Ancient Koodappulam Sree Lakshmana Swamy Temple Vellilappally, Ramapuram, Kottayam

Koodappulam Sree Lakshmana Swamy Temple is a well-known Hindu temple located at Ramapuram in Kottayam district, Kerala. It is the second temple in the famous Nalambalam pilgrimage circuit and is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama. The main deity is Lord Lakshmana in the form of Chaturbahu Vishnu, with four arms. As part of the Nalambalam pilgrimage, the temple is visited by a large number of devotees and is regarded as one of the important Lakshmana temples in Kerala.

The history of Koodappulam Sree Lakshmana Swamy Temple is closely connected with the history of the former Thekkumkoor Kingdom. During the period when Ramapuram and Koodappulam were under the rule of the Thekkumkoor dynasty, Brahmin families were settled in the area as part of agricultural development to bring uncultivated land under cultivation. The temple was established as part of these Brahmin settlements. In AD 1749–1750, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma annexed the Thekkumkoor Kingdom to Travancore and the resulting political changes also affected the temple. After the war, a portion of the temple’s land and properties was confiscated, weakening its economic foundation. The administration of the temple was later entrusted to the prominent Brahmin families of Amanakara Mana, Kunnoor Mana and Karanattu Mana, who protected the temple lands and continued its rituals and daily worship. Owing to a lack of proper maintenance, the temple remained in a dilapidated condition for a long period. However, by the middle of the twentieth century, the Sreekovil and other structures were renovated and restored to their present form under the leadership of the local people and the Devaswom. Originally an independent temple, Koodappulam Temple later became part of the Nalambalam pilgrimage circuit, together with the temples at Ramapuram, Amanakara and Methiri.

According to legend, after the separation from Sita Devi, Lord Rama left Ayodhya and travelled along the same route he had taken during his exile. He eventually reached Ramapuram and began performing penance there. Saddened by his absence, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna set out towards the south in search of their elder brother. They finally found Lord Rama at Ramapuram and settled in the nearby places. The place where Lord Lakshmana is believed to have stayed later became known as Koodappulam, where Koodappulam Sree Lakshmana Swamy Temple was established. Based on the belief that the four brothers lived in nearby locations, the temples at Ramapuram, Koodappulam, Amanakara and Methiri are worshipped together as the Nalambalam temples.

According to another legend, Lord Rama, Sita Devi and Lord Lakshmana stayed together in this area during their exile. It is believed that the place came to be known as “Koodappulam”, meaning “the place where they gathered together”. The place is also regarded as the sacred land where Lakshmana kept watch over his elder brother, Lord Rama. Based on these legends, devotees believe that visiting the four Nalambalam temples at Ramapuram, Koodappulam, Amanakara and Methiri on the same day during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, the month dedicated to the Ramayana, brings special blessings, family well-being and unity.

Koodappulam Sree Lakshmana Swamy Temple is situated on a small hillside and is reached by climbing a flight of steps from the road. Visitors enter through a traditional tiled entrance gateway decorated with beautiful wooden carvings. Inside, the first structures are the elephant shelter and the flagstaff standing in front of it. The outer courtyard, with its whitewashed walls, black stone floor and tiled roof, reflects the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture. Passing the large Bali stone and entering the Nalambalam, devotees can see the Namaskara Mandapam facing the Sreekovil. This hall is used for prayers and the recitation of the Ramayana and its wooden pillars are adorned with carvings depicting scenes from the Puranas. Rows of traditional oil lamps fixed along the inner walls of the Chuttambalam further enhance the beauty of the temple.

The main Sreekovil of the temple is square in shape and has a roof covered with copper sheets. The principal deity, Lord Lakshmana, is consecrated in the form of Chaturbahu Mahavishnu, with four arms. The idol depicts the Lord in the attire of an ascetic, holding the conch, discus, mace and lotus in his four hands. The temple also has shrines for Lord Ganesha at the south-west corner (Kannimoola), Dharma Sastha nearby, Goddess Bhadrakali on the northern side of the Nalambalam and Dakshinamurthy facing the southern wall of the Sreekovil.

The main annual festival of the temple is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April). It is held along with the festival of Ramapuram Sree Rama Swamy Temple and the Arattu ceremony marking the conclusion of the festival takes place at the temple pond of Amanakara Sree Bharatha Swamy Temple. Special poojas, Utsava Bali, Pallivetta and cultural programmes are conducted during the festival. The Nalambalam pilgrimage during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July–August), the month dedicated to the Ramayana, is the busiest and most important season at the temple. During this period, thousands of devotees visit the temple as part of the Ramapuram Nalambalam pilgrimage and special poojas and Annadanam are organised. Other important occasions celebrated at the temple include Sree Rama Navami, the Mandala–Makaravilakku season and Navaratri.

The most important offering at the temple is Manjal Para, which is made for a happy marriage and to seek a suitable life partner. Chaturbahu Samarpanam, offered to Lord Lakshmana consecrated in the form of Chaturbahu Vishnu, is performed for protection from enemies, freedom from fear and the fulfilment of wishes. Santhana Labdhi Pooja is offered by devotees seeking the blessing of children and family prosperity. Aramani Samarpanam is performed for relief from stomach-related illnesses and good health, while Shankhabhishekam is conducted for peace of mind and prosperity. Other important offerings include Ellu Payasam and Neerajanam to Dharma Sastha for relief from the effects of Saturn (Shani Dosha) and Karuka Mala and Appam Moodal to Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles.

The temple opens daily at 5:30 AM with Nirmalya Darshan, marking the beginning of the daily rituals. This is followed by Usha Pooja at 6:00 AM, Ethirettu Pooja (Seeveli) at 7:30 AM and Ucha Pooja at 11:30 AM. The temple closes at around 12:30 PM after the noon pooja. It reopens at 5:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 6:30 PM and Athazha Pooja at 7:30 PM, before closing for the day at around 8:00 PM. During the Nalambalam pilgrimage season in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, the temple opens early at 4:00 AM or 4:30 AM to accommodate the large number of devotees and the afternoon closing time is extended. Special Annadanam is also organised for devotees during this period.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery