Ramapuram Sree Rama Temple , Ramalayam , Ambalathazham, Ramapuram, Kottayam, Kerala 686576

Ramapuram Sree Rama Temple , Ramalayam , Ambalathazham, Ramapuram, Kottayam, Kerala 686576 - History , Timings, how to reach

Ramapuram Sree Rama Temple, popularly known as Ramalayam, is located in Ambalathazham village of Ramapuram in Kottayam district, Kerala. This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Rama and attracts devotees from nearby towns and villages throughout the year. The temple reflects traditional Kerala style architecture and offers a serene spiritual atmosphere for worship. Devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of Sri Rama for peace, prosperity, and well-being. Special poojas, rituals, and celebrations are conducted during Sri Rama Navami and other auspicious occasions, making the temple an important religious destination in the Kottayam region.

Nalambalam is a sacred group of four Hindu temples located in Kerala. In Malayalam, “Nalu” means four and “Ambalam” means temple. These temples are dedicated to the four sons of King Dasaratha from the epic Ramayana — Lord Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. Lord Rama, the eldest among them, is worshiped as the eighth incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu, who is considered the Supreme God in Hinduism. Bharata, the second brother, is believed to be the incarnation of Panchajanya, the divine conch held by Lord Vishnu. Lakshmana is regarded as the incarnation of Adisesha, the infinite serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests in the Ocean of Milk. Shatrughna, the youngest and the twin brother of Lakshmana, is believed to be the incarnation of the Sudarshana Chakra, the divine discus of Lord Vishnu. Visiting the Nalambalam temples is considered highly sacred during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July–August). During this period, devotees undertake the famous Nalambalam Yatra, a pilgrimage that involves visiting temples dedicated to the four brothers of the Ramayana. The stories of valor, righteousness, devotion, and love from the Ramayana resonate through the temples during this holy month. Devotees believe that worshipping the deities during Karkidakam helps relieve life’s troubles and hardships while bringing peace, prosperity, and protection from illness and difficulties. The four temples that make up the Nalambalam Yatra circuit are located in and around Ramapuram in Kottayam district of Kerala, about 37 kilometers from Kottayam town. These temples include Sree Rama Temple at Ramapuram, Lakshmana Swamy Temple at Koodappulam, Bharatha Swamy Temple at Amanakara, and Shatrughna Swamy Temple at Methiri. Devotees begin the pilgrimage by offering prayers at the Ramapuram Sree Rama Temple and then proceed to the other temples in sequence. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed by returning to the Rama temple before the noon pooja (Ucha Pooja), which is considered highly auspicious. According to local legend, Lord Rama rested at Ramapuram during his journey to Lanka. When he arrived at this beautiful place surrounded by mountains, forests, and greenery, he found it to be an ideal location for meditation. Meanwhile, his brothers Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, unable to bear the separation from their beloved brother, left Ayodhya and followed the southern path in search of him. When they eventually found Rama at Ramapuram, they decided to stay in nearby places. This divine event is believed to be the reason why four temples dedicated to the four brothers exist close to each other around Ramapuram, forming the sacred Nalambalam pilgrimage circuit. The pilgrimage usually begins at the Ramapuram Sree Rama Temple, where Lord Rama is worshiped as the main deity. Devotees seek his blessings for peace, prosperity, and happiness. Apart from Lord Rama, the temple also has shrines dedicated to Hanuman, Ganapathi, Dharmasastha, and Nagaraja. Special offerings such as arrow and bow offerings and family poojas are performed here. Devotees also offer special prayers to Hanuman and Ganapathi while visiting the temple. The next temple in the pilgrimage is the Lakshmana Swamy Temple at Koodappulam, located on the route towards Uzhavoor. The main deity here is a four-armed (Chaturbahu) idol representing Lord Lakshmana. There are also shrines dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali and Lord Ayyappa within the temple complex. This temple is especially popular among married couples who pray here for the blessing of children. One of the unique offerings performed here is the Manjal Para Vazhipadu, where turmeric is offered in a traditional measuring vessel. Devotees believe that this ritual helps in attaining Mangalya Siddhi, meaning finding a suitable life partner and early marriage. The temple also organizes Annadanam (free food distribution) every Saturday and Sunday when large numbers of devotees visit. The Bharatha Swamy Temple at Amanakara, located on the Koothattukulam route, is known for its scenic surroundings and serene atmosphere. One of the special rituals performed here is the Sankhu (conch shell) Pooja, symbolizing Bharata’s connection with the divine conch of Lord Vishnu. During the Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Karkidakam, special prayers are offered by devotees. The temple also has a beautiful pond, where devotees traditionally feed fish as a sacred offering. There is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, facing towards the east. The temple administration provides several facilities for devotees, including daily Annadanam. The final temple in the pilgrimage is the Shatrughna Swamy Temple at Methiri, which is known for its impressive architecture. The main shrine is built using hard stone and decorated with intricate carvings. According to temple belief, the deity here is worshiped as Shatrughna until noon, and after noon the deity is worshiped as Santana Gopalan, a form of Lord Krishna who blesses devotees with children. Because of this unique belief, the Nalambalam pilgrimage must be completed before the noon pooja. The temple is also famous for its beautiful carvings on the outer walls of the sanctum, which depict scenes from the Ramayana in a stunning three-dimensional style, making it a remarkable example of temple artistry. The Nalambalam Yatra is therefore considered a deeply spiritual journey that symbolizes devotion to the four divine brothers of the Ramayana. Devotees believe that completing this sacred pilgrimage during the month of Karkidakam brings blessings, removes obstacles, and fills life with peace, prosperity, and divine grace. . " " " " . , , , . ( ) . , . . , . ( - ) . , . . , , , . . 37 . , , , . . ( ) , . , . , . , , , . , . , . , . . , , , , . . . . ( ) . . . . . ( ) . . ( ) , . ( ) . , . . . , . , . , , , . . , . , , . . , , , , .

How to reach :

🚌By Road: The temple is located about 1.5 km from the Ramapuram junction on the Pala – Koothattukulam highway. It is approximately 12 km from Pala and 35 km from Kottayam town.

🚉By Train: The nearest major railway station is Kottayam (KTYM), about 35 km away. Ettumanoor is closer (approx. 25 km) for local passenger trains.

🛩️By Air: Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, located about 60 km from the temple.

🚉 : (KTYM) , 35 . ( 25 ).

🛩️ : 60 (COK) .

🛕Lord Rama is worshipped here in a four-armed (Chathurbahu) form, facing east.

🛕Lord Sastha – located south of the sanctum.

🛕Hanuman

🛕Bhadrakali

🛕Ganapathi

🛕Dakshinamurthy – also to the south of the sanctum.

🛕The temple is surrounded by the other Nalambalam shrines of Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, forming a unique pilgrimage circuit.

🌹Tantric Worship: Conducted according to Kerala temple traditions, with pujas offered to Lord Rama in his Chathurbahu (four-armed) form.

🌹Morning and Evening Pujas: Include deeparadhana (lamp offering), naivedyam (food offering), and archana (chanting of names).

🌹Subshrines: Rituals are also performed for Lord Sastha and Dakshinamurthy, located south of the sanctum.

🌹Annadanam: Feeding devotees is considered highly meritorious and continues as part of the temple’s service tradition.

🌹5.00 am Nirmalyam

🌹6.00 am Usha Pooja

🌹6.30 am Ucha Pooja

🌹9.00 am Nada Adackal

🌹5.00 pm Nada Thurackal

🌹6.30 pm Deeparadhana

🌹7.00 pm Athazhapooja

🌹9.00 pm Nada Adackal

🌹Nalambala Darshanam (Karkidakam): The most significant period for the temple. Thousands of devotees visit all four temples in a single day during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam to seek blessings and prosperity.

🌹Annual Festival (Meenam): An 8-day grand festival held in March/April. it concludes with the Aarattu (holy bath) ceremony on the Thiruvonam star.

🌹Sri Rama Navami: Celebrated with special pujas, feasts, and cultural programs.

🌹Ramayana Month: Daily recitals of the Adhyatmaramayanam occur throughout the month of Karkidakam.