Thillai Vilagam Veera Kothandarama temple

The only Rama temple where Moolavar Lord is seen holding an arrow with the inscription ‘Rama Saram’ bringing out Rama’s philosophy in life

‘Deer Vahana’ Procession on the 11^th day of Rama Navami Festival in Panguni is a special feature

Located 50kms from Tiruvarur on Thiruthuraipoondi - Adiramapattinam ECR is the Veera Kothandarama temple in the Dhandakaranya Kshetram of Thillai Vilagam, a temple whose legend dates back to the Ramayana. After defeating Ravana, and on his way back to Ayodhya, Rama stayed here in the ashram of Baradwaja Rishi.

Anjaneya’s Dasa Posture

Anjaneya is seen next to Sita (who is seen in a Kalyana Kolam) in a Dasa Posture with his right hand close to his mouth in a posture of whispering something to Lord Rama. The story goes that Anjaneya was reminding Lord Rama of the promise to Baratha to return to Ayodhya at the stipulated time. Hearing this, Sita asked Anjaneya to carry curd rice to Bharatha with the message that they were on their way. On finding Baratha in a state of disbelief, Anjaneya lifted him on his shoulder and carried him to this region. It is at Mudi -Kandan (now Mudikondan) that Baratha found Rama’s hair and instantly recognised that his Lord was genuinely on his way back. It was at Mudikondan that Rama hugged his brother Bharatha in a happy gesture of meeting him again after many years (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2012/06/mudikondan-kothandarama-temple.html).

Belief is that presenting curd rice to Anjaneya at this temple would liberate the devotee from problem associated with marriage and navagriha dosham. The curd rice is packed on Anjaneya's body and is not distributed to the devotees.

Grand Posture

The 5feet Moolavar Rama is seen in a majestic posture sporting a handsome smile. To his right is Sita seen in a Kalyana Kolam.

Kothandarama is seen providing a ‘Tribangi’ Seva here at this temple. The neck has one kind of a curve, the hip a different curve and the leg in a bent posture. 

The Moolavar idol of Kothandarama is believed to be at least a 1000years old. Rama is holding the bow in his left hand. On a close look at his hands, one is able to see the nerves, the ring and his sharp nails. One is also able to see the sharp distinctive fingers on each hand just like a human hand.

Rama Saram- His special arrow

On his right hand, Rama is seen holding the arrow that contains the writing ‘Rama Saram’, the only one of its kind in a Rama temple. These writings refer to his philosophy of life – Oru Sol (Rama would not go back on the word he has given), Oru Il (Only one wife – he would not look at another woman) and Oru Vil (The special bow).

He used his special arrow only thrice during his life. The first time was in Chitrakoodam to kill Kakasuran. The story goes that while he was resting on Sita’s lap, the asura took the form of a crow and pecked on Sita. As blood started flowing, a drop fell on Rama waking him from his sleep. Realising what had happened, he let go this special arrow at the asura ‘crow’. Surrendering to Rama, the asura gave away an eye in liberation of his wrong doing. Hence, to this day, crows cannot see straight.

The 2^nd time Rama used the arrow to kill Vaali in Kishkinda and the third occasion was to kill Ravana in Lanka.

Rama’s legs – Distinctive features

Another interesting feature of the moolvar Rama is the distinctive marks. One is able to also see clearly the nerves and moles on the legs of Lord Rama. Also, one is able to see the knee cap on both the legs of the lord.

On his left leg, one finds the Raksha bandhan tied by mother Kausalya when Rama was young to protect him from evil forces.

5different Rama temples

The majestic posture of Veera Kothandarama at Thillai Vilagam is similar in facial posture to the ones at Mudikondan (Baalya Rama), Sri Vanjiyam (Hathambavur Rama), Madurantakam ( Eri Kaatha Rama) and Punnai Nallur (Saligrama Rama)

‘Thillai Vilagam’

Just adjacent to the Kothandarama temple is the Chidambareswarar Umayambigai temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where one also finds the idol of Nataraja. This temple is believed to pre date the Chidambaram temple and the two temples of Shiva and Rama are seen next to each other almost in the same complex with an entrance on the Northern side of the Rama temple into the Shiva temple. It is in this context that the place came to be referred to as ‘Thillai’ ‘Vilagam’. Traditionally Brahmins used to live south of the Vilagam.

The Pancha Loka idols of the Thillai Vilagam Rama temple were found buried in the ground to the west of the temple in the early 19^th century by Velu Thevar. The temple in its current form was built subsequent to that by Velu Thevar, whose clan are now the hereditary trustees of the temple (currently VG Sekar).

Festivals

Aadi Amavasai and Thai Amavasai days are sacred at this temple. Couples who bathe in the tank west of the temple on either of these two days are believed to be blessed with children.

11day Rama Navami utsavam in Panguni- with Vahana procession on each of the days

On the 4th day is the Garuda Sevai.

On the 10^th day of the utsavam, Rama Pattabhibhisekam is performed with the Lord seen with a special crown.

On the 11^th day is the Vidayatri festival where Rama goes on a procession on ‘Deer Vahana’ the only one of its kind.

Kothandarama Bhattar and his father Chakravarthy Bhattar have been performing selfless service at the temple for well over 60years now.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Veera Kothandarama East Facing Standing Posture along with Sita, Lakshmana and Dasa Anjaneya

Time         : 830am-1230pm and 5pm-815pm

Contact    : C. Kothandarama Bhattar @ 80568 56894 or 04369 245725

How to reach

Thillai Vilagam is off the Tiruvarur / Thiruthuraipoondi Muthupet highway 19kms West of Thiruthuraipoondi and 6kms East of Muthupet. Buses ply every 15minutes from Thiruthuraipoondi to Muthupet. One should get down at Gopala Samudram (17kms from Thiruthuraipoondi and 7kms before Muthupet). From here, mini bus will take one to the temple (2kms).

From Tiruvarur, cab to the temple and back will cost Rs. 1000-1250.

One can also reach the temple from Pattukottai(35kms) or Vedaranyam (40kms)

Gopinathan Perumal Temple Reddiarchatram

Twin Temples of Reddiarchatram

A hill temple where the handsome Lord Gopinathan is seen with a butter ball in each hand

Moolavar Lord is seen playing the Flute

Located 4kms South West of Kathir Narasinga perumal temple is the Gopinathan Perumal temple in Reddiarchatram on the banks of Maangarai River, whose legend dates back to the 13^th Century AD and the Nayak Period.  Lord Krishna is seen in a standing posture playing the flute. The Utsava deity, Gopinathan, is seen holding a butter ball in each of his hands. Gopinathan’s mother Koppammal is seen carrying food on her head.

In the heart of Reddiarchatram is the Kathir Narasinga Perumal temple.

(http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2014/06/kathir-narasinga-perumal-reddiarchatram.html)

The story

A devotee from the Pandya Kingdom took up a long national temple trip. On his way, he reached the drought hit Bellary. He suggested to the Vellalla king that he should visit the Pandya region which was seen in prosperous light with greenery all round with the rivers brimming with water.

The king’s wife Koppammal and their son Gopinathan along with their retinue made their way to this place accompanied by the huge number of cows that were struggling to survive in the drought.

Once here, the cows immediately took a liking to this place and refused to leave from here. They seemed to enjoy the green tinge to this place and enjoyed Gopinathan playing his flute every day sitting atop the hill.But unfortunately, the drought of which Gopinathan had become so used to, caught up with him here as well. The rivers dried up. And it seemed that the joys of the cows were short lived.

A worried Gopinathan invoked the blessings of the Lord and took an oath to give up his life as a sacrifice if the rains returned. The place was immediately blessed with plentiful rainfall and the cows were joyous once again. It was now time for Gopinathan to fulfil his promise.Leaving behind the entire herd, he took along with just one atop the hill. He left his flute on the branch of a tree and tied the cow to the tree. And fulfilling his promise, he jumped from the hill on to the horns of the cow leaving him dead.

Koppammal who used to carry food for him every noon was surprised not to hear the sweet music emanating from the flute and wondered if all was well for she only heard the saddened noises from the cows. As she reached the spot, she found blood across the cow and the body of his hanging. In a state of shock, she too joined his son in death leaving the cows to fend without support.

Construction of the idols

Later, the Zamindar from the nearby Kannivadi village came here on a hunting expedition. To his surprise, his cows came to a standing halt here at this place while the cows belonging to Gopinathan turned to deer. Despite his best efforts, the zamindar could not hunt out the deer. Back in his village, a Saint explained to him Gopinathan’s greatness and that he had actually had darshan of the Lord himself.

A pleased Zamindar built the idol of Gopinathan with a flute in hand and of Koppammal carrying food above her head. After later renovations, the temple in its current form and structure was built in the early 19^th century AD. The temple is at a height of over 400feet with one having to climb over 600steps to reach the temple.

From atop the temple, one can get a glimpse of Dindigul in the East and the Western Ghats and Kongu hills in the West and the  Pothigai hills in the South.

  

Quick Facts

Moolavar         : Kannapiran East Facing standing Posture playing the flute

Thaayar           : Koppammal

Utsavar            : Gopinathan with Butter Ball in each hand

Time                : 8am-12noon

Contact            : JK Gopinath @ 9600519180/94439 19182 / 94434 60639 or Radhakrishnan  99766 17056

How to reach

Reddiarchatram is about 15kms West of Dindigul on the Palani highway. From Reddiarchatram bus stop, auto will cost Rs. 75 to the foot of the temple. From Kannivadi Cross Road, one has to take a right towards West to reach the temple. Currently, trains on the Dindigul-Palani route do not stop at Reddiarchatram station.

One can climb the 600+steps in about 30minutes.

Call the temple authorities on the above numbers before visiting the temple.

Sanjana aims at Rowing Gold for India

Special Knack of catching up with the Technical aspects is a special trait in Sanjana- Captain M.R. Ravindra

14year old Sanjana Shyam has just come off a Gold medal in Sub Junior Girls (fours) Nationals in Calcutta and the excitement in her face is quite palpable. But her feet are firmly rooted to the ground for she believes that this is just the beginning and that there is a long way to go in realising her ultimate dream that of rowing for the country and winning a gold medal.

And her captain and mentor Captain M. R. Ravindra believes she is champion material. He pays glowing tribute to the young rower. ‘Sanjana has great potential to make it big in rowing at the international level. She has tremendous grit and a special knack of catching up with the technical aspects of rowing, which is important at this initial stage of her career. She is also a disciplined girl.’

‘She is currently on the right path and has all the right attributes to make it big. And with hard work and discipline, has it in her to carve a name at the national level.’

Quits Badminton to take up Rowing

Sanjana was a top 8 ranked player at the state junior level in badminton a couple of years ago but a combination of distance and cost led her to saying it ‘quits to badminton’ at a time when she seemed to be doing well.

It was watching her mother Saraswathi (who had represented the state in rowing in the early 1990s) row at the Madras Boat Club that inspired Sanjana to take the ‘dip’ into the Adyar River.

Later, Captain Ravindra pushed Sanjana’s mother to get Sanjana initiated into rowing. Ravindra had his reasons. ‘Rowing is a non impact Sport. Chances of injuries are less. And it provides peace and solitude to the rower. More importantly, it helps you improve on your co-ordination skills and the ability to work as a team as even the slightest mistake by a player in the fours could spoil the team’s chances. Hence each of the four players has to co-ordinate to get the best results for the team.’

Rigorous Training

If the early wins are any indication, Sanjana seems to have made the right move. And in this quest, she is training very hard. 6times a week, she wakes up at 5am and is off to the boat club before rushing off to school, even having her breakfast during her drive to the school. Back from school, she is back into the waters, atleast twice or thrice a week, to improve her timing in the doubles sculls and fours that she currently specialises in. The Ergometer tracks her fitness levels and she is constantly being monitored on various fronts.

Sanjana’s younger sister Shilpa is her best friend and fan. She keeps complete track of Sanjana’s schedules and adjusts to her elder sister in a way that is a delight to her parents.

With Rowing requiring round the year training at varied intensities, the early morning schedule is one that her parents too are getting accustomed to. Her parents wake up at the knock of five every morning to drop her at the MBC and pick her back to then drop her at school.

Captain Ravindra , who  himself was a national champion in 1982, cautions Sanjana of growting expectations and the need to keep improving.  He is pleased with the fact that her parents are very supportive, especially given that this is not a glamourous sport and is not necessarily financially lucrative at the moment for rowers in India.

Ravindra draws an interesting analogy. ‘This is more like kite flying. Only the person flying it enjoys it. Rowing is a very technical sport, even more technical than Golf.  At the moment, there is not much limelight on it in India. It is the last amateur sport in the world. Hence, you need to have passion and a drive to row. And at the moment, Sanjana seems to have the passion to progress to the next phase.’

Rowing, in the long run, could throw open significant higher education opportunities for young rowers like Sanjana, if they continue to pursue this sport. ‘It is the oldest collegiate sport in the West. And Sanjana is likely to be welcomed with open hands by the Universities in the UK and Australia if she performs to the best of her potential in the next 5-6years.’

Ravindra believes that Sanjana is currently in the ‘grounding’ phase of rowing. With age on her side, she can focus the next two years on developing her skill sets and getting into peak fitness including reaching a height of 5.5”/ 5.7” and the appropriate weight. Once into the Junior Category, her progress can be rapid, if she practices hard over the next two years. 

Chandomaye – An international footballer from Mylapore?

At 13, Chandomaye is working hard towards achieving her ambitious goal that of playing football for the country

From the time she was in class one, Chandomaye, daughter of Malola Kannan (renowned for his presentations on Nalayira Divya Prabhandham and Desigar Prabhandham), has been an athlete. She continued for about 3-4years until one fine day, her coach spotted her speed in running and suggested to her to focus on football for speed was an essential ingredient for footballers.

Now in class 7 at PS Sr. Sec School, Chandomaye practices for over an hour every evening on honing here football skills under the watchful eyes of the award winning coach K Kalidasan.

In the three years since she first kicked a football, Chandomaye has made rapid strides. Like her favourite Lionel Messi, she too (a forward) has scored goals that have helped her team win. During this period, Chandomaye has played in well over 10 inter school tournaments here in Chennai with her school finishing in the top three in most.

The big moment in her short career so far has been helping her school finish third in the CBSE Schools National tourney held last season. No school in South Zone had till then ever finished that high in the nationals.

Coach’s role

She credits all her interest and initial success to her coach Kalidasan who she claims is one of a kind coach. ‘He is a real motivator and knows how to get the best out of all the players. He comes all the way from Manali to coach us. He is a real inspiration for all of us at PS Sr Sec School. His way of coaching is very innovative and we enjoy every minute of the game.’ She also credits him for teaching all the football rules in a very easy and practical way.

Last year, she went to Hosur to play in the CBSE schools Nationals. She has also been to Bangalore and Coimbatore for South Zone tournaments. Recently, she was selected by the state association to be part of the Chennai District Football U 17 team that went to Dindigul.

She is also pleased of the encouragement given by her teachers and the principal. Earlier this year, the nationals tourney almost clashed with her final exams. With the team playing well and the prospect of a top finish, she was permitted to continue with the tournament.

With the possibility of figuring in different age groups tournaments over the next five years - U14, U17 and then U19 – age is on her side. With hard work and the right kind of coaching, Chandomaye could well go on to realise her dream- that of playing for the country. 

Puthur Erode Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple

1600AD temple where Goddess Lakshmi is seen seated on Lord Narayana's left thigh

Garuda seen facing South, away from Lakshmi Narayanan Sannidhi is a unique feature

  

Located 7kms South of Erode Railway Station on the Oothukuzhi highway is 17^th Century AD Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple in 46 Puthur. The temple was built in 1600 AD by Mysore Karthar kings. A 1750AD data records Deputy Collector Tulasingar attesting the construction of the temple by Mysore King.

Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan may have contributed to the temple later on like they did with a few temples here in this region.

Interesting Features

Goddess Lakshmi is seen seated on Lord Narayanan's left thigh with her feet place on Lotus petals.One finds several interesting features on the flag post at the Eastern Entrance. Navaneetha Krishnan and Anjaneya are seen in a Bala Posture. Unlike in all other temples where Garuda is seen facing the Lord, here he is seen facing South away from Lord Lakshmi Narayanan.

Inside the temple are centuries old idols of Kalinga Narthana and Vinayaka along side each other.

Dasavathara Paintings

On the inner roof of the Maha Mandapa are exquisite Dasavathara Paintings depicting each of the avatharas of Lord Narayana.

The later period additions - Maha Mandapa and Homam Mandapa have Kerala Style of architecture. Anjaneya is seen with his long tail up behind his head in a separate sannidhi facing North. 

The temple gains even more significance from the fact that Sringeri Sarada Peedam’s Barathi Theertha Swami visited this temple as part of his Theertha Yatra.

Festivals

Special Homam every full moon day along with full meals to all devotees who visit the temple that day

Abhishekam on Vaikunta Ekadesi

Special pooja on Hanuman Jayanthi

 

Quick Facts

Moolavar         : Narayanan with Lakshmi seated on his left lap

Time                : 6am-9am, open through the day every full moon day

Contact            : Prakash/Padmanabhan @ 94422 71818 / 94423 01001

How to reach

From Bus stand, take bus 19/19A to reach the temple. Mini Buses every 30minutes to 46Puthur.

Auto from Erode Station will cost Rs.100-120. Contact: 93641 08310

Thiru Kadaiyur Amirtha Narayana Perumal

The place where the nectar was handed to the Devas

Rahu Kethu seen together at the temple

Located 100yards south of the renowned Thiru Amirtha Kadeswarar -Abhirami temple is the ancient Amirtha Narayana Perumal temple in Thiru Kadaiyur, whose legend dates back to the churning of nectar and distribution to the Devas. Bala Anjaneya is a highlight here at this temple, which is entirely of ‘brick’ construction.

Legend relating to churning of Nectar

The story goes that with Indra losing his powers after being cursed by Sage Durvasa, the asuras started striking the devas with renewed vigour. The desperate devas fearing loss of their battle with the asuras sought the help of Lord Narayana to help regain their powers.

With the churning of the Nectar, Lord Narayana was all set to hand over the nectar to the Devas here at Thiru Kadaiyur but to his surprise the nectar disappeared and turned into a Shiva lingam (Amirtha Kadeswarar). Lord Narayana sought the permission of Goddess Abhirami (his sister) to help secure the nectar from Thiru Kadeswarar.  She appeared before him here at Thiru Kadaiyur and helped devas regain their powers.

While the Devas received the nectar from Lord Narayana here at the Amirtha Pushkarani, an asura too secretly picked it up only to be struck down by Lord Amirtha Narayanan. Having consumed the nectar, the asura did not die but had his body cut into two pieces - Rahu and Kethu. In memory of this event, they are seen here together in a separate sannidhi – a special feature at this temple. This is said to be a parikara sthalam for liberation from Rahu-Kethu dosham.

60^th/80^th Birthday Celebrations

Those who conduct their Thiru Kalyana functions at the Abhirami temple should also visit the Amirtha Narayana Perumal temple to secure the blessings of Amirtha Narayanan so as to complete the entire formalities of the celebrations. But most of the devotees who throng the Abhirami temple are not even aware of the existence of the ancient perumal temple at a walking distance and hence miss out on seeking the blessings of Amirtha Narayana Perumal and Amirtha Valli Thaayar.

Quick Facts

Moolavar        : Amirtha Narayana Perumal in a Grand Sitting Posture

Goddess           : Amirtha Valli Thaayar

Time                : 8am-1pm

Contact            : Rangaraja Bhattar @ 75983 80204

How to reach

Thiru Kadaiyur is 20kms from Mayiladuthurai / Sirkazhi. Take Tharangambadi bound bus via Akkur cross road to reach the temple. Auto from Thiru Kadaiyur bus stand will cost Rs. 40.

Bala Samudram Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal

Dasavathara Idols inside the Perundevi Thaayar Sannidhi is a special feature

One finds 12 Raasis sculpted on a single stone on top of the Maha Mandapa

 

Located 6kms South of Palani Dhandayuthapani temple is the 500year old Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal temple in Bala Samudram. The temple in its current form and structure is believed to have been built in 1504AD by Obula Kunda Nayak, who ruled this region. He was originally from Ahobilam and was keen to build a Perumal temple here. Indication of the centuries old existence is the strong granite structure of the complex housing Lord Varadaraja Perumal that is so symbolic of ancient temples. 

In memory of his home town, the Lord here came to be referred to as Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal.

The handsome looking Varadaraja Perumal is seen in a standing posture with Sri and Bhoo Devi by his side.

Dasavathara Idols

A special feature at the temple is the presence of ancient Dasavathara idols inside the Perundevi Thaayar Sannidhi.

Liberation from Doshams

Another feature is the presence of 12 Rasis sculpted on a stone in the Maha Mandapa. Visiting this temple and offering sincere prayers here is believed to relieve one from doshams.

Festivals

11day Brahmotsavam in Avani- Chariot Festival on Avani Revathi

11day Era Pathu Utsavam in Margazhi following the Paramapada Vaasal opening

On Puratasi Saturdays, a bhajan takes place from 9pm on Saturday evening till 7am Sunday morning.

On the moolam day in Margazhi, there is a special abhishekam for Anjaneya.

A homam is performed in Vaikasi on the occasion of Narasimha Jayanthi.

Every month, on Swathi there is a special Abhishekam for Lord Narasimha between 6am and 730am.

Ancient Vahanas

There are four Vahanas that date back several centuries. During the Brahmotsavam, Lord Varadarajan goes out on a procession around the streets of Bala Samudram on the Garuda Vahana, Hanumantha Vahana and Sapparam

Parikara Sthalam

As a solution to real estate problems, a special pooja is performed with ground nut invoking the blessings of Varaha Perumal.

A three Raja Gopuram is being planned at the Eastern entrance.

Quick Facts

Moolavar         :Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal in an east facing standing posture

Thaayar           : Perundevi Thaayar

Time                : 8am-12noon and 4pm-8pm

Contact            : R. Raghavan@ 99409 06500

How to reach

Town bus every 30minutes from Palani bus stand to Bala Samudram. Also, mini buses ply between Palani and Bala Samudram every half hour. Auto from Palani bus stand to the temple will cost Rs. 100-120.

Kathir Narasinga Perumal Reddiarchatram

Two Unique one of its kind features 

 6 ½ feet Anjaneya seen in the Agni Moolai of the temple, Bairava seen with 2 Vahanas

 

Located 15kms from Dindigal is the Pandya Period Kathir Narasinga Perumal temple in Kothapulli Village in Reddiarchatram, one that still has the strong granite structure of temples of that period. The temple was later renovated by Vijayanagara rulers and Kannivadi Zamindars. The temple has 220acres of land under its possession.

Kathir Narasinga Perumal is seen in a soft posture with a lean slim look unlike his normally angry presence in other Narasimha temples. The handsome looking Utsavar is seen with a conch and chakra.

Unique Anjaneya

 

A unique feature at the temple is the presence of the 6 ½ feet tall Anjaneya at the Agni Moolai (South Eastern corner of the temple), the only one of its kind in India. His body is facing the Eastern side while his face is turned towards the Northern direction. The right hand is lifted while the left hand is holding a mace in a posture to destroy the ego and arrogance. The huge tail is seen lifted behind on his right side.

One of its kind Bairava Sannidhi

Another special one of its kind feature at this temple is the presence of Bairava with two Vahanas. Normally one finds only a single vahana.

Chakkarath Azhvaar Sannidhi

Yet another special feature is the presence of ChakkarathAzhvaar carved on a square stone unlike the use circular stone. He is seen with Devas all around him.

Inscriptions

There is an ancient Pandya period inscription on South wall of the Maha Mandapa

Festivals

Vaikasi Narasimha Jayanthi

Avani Gokulashtami

Puratasi is celebrated in a grand way at this temple

1^st Saturday – Sandal Paste Abhishekam for Narasinga Perumal and Anjaneya

2^nd Saturday- Vennai Kaapu

3^rd Saturday-Vegetable Maalai for Anjaneya / Ekantha Sevai Moolavar/Utsavar Narasimha

                      On this day, there is also the Thiru Kalyana Vaibhavam

4^th Saturday- Maalai Alankaram for Narasinga Perumal and Anjaneya

5^th Saturday- Pushpa Alankaram for Narasinga Perumal and Anjaneya

One can find solutions to problems relating to wedding hindrances, joblessness and childlessness by offering sincere prayers at this temple.

 

Quick Facts

Moolavar         : Kathir Narasingar in an East Facing Standing Posture with Sri and Bhoodevi

Thaayar           : Kamalavalli Thaayar

Time                : 730am-12noon and 4pm-7pm

Contact           : Vijayaraghavan Bhattar@ 98430 85165/97877 05083

How to reach

Reddiarchatram is about 15kms from Dindigul on the Palani highway. The temple is on the main road ½ km east of the bus stop. Buses ply every 15minutes from Dindigul. One can also take the Dindigul-Ottanchatram town bus to get down in front of the temple (Perumal Koil bus stop).

Kothandarama Temple Gandharvakottai

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.

Unique Occurrence

On the 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd 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 Desikar on Southern West corner of the temple. Prabhandham Ghoshti 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