SRI RAMA DARSHAN - THIRUKKUDANTHAI

The temple town of Kumbakkonam is the abode of several deities each unique and distinct. The temple of Lord Rama situated in the centre of the town is a connoisseurs' delight. The temple is replete with Purana.

King Raghunayak ruled Tanjore from 1614-1640. He was an ardent devotee of Rama . His lieutenant Govinda Dikshitar called Govinda Ayyan was also devout and looked after the temple works.

King Raghunayak dug a holy tank in Darasuram near Kumbakkonam  while the work was in progress they found icons of Rama and Sita in the tank. The King's joy knew no bounds. Thus he built a temple for Rama and called it Ramaswamy temple.

This temple is unique as Rama and Sita are in a Pattabishekam posture-Coronation scene Rama and Sita are surrounded by lakshmana, shatrugna, Bharatha and the ever obedient Hanuman with Veena in one hand and the holy book of Ramayana in the other hand in a sitting posture. This coronation scene attracts people from far off places who are awe struck at the divine sight of the celestial confluence.

The Ramaswamy Temple which depicts the paintings of Ramayanam is another important Vaishanavite temple in Kumbakonam. The greatness of Ramasamy Temple is said to be the only temple where Rama, Sita are in the same platform and also that Hanumar instead of reading the Ramayana is playing the Veena. The entire deity is said to be made from Saligrama Monolith which is truly astounding. Morever the Temple is filled with such intricate carvings in all its pillars that even great Bharatanatyam dancers come here to see the Mudras.

A separate sanctum sanctorum is dedicated to Srinivasa with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi There are separate shrines for Azhwars and acharyas. The temple looks majestic with a mammoth Gopuram which seem to beckon the devotees to propitiate the lord inside. There is a sprawling Mantapam which is a treasure trove of sculptures. The temple has well preserved paintings of Ramayanam.

In the Mahamandapa there are several pillars on which are sculptures depicting the "Ramayana". The carvings are sharp, and at the same time, they exude devotion. On the walls around the Prakara the "Ramayana" is again told, this time in murals. These have been often restored and renovated.

Moolavar : Rajaraman in Pattabishega Thirukkolam

Uthsavar : Kothandaraman

Location : South end of Kumbakonam Bazaar street

Specials :

1. This sthalam is also called Dakshina Ayothi

2. Sri Raman along with Seetha Piratti,Baradan,Chatruknan and Hanuman in Pattabishega  

    Thirukkolam

3. Chithira Ramayanam Painted in inner Praharam. If you do 3 Pradakshinam you can read the 

    whole story of Ramayanam.

4. Artistically designed front Mandap. Eye catching stone sculptures.

5. Hanuman is in sitting posture having Veena in one hand and Ramayana book on the other.

Important Uthsavams:

 
Chithrai – Akshaya Thirudiyai – 12 Garuda Sevai & Gokulashtami next day Uriyadi

Avani – Punarvasu – Thirukkalyana Uthsavam, Pavithrothsavam 7 days,Navarathri Uthsavam
10 days,Vaikuntha Ekadasi

Margazhi – 10 days Oonjal Uthsavam 

Thai 1st Sankaranthi Theerthavari, 

2nd Kanu Thayaar Uthsavam Panguni – 10 days Sri Ramanavami Uthsavam, 

9th day Thiruther, 

11th day Vidayatri Uthsavam - Raja Upachara Thirumanjanam and Pushpa Pallakku by Sri Rama Seva Samajam