Sree Lakshmi Narayana Temple

Kumbalam, Dist. Ernakulam.

Located in Kumbalam, Ernakulam district, the Sree Lakshmi Narayana Temple is one of the prominent Vaishnava temples in the region. Lord Mahavishnu and Goddess Mahalakshmi are the main deities of the temple. Many devotees visit the temple seeking prosperity, wealth and the well-being of their families.

The Sree Lakshmi Narayana Temple is a recently built place of worship. The temple’s activities began in the early 2000s under the leadership of a locally formed temple committee. With the support of devotees and local residents, the temple was gradually developed and has grown into its present form.

Between 2000 and 2002, renowned astrologers identified this site as having a divine presence and decided that a Lakshmi Narayana consecration should be established here. The temple was then constructed in accordance with astrological principles and was opened to devotees in 2006. It was built under the leadership of the local temple committee and its chief organiser, Prakash Swami. The temple is open to people of all castes and religions.

As you enter the temple, the first structure you see is a spacious Aanappanthal (covered hall) where devotees can gather. Next to it is the tiled Valiyambalam, which serves as the main entrance to the temple. Passing through the entrance, you will see a gold-plated flagstaff directly ahead, with a large stone oil lamp beside it. Further inside is the tiled Nalambalam (inner cloister), built using timber and stone. Small oil lamps are arranged in rows along its walls. In front of the Sreekovil is a Namaskara Mandapam, where priests and devotees offer prayers. The pillars of the mandapam are decorated with beautiful carvings.

Walking through the Nalambalam, you reach the main Sreekovil, which is a single-storeyed square sanctum built in accordance with traditional Kerala temple architecture. The sanctum is constructed using granite and laterite stone, with a traditional tiled roof topped by a Thazhikakkudam (finial). In front of the Sreekovil is a brass-clad Sopanam (sacred steps), while a Pranalam (water spout) on the northern side carries away the water used for ritual ablutions. Sculptures of Dwarapalakas (guardian deities) are placed on either side of the entrance. The main deity is Lakshmi Narayana, with Lord Mahavishnu and Goddess Mahalakshmi enshrined together. The granite idol depicts the four-armed Lord Mahavishnu with Goddess Mahalakshmi seated on his left. A Prabhavali (decorative halo) is placed behind the idol.

Around the main Sreekovil are the shrines of the other deities. The shrine of Lord Ganesha is located inside the Nalambalam on the south-western side. A separate Sreekovil dedicated to Lord Dharma Sastha (Lord Ayyappa) stands outside the Nalambalam on the south-eastern side. The shrine of Goddess Bhagavathi is situated near the northern entrance on the north-western side of the temple complex, while the shrine of Lord Hanuman is located on the north-eastern side.

The annual temple festival, held during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April), is the main festival of the temple. It begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting and includes special poojas, Sree Bhoothabali, Pallivetta and Arattu. Cultural programmes and devotional music performances are also held during the festival. The Srimad Bhagavatha Sapthaha Yajnam is another major annual event, featuring seven days of Bhagavatha recitation, religious discourses and Annadanam (free community meal). During the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, from the Malayalam month of Vrischikam to Dhanu, special poojas, Deeparadhana and special worship for Lord Ayyappa are conducted. Special poojas are also held on Ekadashi, Ashtami Rohini and Ayilyam.

The main offerings at the temple include Santhana Gopala Suktha Pushpanjali, Purusha Suktha Pushpanjali, Bhagya Suktha Pushpanjali, Palabhishekam, Palpayasam and Venna Nivedyam. Santhana Gopala Suktha Pushpanjali is offered for the blessing of children and their well-being, Purusha Suktha Pushpanjali for good health and prosperity and Bhagya Suktha Pushpanjali for financial well-being. Various offerings are also made at the shrines of the other deities. Devotees offer Ganapathi Homam, Appam Nivedyam, Kadumpayasam and coconut breaking to Lord Ganesha, while Neyyabhishekam, Neeranjanam and sesame oil lamp offerings are made to Lord Dharma Sastha. Lalitha Sahasranama Archana and Vettu Payasam are offered to Goddess Bhagavathi, while betel leaf garlands and Vennakkappu are offered to Lord Hanuman.

The temple rituals begin at 05:00 AM with the opening of the temple and Nirmalya Darshanam. This is followed by Abhishekam, Malar Nivedyam, Usha Pooja, Ethruthu Pooja and Ucha Pooja. The temple closes for the morning at 10:00 AM. It reopens at 05:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana and Athazha Pooja, before closing for the day at 08:00 PM after Harivarasanam. The pooja timings may vary on special occasions, festival days and during the Mandala season.

Key highlight :-

• Located 4 km from Aroor, 8 km from Tripunithura and 9 km from Vyttila.
• The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction, about 11 km away.
• The nearest metro station is Vyttila, about 9 km away.
• KSRTC and local bus services are available to the temple from Ernakulam and Cherthala.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s designated parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.
• Contact number 7907306976