Ramapuram Sri Rama Temple- Kerala

Address

Ramapuram Sri Rama Temple- Ramapuram Koothattukulam Road, Kottayam, Kerala 686576 Phone: 04822 263 100

Deity

Sri Rama

Introduction

• Name: Sri Rama Temple at Ramapuram
• Location: 12 km from Pala town and around 40 km from Kottayam, Kerala, India.
• Significance: An ancient Lord Rama temple that has evolved over nearly 1000 years, it is part of the Nalambalam Yatra Temples in Kottayam district.
• Deity: The principal deity is Lord Rama, depicted in a four-armed form (Chathurbahu), facing east.
• Management: Managed by a trust called Ramapuram Devaswom, consisting of three Nambudiri families: Amanakara mana, Kunnoor mana, and Karanattu mana.

Puranic Significance

• Legend: According to legend, Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, left his kingdom of Ayodhya and traveled through what is now Ramapuram village while searching for his wife, Sita, during his 14 years of exile.
  • Meditation Spot: Rama found this area ideal for meditation, leading his brothers to search for him. Upon discovering him meditating, they also sat beside him:
    • Lakshmana at Koodapulam
    • Bharata at Amanakara
    • Shatrughna at Methiri
• Nalambalam Pilgrimage: Over time, separate shrines were established for each brother, known as Nalambalam, which consists of four temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his brothers.
  • Route: The Nalambalam temples in Ramapuram are within a 3.5 km radius:
    1. Sreerama Temple, Ramapuram (Lord Rama)
    2. Amanakara Temple (Lord Bharatha)
    3. Koodapulam Temple (Lord Lakshmana)
    4. Methiri Temple (Lord Shatrugna)
  • Nalambala Darshanam: Visiting all four brothers in a single day is referred to as Nalambala Darshanam.
  • Auspicious Time: Visiting Ramapuram Sri Rama Temple during Karkitakam (July-August) as part of the Nalambala Yatra is considered highly auspicious.

Special Features

• Deity Arrangement:
  • To the right of Lord Rama’s idol is the idol of Shiva Parvathi.
  • Nearby is the idol of Sree Dharma Sastha.
• Subordinate Deities:
  • Other deities worshipped include Goddess Bhadrakali, Lakshmi Bhagavathi, Maha Ganapathi, Sree Hanuman, and Nagaraja.
  • Bhadrakali is depicted in a fearsome form, showcasing the beheaded head of the demon Darika.
• Naga Worship:
  • On the southern side of the Kali temple, idols of Nagas (serpents) are present, where devotees offer milk, turmeric, and rice during the Aayilyam day.
• Ganapathi Temple:
  • A small temple dedicated to Ganapathi is located on the western side, known for its powerful presence. Offerings of appam, ada, and coconut are made here.
• Hanuman Shrine:
  • Located at the temple entrance, Lord Hanuman is worshipped for physical fitness and intelligence. Nearby, shrines for Rakshas and Yakshi are also present.
• Temple Pond:
  • The Ambalakkulam (temple pond) is situated to the north of the temple, serving as an important site for rituals.

Festivals

• Annual Festival:
  • The eight-day annual festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March/April) on the Chothi star, culminating with the Aarattu ceremony on the Thiruvonam star, which is performed in the Amanakara Bharata temple pond.
• Utsavabali:
  • An important event during the festival, contributing to the vibrancy of the celebrations.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Ramapuram Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Ramapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Vaikom

Nearest Airport

Kochi

lightuptemple