Kottayam, July 9, 2013: The four temples, dedicated to Lord Rama and his three brothers Lakshman, Bharath and Sathrughna, in and around Ramapuram near Pala have been spruced up to receive devotees for the Naalambala Darshan.

A visit to the four temples at a stretch during the Malayalam month of Karkidakom, the Ramayana month, is considered highly auspicious by believers.

P.R. Raman Namboodiri, secretary, Naalambaladarsana Committee, said the darshan would begin from Sreeramaswamy Temple, Ramapuram nearly 11 km from Pala. After paying obeisance to the eldest of the four brothers, the devotees move to Sreelakshmana Swamy Temple at Koodappulam nearly four km away to the West, then to Sreebharahtaswamy Temple at Amanakara, another 3.5 km to the east, and later to the Sreesathrughna Swamy temple at Methiri 2.5 km to the north.

The Naalambala Darsan will come to a close with a visit to the Sreeramaswamy Temple at Ramapuram.

The temples situated in the four corners of Ramapuram panchayat find mention in stories connected with the Ramayana and Lord Rama’s ‘vanvas’ (period of exile). The close proximity of the temples to each other makes it possible for devotees to complete the darshan before the conclusion of the poojas at Ramaswamy temple.

While the temples close early on normal days, the poojas would go on up to 12 noon during the month of Karkidakom, he said.

The presence of Bhadrakaali temples in the precincts of the four temples and the Sreehanuman temple adjoining the Sreerama Swamy temple at Ramapuram were also important to the Naalambala Darshan, Mr. Namboodiri said.

The main offerings at these temples are, Ambum Villum (bow and arrow) at the Sreerama Swamy Temple; Chathurbaahu offering at Sreelakshmana Swamy Temple, Sankh (conk) at Sreebharatha Swamy temple and Sreechakra offering at Sreesathrughna Swamy temple. With the month-long Naalambala Darshan season beginning on Wednesday, July 17, (Karkidakom 1) the temples have been readied to receive the devotees. The authorities have made arrangements for medical aid, free shelter, vehicle parking and free food. KSRTC will operate special Naalambala Darshan services during the month. Information centres have also been set up for the benefit of devotees, Mr. Namboodiri said.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 9, 2013.