Payammal Sree Shatrughna Temple

Payammal, Dist. Thrissur

Payammal Sree Shatrughna Swamy Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine at Payammal, near Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district, Kerala. Dedicated to Shatrughna, the younger brother of Lord Rama, it is one of the few temples in India where Shatrughna is the principal deity. The temple is the fourth and final shrine visited during the traditional Nalambalam pilgrimage, undertaken in Kerala during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, traditionally associated with the Ramayana.

The temple is traditionally associated with the early Bhakti tradition of Kerala and is believed to have ancient origins. It is said to have suffered extensive damage during the military campaigns of Tipu Sultan of Mysore in the 18th century. According to local tradition, anticipating an attack, the temple priests concealed the original Panchaloha image in the temple pond. Despite subsequent attempts, the image could not be recovered. After remaining in a state of disrepair for a prolonged period, the temple was revived through the collective efforts of local residents and devotees. A new Krishnashila (black stone) image was consecrated and regular worship was restored. The temple is traditionally said to have once been a larger Maha Kshetram, with an extensive outer enclosure believed to have been large enough to accommodate an elephant.

According to the traditional Nalambalam legend, four images once worshipped by Lord Krishna at Dwaraka were carried into the sea and subsequently recovered from the shore by Vakkayil Kaimal, a chieftain associated with the region. Following a divine vision and guidance from astrologers, the four images were consecrated at four locations in central Kerala: Thriprayar for Sree Rama, Irinjalakuda for Bharata, Moozhikkulam for Lakshmana and Payammal for Shatrughna. Another local tradition states that Vakkayil Kaimal was guided by a mysterious short-statured man who indicated suitable locations for the consecration of the four images. A further legend associates the site with sages who are believed to have worshipped Lord Vishnu here when the region was covered by dense forest.

The temple follows the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture, characterised by low-rise structures, timber detailing and steeply pitched tiled roofs. The temple complex is enclosed by a compound wall, with a simple entrance pavilion leading into the courtyard.                       A prominent deepasthambam stands in front of the main shrine. The Mukhamandapa is a spacious, roofed structure supported by pillars and connected to the main shrine, providing a transition between the outer courtyard and the Sreekovil.

The main Sreekovil is a square (Chathura Sreekovil), a distinctive feature of Payammal in comparison with the circular Vatta Sreekovils of the other Nalambalam temples. It has a granite base, timber-framed walls and a steeply pitched, multi-tiered tiled roof with a decorative gabled finial over the entrance. The entrance is approached by a short flight of granite steps and has an elaborately ornamented metal-clad doorway. Traditional timber latticework and horizontal wooden members are visible along the surrounding walls. The shrine is oriented towards the east, with the principal deity housed within the inner sanctum. The deity is worshipped in the bhava of Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu. The original Panchaloha image is believed to remain in the temple pond, although attempts to recover it have been unsuccessful. A Pinvilakku, or lamp, is kept behind the main image within the Sreekovil and is traditionally associated with Sruthakeerthi, the wife of Shatrughna. Lord Ganapathi is associated with the Sreekovil, while Hanuman is consecrated in the Mukhamandapa. During Karkidakam, special Ganapathi Homam is performed.

The annual Thiruvutsavam is the principal festival of Temple and is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March) with traditional rituals and festivities. The temple also observes Ramayana Masacharanam during Karkidakam, along with Sree Krishna Jayanthi and Vinayaka Chathurthi, which are marked with special poojas and devotional rituals.
The temple offers a variety of traditional vazhipadus, including Sudarshana Pushpanjali, Shatrusamhara Mantrarchana, Sahasranama Archana, Ayur Sooktharchana, Sudarshana Homam, Ganapathy Homam, Maha Mrityunjaya Homam, Sudarshana Chakra Pooja and Navagraha Pooja. Other offerings include Shankhabhishekam, Ilaneer Abhishekam, Nei Payasam, Paal Payasam, Thulabharam, Choroonu, Niramaala, Chuttuvilakku, Nei Vilakku and various floral garlands. Sudarshana Chakram is also offered as a special Samarppanam.

The temple conducts three main daily poojas: Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha Pooja. On normal days, the temple is open for darshan from 5:30 am to 10:30 am and from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, covering the morning and evening rituals, including Deeparadhana. During Karkidakam, when the temple receives a larger number of devotees, the visiting hours are extended to 5:00 am–1:30 pm and 4:30 pm–8:00 pm.

Key Highlights

•  Located 7 km from Irinjalakkuda
•  About 15 km from Irinjalakkuda Railway Station.
•  Local bus services are available.
•  Dedicated parking is available for private vehicles.
•  Accommodation and dining facilities are available nearby.
•  Phone:  +91 944 6571 668