Nalambala yatra to begin on Thursday

Thrissur: The four renowned temples in central Kerala, where the annual Nalambala pilgrimage begins on Thursday, have become a beehive of activity. The temples situated within a 35- km radius in Thrissur district are those dedicated to Rama at Thriprayar, Lakshmana at Moozhikkulam, Shathrughna at Payammal in Vellangallur and Bharata at Irinjalakkuda.

The Nalambalam darshana coordination committee and various government departments and temple committees have made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage which takes place  in a span of one month.

The auspicious ‘Nalambala Theerthayathra’ begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam which is considered ideal for  spiritual and physical rejuvenation. The pilgrimage involves offering prayers at the four temples on a single day. It is believed that worshiping at each of these four shrines in a particular order will  wash away one’s sins.

The visit  begins at the Rama temple and ends at the Shathrughna temple. According to Mr K. Sudheer, Cochin Devaswom Board PRO, the temple authorities have made all preparations to receive thousands of pilgrims. CCTV cameras are being installed at strategic points to ensure security, he said.