Nalambala Darshanam in Thrissur District in Kerala – Visiting Four Temples Dedicated to Lord Rama and his Brothers
Nalambala Darshanam, or the darshan of four temples, is an important pilgrimage done in Kerala in the Karkidakam month, also known as the Ramayana Masam (June - July). The four temples (Nalambalam) are dedicated to Lord Ram, Bharatha, Lakshman, and Shatrughan – the four brothers in the Ramayana epic. Most people begin the journey of the four temples from the famous Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur, Thrissur District, as temples are within 60 km from here.
Triprayar Sri Rama Temple is an ancient Shrine dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Ram at Triprayar near Guruvayur in Kerala.
During Ramayana Masam the shrine opens at 3:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The temple then reopens at 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Special offering during the period are:
Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple at Irinjalakuda is dedicated to Bharatha, the second brother
- Kathina vedi (fire work),
- meenoottu (feeding fish) and
- Avil Naivedyam.
This ancient temple is located at Irinjalakuda around 24 km from Triprayar. The shrine is open from 3:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 5:30 PM to 8:15 PM
Special offering during the period include:
- Lotus garland,
- Thattu Naivedyam,
- Meenoottu (feeding fish)
- Kathina Vedi (fire work) and
- Vazhuthanga (brinjal) Naivedyam
Moozhikulam Lakshmana Perumal temple is located around 31 km from Irinjalakuda. The shrine is open from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Special offering during the period include:
- Palpayasam
- Ottayappam
Payammal Shatrughan Swamy Temple is 2 km off from Aripalam along the Irinjalakuda- Kodungallur road. The shrine is open from 5:30 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Special offering during the period include:
- Sathru Samhara Pushpanjali,
- Sudarshana Pushpanjali and
- Sudarshana Chakram
Prasadam ottu or temple feast is held in the month daily.
All these ancient temples are south of Guruvayur Krishna Temple and come in an order – temple of eldest brother Ram first and the temple of youngest brother last.
During the Ramayana Masam (mid-July to mid-August), government and private travel agencies conduct daily trip to the four temples from the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple .
Various Nalambalam Yatras in Kerala During Ramayana Masam