Makaliyam Sree Ramaswamy Temple

Irumpanam, Tripunithura, Dist. Ernakulam.

Makaliyam Sree Ramaswamy Temple is a historic Hindu place of worship located at Irumpanam, near Tripunithura in Ernakulam district, along the Seaport–Airport Road. Lord Sree Rama is the main deity. Built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, the temple has historical and cultural importance. Believed to date back to the period of the Chera dynasty, it is an important centre of worship connected with the ancient temple tradition of the region.

According to historical records and the architectural style of the temple, Makaliyam Temple is considered to have been built around the 12th century or during the later Chera period that followed. This was an important period in the development of temple architecture in medieval Kerala. From the 15th to the 18th century, the temple was initially under the control of prominent Brahmin families, local temple authorities (Ooraanma) or local rulers. It was later brought under the direct protection and supervision of the Cochin royal family, which ruled from Tripunithura. After the Travancore–Cochin merger, the Cochin Devaswom Board was formed in 1950 and the administration of the temple officially came under the Board.

In the mid-20th century, about eight decades ago, a major fire at the temple completely destroyed the old wooden towers and the surrounding structure. The present main temple complex was rebuilt during the 1960s–70s through the efforts of a local committee led by residents. Major renovation works were also carried out during the 2010–2020 period. As part of these works, the roofs of the main shrine were covered with copper sheets and Panchaloha images of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu were installed on the walls.

The concept of the main deity is associated with the famous Khara Vadham episode in the Ramayana. It is believed that the main deity here is Lord Sree Rama in a highly fierce form, immediately after killing Khara, the younger brother of Ravana, the ruler of Lanka and his large army. While most Sree Rama temples give importance to the divine presence of Lord Vishnu, the idol here is regarded as a combined form of the divine powers of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The presence of Shiva is believed to be part of the deity because of the fierce form of Sree Rama. There is no separate idol or shrine for Lord Hanuman here, but it is believed that wherever Sree Rama is present, Hanuman is also present. According to local tradition, Hanuman is believed to remain here in an invisible form, chanting the name of Rama. Devotees therefore remember Hanuman in their prayers when they visit the temple.

The temple is located along the busy Seaport–Airport Road at Irumpanam. The first thing that can be noticed from the road is the large entrance arch leading to the temple. While most Sree Rama temples in Kerala face east, Makaliyam Temple is one of the few Sree Rama temples that faces west, so its main front can be seen from the road itself. After passing through the entrance, visitors can see the spacious elephant shelter and the tall flagstaff in front of it. As the old towers were destroyed in the fire, the temple now has simple Kerala-style steps and an entrance instead of the large towers traditionally seen in Tamil-style architecture. A spacious nalambalam surrounds the main shrine, with a wooden lamp tower outside it. When the lamps are lit in the evening, this area becomes more striking.

The roof of the main shrine, built in the traditional Kerala style, is fully covered with shining copper sheets. As part of recent renovation works, the outer walls of the shrine were also renovated and Panchaloha images of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu were carved and placed in frames on the surrounding walls. The stone steps, known as the sopanam, leading to the shrine have carved yali faces on both sides, preserving traditional stone craftsmanship. Inside the shrine, the idol of Lord Sree Rama is installed in a standing posture. A unique feature of the idol is its powerful form with eighteen hands holding various weapons and musical instruments. The fierce form of Sree Rama after the killing of Khara is reflected in the design of the idol. Based on its form and the special worship practices, the deity is regarded as a combined manifestation of the divine powers of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, known as the Hari–Hara concept. As the idol represents these two divine aspects, the temple has two chief Thanthris who conduct two different sets of worship rituals.

Lord Ganesha, one of the main sub-deities, is installed in the south-west corner inside the nalambalam. The shrine is placed in the traditional position of Kannimoola Ganesha, commonly found in Kerala temples. Lord Dharmasastha or Ayyappa, is installed in a separate shrine outside the nalambalam on the south-eastern side of the temple complex. There is no separate idol or shrine for Lord Hanuman here, but devotees believe in his invisible presence in the mandapam in front of the main shrine or in the western passage and offer prayers and offerings to him.

The main annual festival is held every year in the Malayalam month of Makaram (January–February). It begins with the flag-hoisting ceremony and continues for eight days, ending with Pallivetta and Aarattu on the final day. Special Thanthri rituals and various cultural programmes are held during the festival. Sree Rama Navami, marking the birth of Lord Sree Rama, is observed with special Vishnu worship and Ramayana recitation. The Ramayana month observance during Karkidakam (July–August) is another important occasion. During this month, Ramayana recitation and distribution of medicinal porridge to devotees are held. Prathishta Dinam, commemorating the day when the idol was re-consecrated, is observed every year with special poojas. The 41-day Mandala period, from Vrischikam 1 to Dhanu 11, is also observed with special poojas and lamps, giving importance to Lord Ayyappa, the sub-deity.

Paalpayasam and Neypayasam are among the main offerings made to Lord Sree Rama. Devotees usually offer them for family prosperity and fulfilment of wishes. Other important offerings include Sahasranama Archana, with the recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama and Shiva Sahasranama, Bhagyasukta Pushpanjali for removing obstacles and bringing good fortune and Swayamvara Pushpanjali for overcoming marriage-related obstacles. Chandanam Charthu, in which the idol is fully covered with sandalwood paste, is offered to calm the fierce form of the deity and for relief from illness. Maalavilakku, in which lamps are lit in the lamp tower and around the nalambalam and Niramala, in which the temple is decorated with flowers on special days, are performed for peace of mind and removal of obstacles. Among the offerings to the sub-deities, Ganapathi Homam and Appanivedyam are offered to Lord Ganesha for removing obstacles, while Neerajanam on Saturdays and Ellupayasam are offered to Lord Ayyappa for relief from the effects of Shani. Aval Nivedyam and a Tulsi garland are offered to Lord Hanuman, in his invisible form, for the fulfilment of aims.

The daily worship begins at 5:00 AM with the opening of the main shrine. Nirmalya Darshan and Abhishekam are held at 5:30 AM, followed by Ganapathi Homam for the sub-deity Lord Ganesha at 6:00 AM and Ushapooja at 7:30 AM. The noon pooja is held at 10:00 AM, followed by the morning closing of the shrine at 10:30 AM. The shrine reopens at 5:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 6:30 PM and Athazha Pooja at 7:30 PM. The shrine closes for the night at 8:00 PM, marking the end of the day’s worship. The pooja timings may change on festival days and during special periods such as the Ramayana month and Mandala season.

Key highlight :-

• Located 4 km from Tripunithura, 7 km from Vyttila and 10 km from Ernakulam town.
• The nearest railway station is Tripunithura, 4 km, followed by Ernakulam South at 11 km, while
• Tripunithura Metro Station is 4 km.
• 27 km from Cochin International Airport.
• KSRTC and local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked near the temple..
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.