Nalanbalam Yathra is a unique and novel pilgrimage conducted during the month of Karkitakam, the last month of Malayalam Era. Salient feature of Karkitaka is that it is period of famine and illness. 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 Ramayana recitation echoes in each and every house . This is an eve of positive thinking about prosperity.
Since the last decade Nalambalam Yathra has become in Vogue. It is a special kind of visiting 4 temples in Kerala – Sreerama Temple at Triprayar, Koodalmanickam Bharatha temple at Irinjalakuda,Lakshmana temple at Moozhikkulam in Ernkulam District and Payammel Sathrukhna temple near Irinjalakuda.
Triprayar is about 23 kms away from Guruvayoor Krishna temple and Moozhikulam is 30 kms away from Irinjalakuda temple via Mala, Annamanada to Aluva. Visiting four temples a day in the given order is the traditional way.
I was lucky visiting the Bharatha temple one fine evening especially for the Arthajama Pooja. Actually, I went with an impression it is Shiva temple and was surpised to see Shiva in a form other than Linga form. I was surpised and only then did I enquire and learn that the Lord is Bharatha, the brother of Lord Rama. I was surpised and happy as this is the first time in my life had I been to a temple seperately for the Brother of Rama, who is popular for his Bhakthi to Lord Rama.
Sang Pandureethi Kolu song of Saint Thyagaraja and everytime I sing such in the sanctum of the lord, I know I am blessed and also get the special prasadham :)
Not kidding, But I got 3 hot Appams and the Brinjal receipe famous in the temple a solution for the stomach pain. The temple was huge but as it was night time, all I could notice was the big spaciousness of the temple, the pond and the gates on 3 sides of the temple. That day was a wonderful day as I travelled happily to as many temples as possible & completely enjoyed singing everywhere the names of the Lords. I am really blessed to be born in this Bharatha Boomi..
Friends, you can comment on and provide more details of many such temples as I love travelling and the details may also be useful to others.
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