Tirtha Atlas

The sacred geography of the Indic world — every site mapped, dated, storied, and cited.

1126 sites15 countries4 traditions30 centuries
Early medieval · Hindu · India

Koodalmanikyam Temple

കൂടൽമാണിക്യം ക്ഷേത്രം

Irinjalakuda, Kerala · 10.3466°, 76.2012°

BharataCheraKerala
Sacred since
800 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
attested by 854 (Chera)
Chera

History & significance

The only ancient Indian temple dedicated to Bharata and one of the four Kerala nalambalam shrines to the brothers of the Ramayana; a stone inscription of the Chera Perumal king Sthanu Ravi Kulasekhara dated 854-55 shows it already existed. Its hereditary head, the Thachudaya Kaimal, held both spiritual and temporal authority over wide estates until 1971.

Sthala katha — the legend

The temple tank Kulipini Theertham is held to have been sanctified by the sage Kulipini, who performed a great yajna at the spot.

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Related sites

Palani Dhandayuthapani Temple
Palani · India
attributed to Chera kings, early centuries CE; renewed since
Vadakkunnathan Temple
Thrissur · India
classic Kerala-style complex, medieval
Thrichittatt Mahavishnu Temple
Chengannur · India
Second Chera period (800-1102)
Thripuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple (Thiruppuliyur)
Puliyoor, Chengannur · India
Second Chera period (800-1102)
Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple
Thiruvanvandoor · India
Second Chera period (800-1102)
Thiruvazhmarban Temple (Thiruvanparisaram)
Thiruppathisaram · India
by 1139 (trad. Kulasekara Alvar)

Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Chera