The Malayalam month Karkkidakam evokes devotional fervour among Hindus.
Ramayana, the epic, is recited with reverence at temples and homes during the month. Karkkidakam is often referred to as the Ramayana month as several pious observances and practices followed by people during the month.
Of late, ‘Nalambala darshanam’ is gaining popularity among a large number of devotees.
The pilgrimage to the four temples named after the presiding deities Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna, the four brothers in the epic, during Karkkidakam is considered auspicious by devotees. The pilgrimage to the four temples can begin in the morning and be completed by forenoon, according to N. Sukumaran Namboodiri, convenor of the Nalambala Darshan Committee.
The temples have been centres of worship for centuries, he said.
It is believed that worshipping all the four deities in the space of a day would bring solace and peace to devotees, he said.
The Sri Rama temple at Ramapuram is situated about 60 km from Ernakulam. The Koodappulam Lakshmana temple is situated 3.5 km from Ramapuram. The Bharata temple at Amanakara is located at 4 km from Koodappulam while the Shatrugna temple.at Methiry is located at a distance of 3 km from Amanakara. Again, the Sri Rama temple at Ramapuram is situated 5 km from Methiry. It will be ideal to visit the temples of Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna in that order, according to him.
Ramapuram is well connected by roads, with KSRTC and private buses plying the route leading to the temple, he said. Taxis and autorickshaws are available at Ramapuram to transport pilgrims to the other three temples.
During the Ramayana month, the temples in the Nalambala darshanam circuit are open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., according to Mr. Namboodiri.
