It lies about 7 kilometers from the Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple, accessible via the Irinjalakuda-Mathilakam route. Lord Sathrughna is believed to be the reincarnation of the Sudarsana Chakra (the divine discus) wielded by Lord Mahavishnu.
Among the four temples of the Nalambalam pilgrimage, Payammal Temple is the smallest. The idol here, which was one of four retrieved from the sea by fishermen, is notably the smallest. Unlike the other three temples which feature circular Sreekovils (sanctum sanctorum), Payammal has a uniquely rectangular-shaped Sreekovil. The idol of Lord Sathrughna is housed within a square granite sanctum, radiating a rare divine aura.
Although the original Panchaloha (an alloy of five metals: brass, bronze, copper, gold, and silver) idol has gone missing despite attempts to recover it from the temple pond located behind the temple complex, the existing granite idol offers a profound sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment to devotees.
The temple conducts three main daily poojas: Usha Pooja (morning), Utcha Pooja (midday), and Athazha Pooja (evening). The temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes at 10:30 AM after Utcha Pooja.
The second session begins at 5:30 PM and remains open until 7:30 PM following Deeparadhana and Athazha Pooja. A special lamp called the Pinvilakku, placed behind the idol inside the Sreekovil, is believed to represent Sruthakeerthi, the wife of Lord Sathrughna. The sub-deity Ganapathy is also worshipped here, and devotees often perform the Ganapathi Homam as a special offering.
Offerings like Sudarsana Pushpajali and the submission of the Sudarsana Chakram at this temple are believed to bring prosperity and well-being to families. The temple’s annual festival spans five days, beginning on the Pooyam star of the Malayalam month Kumbha. The month of Karkkidakam, known as Ramayana month, is also celebrated here with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Historically, the temple suffered damage during the period of Tippu Sultan’s invasion. To safeguard the Panchaloha idol from Tippu’s army, temple priests concealed it in the temple pond on the western side. The temple was later restored and rebuilt through the collective efforts of the local community, who revived its festivals, poojas, and rituals. Today, Payammal Temple functions as a fully operational place of worship.The Nalambalam Yathra pilgrimage concludes with a visit to Payammal Sree Sathrughna Temple. Devotees often stop by the nearby Lord Krishna temple, Elambalakkattu at Edakkulam, on their way to Payammal.
Address: Sathrughna Nagar, Payammal Road, Aripalam, Kerala 680688
