, head to Poovathusery via Mala – Annamanada. The temple is two kilometres from Poovathussery.
2) Turn left at the Ashtamichira junction to Annamanada via Samabalur Road

Satrughna temple, Payammal
The Satrughna temple at Payammal is the last stop in the Nalambala Darshan temple tour. The temple is open from 5.30 am to 2 pm on all days, including the Nalambala Darshan season. Besides, it also remains open from 4.30 pm to 9 pm. Devotees should enter through the eastern gate, offer prayers, and exit through the northern gate.
Here’s how to reach
Reach Poovathussery from Moozhikulam junction and enter Mala Road via the Annamanada – Mala route. Payammal temple is 29 kilometres from Vellangallur.