Sun Rays fall on
the entire body of Kothandarama on three days every month
Interesting
stone carvings seen inside the temple including Rangantha in a sayana kolam
atop 5hooded serpent
Located
around 30kms from Thanjavur on the Pudukottai Highway is the early Chozha
Period Kothandarama temple in Gandharvakottai where Lord Rama is seen in a
standing posture flanked by Goddess Sita and brother Lakshmana. The temple is
believed to have been built by (Kanda) Aditya Chozha. The entire temple complex,
including the outer walls, is of a granite structure and dates back a
1000years.
The
story goes that Aditya Chozha was moved immeasurably after listening to the
story of Ramayana and ordered the construction of the temple. 1km west of the
temple is a Mandapa where the story of the Ramayana is depicted.
He
donated lands and initiated the conduct of daily poojas and annual festivals
here at this temple. Later, Thondaman king and Gandharvakottai Zamindars
renovated the temple.
There
was a Vasantha Mandapam with a dome like roof at the temple where the Lord used
to come on a procession and rest for a while enjoying the greenery around.
Stone Carvings
On
the North corner of the Maha Mandapa is a beautiful stone carving of Lord Ranganatha
in a sayana kolam taking rest atop the 5hood Adisesha with Thaayar pressing his
leg to put him to sleep. His head in a slightly lifted posture is seen resting
on the right hand.
On
the upper walls of Maha Mandapa are carvings of fish, an indication that the
Pandyas may have contributed to the temple and the construction of the
mandapas.
Unique Occurrence
On
the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of every month, the
sun’s rays fall on the entire body of Lord Kothandarama between 6am and 730am,
quite a unique occurrence at this temple.
Festivals
In
centuries gone by, Theppotsavam was celebrated in a grand manner at the temple.
Several of the vahanas that carried the Lord during Brahmotsavam processions
are still seen at the temple.
Kothandarama
goes out on a procession on Rama Navami
10day
Era Pathu Utsavam following the Paramapada Vaasal opening
Thirumanjanam
on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Childless
couples can invoke the blessings of Lord Hanuman who is seen in a separate
sannidhi here.
Thiruvengadam
Bhattar has been conducting poojas at the temple for almost 50years now. Till
very recently, he was paid a salary of just Rs. 50.
Renovation
There
is a separate sannidhi for Vedantha Desigar on Southern West corner of the
temple. Ghoshit used to take place here
in centuries gone by. However, this is now seen in a dilapidated state and has
to be rebuilt.
The
last renovation at the temple took place almost 45years ago. Several of the mandapas are in a dilapidated state and requires immediate attention. The temple comes
under the administration of Pudukottai HR & CE.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Kothandarama with Sita and Lakshmana
Time
: 6am-11am and 4pm-7pm
Contact : Thiruvengadam Bhattar
@ 98656 20114
How to reach
Gandharvakottai
is about 30kms from both Thanjavur and Pudukottai on the state highway. Buses ply
every 10-15mts between Thanjavur and Pudukottai. From Trichy, one can take the
Sengipatti-Pattukottai highway to reach the temple (50kms).
The temple is a 5minute
walk from the bus stop. Car from Thanjavur
Railway station and back will cost Rs. Rs. 400- 500/- Contact: 94435 88102
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