Nalambalam temple visits during Ramayana Masam hold
significant spiritual importance in Kerala, especially among devotees of Lord
Rama. Ramayana Masam is the Malayalam month dedicated to the epic Ramayana, and
it typically falls in the month of Karkidakam (July-August) according to the
Malayalam calendar.
During this month, devotees undertake a pilgrimage to the
four temples collectively known as Nalambalam. These temples are:
- Thriprayar Sri Rama Temple
- Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple
- Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple
- Payammal Shathrughna Temple
Each of these temples is associated with a specific
character from the Ramayana—Lord Rama, Lord Bharata, Lord Lakshmana, and Lord
Shathrughna, respectively. The pilgrimage to these temples is believed to be
spiritually purifying and is undertaken as a form of devotion and penance.
Devotees believe that visiting these temples and offering
prayers during Ramayana Masam can cleanse one's soul, alleviate sins, and bring
blessings and prosperity to their lives. It's also seen as a way to deepen
one's connection with the divine and to seek guidance and protection from Lord
Rama and his brothers.
Apart from the spiritual aspect, the Nalambalam temple
visits also foster a sense of community and tradition among devotees, as
families often undertake the pilgrimage together, performing rituals and
prayers collectively.
Overall, the Nalambalam temple visits during Ramayana Masam
in Kerala are deeply rooted in religious belief and cultural tradition,
offering devotees an opportunity for spiritual renewal and devotion to the
ideals embodied in the epic Ramayana.