Debatable history of relics found from a pond at Prince Bharat’s Koodalmanikyam Temple

A few interesting relics, featuring idols, shaligram stones and coins have been recovered from the pond of Koodalmanikyam Temple at Irinjalakuda in Kerala on May 10. Bharat, the younger brother of Hindu deity Rama, is the presiding deity of the temple.

The relics’ history has led to a debate among the stakeholders about the identity and age of the relics.According to the TOI, the relics were discovered when the sacred theertha kulam (pond) was drained. While a senior devaswom official said that the relics were from the yagyashala of Maharishi Kuleepini, where he had performed a home ceremony about 5000 years ago, a seasoned historian denied the claim.

The locals believe that the ancient sages including Maharishi Kuleepini, had stayed and performed penance in the area which was a forest in those days.
Rajan Gurukkal, Historian and Ex Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University claimed that there is no temple in India as old as 5000 years. As per an inscription, which has the mention of Raja Sthanu, the temple dates back to the year 854 AD.
Gurukkal was further quoted as saying that Maharishi Kuleepini is a legend. The relics found from the pond are consecrated offerings thrown by the devotees, or those thrown by the local temples or Brahmin homes.
Reportedly, historian Dr Kesavan Veluthat has recognised the idols as Somaskandha, dancing Krishna, Lord Vishnu with Sri Devi and Bhoodevi.

While, a few objects could be used for worship in Nambuthiri houses, which were handed down to the temples afterward.