Thottiyam Veda Narayana Perumal Koil

Lord Vishnu is seen in sleeping posture using the four Vedas as his pillow
Guru- Budhan Sthalam - Prahalada seen as a 3 year old boy

Located in a serene village amidst a lot of greenery is the Veda Narayana Perumal Koil at Thiru Narayanapuram (or Veda Narayanapuram) about 4kms South West of Thottiyam, near Musiri (Trichy District), on the Northern banks of Cauvery.

A most distinct and unique feature at the Veda Narayanan temple is that Lord Vishnu is seen in a sleeping posture resting on and using the Four Vedas as his pillow. Lord Narayanan is said to have initiated Vedic Education to Brahmma and hence is referred to here as ‘Veda’ Narayanan.

Construction of the temple
Puranic Scriptures point to the fact that King Mahabala Vaanavaraya was taking his huge army to Mysore. As night befell, he took rest at this place. Lord Narayana is said to have appeared in his dream that night and asked him to install his idol here that was lying beneath the earth and to create festivals that people could enjoy. The Lord is believed to have assured him victory in his battle at Mysore.

Delighted at this, the king built the temple and dedicated this entire village to the temple. To date, about 160 acres of land belongs to the temple. It is a completely different story that the income from this is not being passed on to the temple. Hence, despite this rich history, the Veda Narayanan temple is today seen without much income. Also, the priest is offered only a meager salary. Will this change?

Prahalada as a 3 year old boy
Prahalada, who had only seen Lord Vishnu in an angry form while he was slaying Hiranyakashipu, wanted to see the soft side of the Lord. After undertaking penance here, Prahalad is said to have had a darshan of Lord Narayana in a more peaceful and happy form as a ‘Shantha Swaroopi’.

Lord Vishnu also promised a place for Prahalad near his feet - another unique feature seen at this temple is a 3 year old boy Prahalada in a standing posture at the feet of the sleeping Lord.

Goddess Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are seen at the feet of Lord Veda Narayanan offering their prayers.

Pillai ThiruNaraiyur Araiyar Abhimana Kshetram
Thiru Naraiyur Araiyar came here with his wife and 6 children in the hope of finding Moksham. One night, the leaves from the palm tree at the temple caught fire. Shocked at seeing this, Thiru Naraiyur Araiyar immediately threw his 6 children towards the Lord as a cover for him and to protect him from the raging flames. Unfortunately, the Lord continued to burn. Araiyar then threw himself into the flames and hugged the Lord so the fire would not touch his favourite Lord.

Pleased with his devotion, the Lord appeared before him and granted moksham to the entire family of the Araiyar. Hence, this place came to be called Pillai Thiru Naraiyur Abhimana Kshetram.

Vedic Initiation to Brahmma

Brahmma once turned arrogant as he was the only one who could ‘create’ things in this world. Wanting to teach him a lesson, Lord Vishnu created a unique idol that left Brahmma wondering about its creator. When asked, Lord Vishnu feigned ignorance saying that Brahmma was the only one bestowed with the rights of creation. While agreeing to this, Brahmma questioned the Lord as to who could have created this image and how this could have appeared without his knowledge and approval.

Lord Vishnu brought the truth before Brahmma and a message to the people at large saying that we should do what is expected of us. However, we should not become arrogant as a result of the exclusive/ special powers given to us.

‘Guru’ and ‘Budhan’ Sthalam
Realising his folly, Brahmma requested Lord Narayana for the initiation of the Vedas. Lord Narayana is believed to have appeared before him here at Thiru Narayanapuram and undertaken the Vedic initiation. As he initiated the Vedic lessons to Brahmma, the Lord is referred to here as ‘Veda Narayanan’. Having played the role of an Acharya and Brahmma having been a student/disciple of Lord Vishnu, this temple is said to be a ‘Guru’ and ‘Budhan’ sthalam.

Success in Education
Veda Narayana Perumal of Thiru Narayanapuram is said to help devotees in their education and learning. As Brahmma himself was initiated with Vedic Education, this is a special temple on the education front. Students/ children who visit this temple offering their sincere prayers and place their books at the feet of Veda Narayanan are believed to come out with flying colours in their education.

Festival
11 day festival in Vaikasi including a 9 day chariot procession
21 day Adyana Utsavam in Margazhi
Puratasi Navarathri.

There are Utsavams through out the year at this temple.

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Veda Narayanan in Sleeping Posture facing East
Goddess : Vedanayaki Thaayar (Separate Sannidhi)

Temple Time : 730am -1130am and 430pm-8pm
Contact : Thiruvenkatam Bhattar/ G. Kuppusamy(madapalli)
Telephone Number : 99766 11898 / 98948 06131

How to reach the temple:
Veda Narayanapuram is located about 50kms from Trichy on the Trichy-Namakkal-Salem Highway near Thottiyam.

1. Take the Trichy- Namakkal-Salem bus. Get down at Thottiyam (about 10kms west of Musiri). Take an auto Rs. 75-100 to and fro from Thottiyam to temple
2. Take Trichy- Kulithalai bus (NH 67) or Chennai-Mangalore (6107 Exp). Get down at Kulithalai and take a bus across the new 2 km bridge across the Cauvery to Musiri bye pass. From there, take a bus to Thottiyam (buses to Namakkal/Salem)
3. Local bus No. 6A from Musiri to ThiruNarayanapuram
4. There are 2 buses every day from Trichy to Thirunarayanapuram ( 9am and 330pm)

Contact auto driver Pushparaj at Thottiyam bus stand @ 97504 12183

The temple is about 4 kms from Thottiyam bus stand on the Kaatuputhur road via the Arasalur Arch.


(This story is thanks to inspiration from one unknown Shri. Surya who posted a comment on one of my previous stories wanting me to write about this temple. My sincere thanks to him for the motivation)

Thalaichanga Naanmathiyam Divya Desam

Chandran was liberated from his curse here

Lured by the beauty of the Naan Mathiyam Perumal of Thalaichangadu, Thirumangai Azhwar, sitting in Thiru Kannapuram, a Divya Desam about 50kms South West of here, indicated his instant desire to see the handsome Lord residing at this cool lotus filled Thalaichanga Naanmathiyam in his Periya Thirumozhi Verse 

‘கண் ஆர்  கண்ணபுரம் ....
தண் ஆர் தாமரை சூழ் தலைச்ச
ங்க மேல்திசையுள் 
விண்ணோர் நான் மதியை 
விரிகின்ற வெம் சுடரை 
கண் ஆரக் கண்டு கொண்டு கழிக்கின்றது 
இங்கு என்று கொலோ 

In the Periya Thiru Madal, Thirumangai refers to the special sacred water at Thalaichanga Naan Mathiyam Perumal temple: “நல் நீர்த் தலைச்சங்க நாள் மதியை ”. The sacred water (Theertham) tastes special here at this temple.

Inscriptions

Several inscriptions dating back over a 1000 years to the rule of Para Kesari Varma, Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola period are seen on the outer walls of the Prakara that indicate significant contribution made by these rules to this temple and the .

In ancient times, Thalaichangadu was a commercial hub renowned for Conches, with the Eastern coast of Kaveripattanam just around 7kms from here.

Thalaichanga Naan Mathiyam Perumal temple’s legend has close connections with at least two other Divya Desams – Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam and Parimala Rangan Temple at Thiru Indhalur (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2007/08/108-divya-desams-thiru-indhalur.html).

Chandran liberated from curse

Chandran, who was learning under the tutelage of Guru Brihaspathi, fell for the beauty of his Guru’s wife and cast an evil eye on her. Brihaspathi, who came to know about this, uttered a severe curse turning Chandran into a disease prone being. A shocked Chandran pleaded with the Guru to pardon him but Brihaspathi pronounced that the biggest sin of life is to caste one’s eyes on another’s spouse and that Chandran would have to undergo the curse for having cast his eyes wrongfully on his Guru’s wife.

Another story goes that Dakshan offered the hand of his many daughters to Chandran after being impressed with his handsome looks. However, Chandran fell in love only with Rohini and disregarded the others. Dakshan viewed that Chandran had become arrogant as a result of his good looks and cursed Chandran to lose his youth and his ‘striking personality’.

Three Phased Parikara to cleanse sins

To cleanse himself from his sins, Chandran requested Brihaspati to suggest parikara and was directed by his Guru to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu for atonement from his sins.

As the first step in his three phased parikara, Chandran undertook bath at the Chandra Pushkarani and performed service at the Ranganatha temple in Srirangam for 15 years. This helped him liberate himself from his ‘physical disease’.

Subsequently, he moved to Thiru Indhalur (in Mayiladuthurai) and offered prayers to Lord Parimala Rangan. Answering his prayers, the Lord reduced the severity of his curse and brought back a few of his handsome features. As per Chandran’s request, this place in Mayiladuthurai came to be called Indhunna (a name denoting Chandran) - later Indhalur- and this region was referred to as Chandran Kshetram.

Finally as the culmination phase of his parikara process, he came here to Thalaichangadu Kshetram

(Aruna Vana Kshetram) had bath at the Theertham and undertook severe penance invoking the blessings of Lord Vishnu who appeared here in a Chandra Vimana along with Shengamalavalli Thaayar and liberated him fully from all his curses. Hence the Lord here is also referred to as Chandra Saabha Haran.

A pleased Chandran requested that the Lord fulfil the wishes of devotees who pray sincerely to him at this temple, just as he did and to relieve them from curses and doshams.

Priest’s long trip every day

Despite this temple now being in a remote location with very little facilities, a redeeming feature is the commitment and devotion of Varadarajan Bhattar, who travels close to 20kms every morning from Mayiladuthurai to perform service to the Lord here at this temple.

Quick Facts

Moolavar         : Naan Mathiyam Perumal East Facing Standing Posture

Thaayar           : Thalaichanga Naachiyar

Utsava Deity    : Vensudar Perumal (Yoma Jothi Piraan)

Utsava Thaayar: Shengamalavalli Thaayar

Temple Time     :  10am-530pm

Contact            : Varadarajan Bhattar @ 99652 73712

Festivals

3day Pavitrotsavam in Puratasi

Navarathri Utsavam was started in 2008 after a gap of several decades.

Vensudar Perumal goes on a procession to the Thiruchangadu Village on the occasion of Vaikunta Ekadesi (the only outside procession of the year)

How to reach

Thalaichangadu is 15kms East of Mayiladuthurai (the same distance from Sirkazhi) on the Karaikal Highway and 2kms from Karuvi/Poompuhar Entrance Arch.

From Mayavaram, buses every hour to Karuvi/Thalaichangadu. From Sirkazhi, one can board the Karaikal bound bus to reach the temple in 45 minutes.

Cab around Mayiladuthurai divya desams: jayaraj@ 97887 76365

From Mayiladuthurai, auto will cost Rs. 250 to Thalaichangadu.

Vedu Pari Thirumangai Azhvaar

‘Thief’ Thirumangai Azhvaar’s way laying the Lord and trying to steal Namperumal’s jewels is enacted on this 8th day of the Era Pathu Festival

The last of the Azhvaars Thirumangai Azhvaar made a significant contribution, visiting and singing praise of the Lord in 86 Vishnu temples. While all other Azhvaars got things done by showing love and devotion to the Lord, Thirumangai Azhvaar alone was different. He was forceful in his interactions with the Lord and sometimes even threatening. We have seen in several cases where the Lord has come down a step to make Thirumangai sing praise of him.

He had threatened to leave Thiru Indhalur(http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/08/108-divya-desams-thiru-indhalur.html) without singing praise of Parimala Rangan as was the case in Thiru Ninravur(http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2008/03/thiru-ninravur-bhaktavatsala-perumal.html). He is also the only Azhvaar seen with a spear in his hand.

Thirumangai initiatied the Prabhandham Festival in Margazhi
While one of Thirumangai Azhvaar’s biggest contribution to the Srirangam temple was his effort in building the huge fort like walls around the prakaarams, it was also Thirumangai who wanted this (Margazhi Festival) to be a Tamil Divya Prabhandham festival as against just the Vedic recital that existed before his time and requested the Lord to make this a Divya Prabhandham Festival. And the Lord is said to have agreed.

A festival for Thirumangai
Nathamuni wanted to create a festival for ThiruMangai Azhvaar for his contribution to the Prabhandham. Thus, started the 10 day Pagal Pathu festival (the opening 10 days of the Prabhandham festival) which precedes the Vaikunta Ekadesi. Lord NamPerumal listens to the 1st 2000 Paasurams at Arjuna Mandapam at the Srirangam temple during the first 10 days.

Thirumangai turns thief
The story goes that Thirumangai fell in love with the beautiful Kumudavalli. In order to attain her, he accepts the conditions laid by her- to feed a 1000 people every day. In this attempt, Thirumangai Mannan loses his wealth, but his love for Kumudavalli remains. To try and fulfil the conditions, he turns a thief and resorts to ‘stealing’.

To bring him back on the right path, Lord comes to meet Thirumangai in a disguised form. Thirumangai, however, remains focussed on attaining his beloved and he way lays the Lord and threatens to remove all his ornaments. Despite all his attempts, Thirumangai fails in his attempt to remove the valuables from the ‘disguised’ Lord.

Angered at his failure and shocked at this strong defence shown, Thirumangai questions if that person is a magician. It is then that the Lord appears along with the Goddess in a Kalyana Kolam and shows his real form to Thirumangai and utters the astaachara mandiram in the ears of Thirumangai.

Thiruvai Mozhi Thirunaal was created for the Lord to listen to the beautiful Tamil composition ‘Prabhandham’. The 8th day of this Era Pathu festival is entirely dedicated to Thirumangai in recognition of his contribution. On this day, even the Paramapada Vaasal is closed.

Vedu Pari Festival
In Srirangam, this day is celebrated as Vedu Pari. Lord Namperumal comes out on a Horse Vaahanam from the Santhana Mandapam. On this day, the people from the ‘Kallar community’, who currently reside on the banks of the Melur Road Theppakulam, come with sticks and weapons to way lay Lord Namperumal and to steal the jewels of the Lord. This drama is enacted on the Eastern Side of the Srirangam temple in front of the Ramar Sannidhi adjacent to the 1000 pillar mandapam between 5pm and 7pm on the 8th day of the Era Pathu Utsavam.

Namperumal’s List of Jewels read out
To confirm that all the jewels of the Lord is intact, the entire list of jewels of Lord NamPerumal is read out. It is a time for the devotees to listen in to the different kinds of jewels worn by the Lord. This is the only day in the year when the list of jewels is read out. We had seen earlier that Lord Namperumal wears 365 different kinds of dresses on the Kaisika Ekadesi day.

Another speciality on this day is the performance of Vaiyali inside the temple. On all other occasions, Vaiyali is seen only outside the temple premises (on street processions).

This year(2009), Vedu Pari Utsavam is to take place today(14th January).

Thanjai Maa Mani koil Divya Desam

Lord Vishnu takes three different forms to kill three Asuras  

On the banks of Vennar, about 5kms North of Thanjavur on the Thanjavur-Thiruvayaru/Kumbakonam Road, are three Vishnu temples next to each other that together make up one Divya Desam referred to as Thanjai Maa Mani Koil - Veera Singa Perumal on the Eastern side, Manikundram Perumal 100 yards to the West and Neelamegha Perumal further to the West. NammAzhvaar, BhoothAzhvaar and Thirumangai Azhvaar have sung praise of the Thanjai Maa Mani Lord referring to the Lord as ‘Thanjai Yaali and Thirumangai Azhvaar in his praise of this Lord says  “En Seiken Adiyen, Uraiyeer Itharku Enrum En Manathey Irukum Pugazhth Thanjai Yaaliyai Pon Peya Ron Nenjam, Anru Idanthavanai Thazhale Purai Min Seivaan Arakan Nagar Pazhpada Soozh Kadal Sirai Vaithu Imaiyor Thozhum Pon Sei Maal Varaiyai Mani Kundrinai Anri En Manm Potri Ennaathey’ 

The Story Three Asuras- Thanjakan, Dhandakan and Ghajamughan – lived in this place and were creating havoc along with their army. Troubled by their constant harassment, Parasura Rishi offered his prayers to Lord Vishnu seeking his help in keeping the Asuras away. 

Neelamegha Perumal Vishnu is said to have first sent Garuda, who killed army of asuras leaving back only the 3 main asuras. Garuda, who appeared here all alone to destroy the entire army of the Asuras, is said to be continuing to reside and protecting the people of Thanjavur. Given the presence of Garuda, the age old belief is that there are no snakes around this place.

Neelamegha Perumal 

Following this, Lord Vishnu himself came down and killed Thanjakan, who realising his folly requested the Lord to name this place after him. Hence, this place came to be referred to as Thanjakanur and in course of time became Thanjavur. Mela Singha Perumal (Narasimha Perumal) Lord Vishnu then took the form of Narasimha to kill Asura Ghajamughan. As the Lord came in the form of ‘Yaali’(Narasimha), this place came to be called ‘Thanjai Yaali Nagar’.  

Inscriptions found here has reference to Sarobhoji king making significant contributions to this temple. 

Mani Kundram Perumal

The last asura, Dhandakan, angered at the death of the two others, went into the nether world. Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaaha, followed him and killed Dhandakasuran. Lord Vishnu then appeared on his own as Bhoo Varaahar at Sri Mushnum (to be seen in a separate story shortly) about 50kms North of this Divya Desam. 

As this was the place where Lord Vishnu brought an end to this mighty asura, this came to be called the Dhandakaranya Kshetram. Inscriptions found in Manikundram Perumal Koil point to significant contributions made to this temple by Maratha rulers in the 19th Century 

Thirumangai refers to Thanjai Maa Mani in his praise of this divya desam and calls this Vambulaan Cholai.

 

Festivals

Singa Perumal Koil- 10 day Chitrai Brahmotsavam 

Manikundram Perumal – 10 day Panguni Uthiram 

Neelamegha Perumal- 10 day Vaikasi Visakam Festival 

 Unjal Utsavam in all the three temples on Aadi and Thai Fridays 

Garuda Vaahanam-Street Procession in Vaikasi 

On the Vaikasi Thiruvonam day, 22 Lords from temples in and around Thanjavur including the the Thanjai Maa Mani Koil assemble at the Raja Street in Thanjavur and go on a street procession on the Garuda Vaahanam across the 4 Raja Streets. Also, on the Aadi Ekadesi day, there is a Thailakaapu Utsavam for all the three Lords of Thanjai Maa Mani koil. On the Thiruvonam day in Puratasi, there is a Desigar Utsavam at the Neelamegha Perumal Koil. 

Administration of the Temple 

The Thanjai Maa Mani koil is managed by the Thanjavur Palace, whose current prince is Shri. Babaji Rajah Bhonsle.  

 

Quick Facts 

Thanjai Maa Mani:

Neelamegha Perumal East Facing Sitting posture Goddess :Shenkamala Valli 

Manikundram : Manikundram Narayana Perumal East Facing Sitting Posture Goddess : Ambuja Valli Thanjai Yaali : Narasimha East Facing Sitting Posture Goddess : Thanjai Nayaki 

 Azhvaar : Thirumangai, NammAzhvaar and BhoothathAzhvaar

Temple Time : 730am-12noon and 5pm -830pm Priest : Narasimha Bhattar@93441 47850 / Sampath Bhattar 97919 48622 (Mani Kundram and Neela Megha Perumal) and (new) Narasimha Bhattar @ 63828 27048 (Singa Perumal Koil)

How to reach the Thanjai Maa Mani Koil 

Local buses every 10-15mts on the Thanjavur-Thiruvayaru route. Auto will charge about Rs. 75-100 from the Old Bus Stand One can also take the Thanjavur-kumbakonam bus to get down in front of the Thanjai Maa Mani Temple

Kudanthai Ramaswamy

A visit here is said to bring husband-wife unity, affection among brothers and strengthen friendship

Located half a kilometre south of Sarangapani Koil is Pattabhishekar Ramar Temple in Kumbakonam.

Built during the period of Achuta Nayak about 400 years ago, the Ramaswamy temple has each of the brothers (of Rama) in very devoted and respectful postures, ready to serve Rama.

It is said that Saarangan (of Sarangapani Divya Desam) appeared here in the form of Raama.

North facing Rama is a special feature at this temple, not seen in many other temples in India.

Rama is seen with Sita in a sitting posture flanked by Lakshmana who is holding Rama’s bow and waiting for his brother’s orders. Baratha is seen holding a brass umbrella over Rama, almost as to protect him from a hot sun while Shatrughna is fanning Rama.

Unique Hanuman
Lord Hanuman is seen with a Veena in one hand and reading the Ramayana in the other, not seen in any other temple.

Veda Paarayanam and Divya Prabhandham recital is a regular feature at the Ramaswamy temple.

Water Paint story of the Ramayana

One of the highlights of the Ramaswamy temple is the depiction, in the outer prakaram in a three layer format, of the entire Ramayana story sketched beautifully with water paint drawings along with the meaning of each sequence in the story.

Artistic SculpturesIn the mandapam outside the Sanctum, one finds several sculptures depicting historical events in a very artistic form. Some of the sculptures include Trivikrama Avataaram, Sugreeva and Vibheshana Pattabhishekam, Sita Kalyanam and Ahalya Saaba Vimochanam

Parikara Sthalam

It is believed that a visit to the Ramaswamy temple will bring about husband-wife unity, special affection among brothers and strengthen friendship. Belief also is that one’s enemies will go away and will actually become friends if they offer sincere prayers to Ramaswamy at this temple.

Festivals
Rama Navami Utsavam
10day Vahanam Utsavam leading up to Rama Navami. Also, the Chariot Festival during Panguni is a popular occasion at this temple. The old Chariot is being discarded and a new Chariot is being done up thanks to help from a devotee in Madras. The new one is expected to be ready by the Rama Navami Festival in Panguni.

Navarathri Festival
Grand 10 day festival during Navarathri where the Lord is decorated in different Alankaarams on each day

10day Kannadi Arai Oonjal Utsavam in Margazhi

Kanupodi Utsavam
On the Kanu day in Thai, Sita from Ramaswamy temple and Vijayavalli Thaayar from Chakrapani temple join Komalavalli Thaayar at the Sarangapani temple for Kanupodi Utsavam

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Pattabhishekar Ramar with Sita in a Sitting Posture facing North
Temple Time : 730am-12noon and 430pm-9pm
Priest : Soundara Raja Bhattar @ 94863 10896

How to reach
Auto will cost Rs.40 from the Kumbakonam Railway Stations/Bus Stand and Rs.25 from Sarangapani temple

Saligrama Kothandaramar Koil Punnai Nallur

The Only Ramar temple in India with all the moolavar deities made of the sacred ‘Saligramam’ Stone
1400 year old Utsavar idols of Raama, Sita and Lakshmana

‘Saligarama Kothandaramar’ Koil is located in Punnai Nallur, about 7kms East of Thanjai Maa Mani Divya Desam, on the Thanjavur-Nagapattinam Highway and about ½km North of the Thanjavur Mariamman koil. This temple is said to be the Abhimaana Sthalam of Neelamegha Perumal of Thanjai Maa Mani koil.

Saligrama Moolavar
This is possibly the only (Raamar) temple in India where the moolavar deities of Raama, Sita, Lakshmana and Sugreeva have been made of the sacred ‘Saligramam’ stone. One normally finds the black Saligramam (stone) in the shape of a small stone. Here at the Kothandaramar temple, each of the big sized moolavar idol (all of them are in Standing Posture) is from the Saligramam stone. It is believed that a Nepal king (who was the son in law of Thanjavur) presented the sacred ‘Saligramam’ stones to the Thanjavur king.

Historical Utsavar Idols
The utsavar idols of Raama, Sita and Lakshmana that one sees today are said to be 1400 years old. These were found buried at Puvanur village near Needamangalam about 25kms from here.

Special Status for Vaanara King Sugreeva
Another feature at this temple is the special status assigned to the monkey king Sugreeva. It is believed that Raama, in recognition of Sugreeva’s help in finding Sita, wanted the Vaanara King by his side.

Construction of the temple

The temple was built by the Maratha king Pratap Singh, who lived in the 18th century and who contributed in no small way to a number of Vishnu temples in and around Thanjavur. There are references to the fact that the Maratha queen Emunaambal Bai set aside a lot of fertile land for the Kothandaramar temple. She also contributed in various other ways to the progress of the temple. Maratha King Shivaji and Kaamatchiamba Bai also contributed in a big way to this temple.

Sun Signs - Another speciality
Lord Hanuman is seen in a separate sannidhi in a standing posture facing South with a lifted right hand and with a lotus in his left hand.

On the upper wall of the Hanuman sannidhi, one finds stone carvings of the 12 sun signs. The belief is that devotees who stand under their respective sun sign and offer sincere prayers to the Lord will be relieved from all the difficulties relating to their sun sign.

HayaGriva Sannidhi
It is also believed that Lord Hayagriva will assist in the education and intellectual learning for those who invoke his blessings here at the Kothandaramar temple on the Thiruvonam day every month.

Management of the temple
The Kothandaramar temple is under the management of Shri. Babaji Rajah Bhonsle, the current prince of the Thanjavur Palace.

A couple of other Kothandaramar koil in Tamil Nadu are Eri Kaatha Ramar koil in Madurantakam
( http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2008/11/madurantakam-eri-kaatha-raamar.html) and
Ramar Koil in Vaduvur on the Thanjavur-Mannargudi highway
(http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2008/12/vaduvur-kothandaramar.html)

Quick Facts
Moolavar Deities : Saligrama Kothandaramar Standing Posture with Sita, Lakshmana, and Sugreeva
Utsavar : Raamar with Sita Devi and Lakshmana
Temple Time : 7am to 12.30pm and 5pm to 830pm
Priest : C. Venkatesa Bhattar @ 97897 42778
Contact Address : 4/32 Ramar Sannathi Street Mariyammankovil(PO) Thanjavur 613501
Festivals : 9 day Rama Navami Utsavam in Panguni – Brahomotsavam
Garuda Sevai on Chaturthi day, Chariot procession on Navami day

How to reach the temple
One can board the Thanjavur- Nagapattinam /Amma Pettai and get down at Mariamman Koil stop.

Auto from Thanjavur bus stand/Railway Station / Thanjai Maa Mani Divya Desam will charge Rs.125-Rs.150 for a two way trip.