Naal Ambalam

Overview

The Naal Ambalam Temple is located in Thripunithra, Ernakulam, Kerala, India. It is approached with prayers for peace of mind. 'Nalambalam' is a set of four Hindu temples in Kerala.

About the temple

In malayalam, Nalu means four and Ambalam means Temple. These are the temples for lord Rama and his brothers of Ramayana. The Nalambalam Yatra begins from the Rama temple in Triprayar and ends up at Shatrughna Temple in Payyammal. It is customary to visit all the four temples in the order Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna respectively. A pilgrimage to these temples on a single day during the holy month of Karkkidakam believed to shower blessings and ensure prosperity. Starting from Thripprayar and ending in Payammel, the journey goes through Irinjalakuda and Moozhikulam. Thriprayar is in the middle of Guruvayoor Kodungallore route. Those who want to come via Trichur should reach Cherpu and proceed to reach the east nada of the temple. Here is the famous Lord Rama temple. This is the first temple to visit as part of Nalambalam Pilgrimage. The Koodalmanikyam Temple houses another 6 feet tall idol of the Lord, seen in ferocious form, facing east, in standing posture holding the same things as seen at Triprayar. This is one of the rare temples where only one idol is there. The temple has a private devaswom. This is a unique Vaishnava Temple and the second temple to visit. From Triprayar proceed in the Kodungallore route and divert from Edamuttam or Moonnupeedika. Irinjalakuda is about 20 km away from Triprayar. Important Vazhipatus are Brinjal Nivedyam, Thamaramala, Vedi, Meeunttu and Gheelamp.

The Moozhikkulam Sree Lakshmanapermal Temple is the only one in Ernakulam District, and the only one among the four temples, which belong to the 108 Divya Desams, praised by Azhwars. The temple houses another 6 feet tall idol, similar to the idol at Triprayar, holding Shankha, Sudarsana chakra, Mace and Lotus, in standing posture, facing east. Moozhikkulam Temple is the third temple to visit and is dedicated to Lakshmana. This is in Ernakulam District near to famous Annamanada Mahadeva temple proceed alongs Vellankallore in Irinjalakuda route to Kodungallore and reach Mala, Annamanada and then Moozhikkulam. The Payammal Temple is the smallest temple, having the smallest idol, also similar to that at Triprayar. This is the way to praise them: First, we have to worship Hanuman. Then worship Rama at Triprayar during his nirmalyadarsanam. Then worship Bharata at Koodalmanikyam and Lakshmana at Moozhikkulam during their Usha Poojas.

Then worship Shatrughna at Payammal during his Ucha Pooja. This is the last temple to visit. Reach Vellangallore and proceed 4 km to reach Aripalam. Take right turn and reach the temple. Important Vazhipadu is Sudarshanan dedication. Darshan time is as given along temples. Nalambalam pilgrimage is gaining more and more popularity today. Nalambala Darsanam is an annual pilgrimage to four well known temples in central Kerala during the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam (July 17 to August 16). Nalambala Darsanam involves offering prayers at the Triprayar Sree Rama Temple, Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple, Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Temple, and Payammal Shathrughna Temple, which are dedicated to Lord Rama, Bharatha, Lakshmana and Shathrughna respectively, on a single day. Karkkidakam is the last month of Malayalam Era. Salient feature of Karkkidakam is that it is period of famine and illness.

Significance

To overcome sufferings people resort to medical treatment and spiritual enrichment. A special way of living and worship of Rama is the general trend of the period. Chanting of Rama mantra and recitation of Adyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu written by Thunchathu Ezhuthachan echoes in each and every house. To get rid of the difficulties of this month, people of Thrissur region started the Nalambalm pilgrimage centuries ago. Its origin was at a time when vehicles were not available and pilgrimage to these four temples as a ritual had to be completed within one day between daybreak and noon was an ardent task, yet devotees did it right out of their deep devotion. Great pains earned them great gains.

Now these four temples are well connected with roads. It has become very easy now to visit these temples in a single day. Tens of thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the State visit these temples every year during Karkkidakam. These temples also attract devotees from neighbouring States. It is believed that the idols of Rama, Bharatha, Lakshmana and Shathrughna were the pooja idols of Lord Krishna. He worshipped these 4 idols in Dwaraka. At the end of Dwapara Yuga, Dwaraka was submerged in the sea. These four idols floated over the sea water all together and at last reached the Cheetuva region of Kerala shore. Vakkayil Kaimal, a minister with the Ayirur Kovilakam of Ponnani had a dream one night in which some mysterious person appeared before him and told him about the floating idols. The Kaimal being an ardent devotee hastened to the sea shore. There the fishermen who got the idols handed over them to him. They were duly installed in four temples Rama at Thriprayar, Bharata at Irinjalakuda, and Lakshmana at Moozhikulam and Shathrughna at Payammal as directed in the dream.

Accesibility

Thriprayar

By Road: Triprayar is freely accessible by road from Thrissur(25 km) and Guruvayoor.(24)
By Rail: Thrissur.(25) Guruvayoor.(24)
ByAir: Kochi 60 km.

Irinjalakuda

By Road: Irinjalakuda is freely accessible by road from Thrissur(22 km)
By Rail:Irinjalakuda( 9 km)
By Air: Kochi 46 km

Moozhikulam

By Road: Near Angamaly in Ernakulam district. The temple is around 50 km south of Thrissur town.
By Rail: Angamali-8.7 km
By Air: Kochi 15km

Payammel

By Road: 8 km away from Irinjalakuda, 4 km away from Mathilakm.
By Rail: Irinjalakuda 15 km
By Air: Kochi 45 km

Address

Naal Ambalam
Kottayam, Kerala.