Thrissur, July 22, 2013: Despite intermittent rain, large crowds were seen on Sunday at the four temples involved in Nalambala Darsanam, an annual pilgrimage in the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam.

The pilgrimage involves offering prayers at the Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple, Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Temple, Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikya Temple and Payammal Shathrughna temple on a single day.

The temples are dedicated to Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shathrughna.

During the season, tens of thousands of pilgrims from different parts of Kerala and neighbouring States visit the temples.

The Thriprayar shrine depicts Lord Rama as protector of the universe. The main offerings there include ‘Avil Naivedyam’. Thriprayar Thevar is the presiding deity of the Arattupuzha Pooram, an important festival of central Kerala.

The Irinjalakuda temple depicts Lord Bharata offering prayers to Lord Rama. Ceremonies such as ‘Usha Puja’ and ‘Pantheeradi Puja’ are not performed there.

The Moozhikkulam temple, one of the few shrines in the State dedicated to Lord Lakshmana, is located on the banks of the Chalakudy river. The main offerings there include ‘Pushpanjali’, ‘Ottayappam and ‘Kadumpayasam’. The Payammal temple, 6 km from Vellangallur along the Irinjalakuda-Kodungallur route, is one of the few shrines in the State dedicated to Shathrughna.

According to legend, fishermen gifted idols of the valiant heroes of the Ramayana to Vakkayil Kaimal, a minister with the Ayirur Kovilakam. The figurines were later installed at Thriprayar, Moozhikkulam, Irinjalakuda and Payammal.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 22, 2013.