Nedungundram Sri Ramachandra Perumal (Yoga Ramar) temple- Tiruvannamalai

Address

Nedungundram, Tiruvannamalai District,

Tamil Nadu – 606807.

Moolavar

Ramachandra Perumal (Yoga Ramar) and Lakshmana

Amman

Sita, Sengamalavalli

Introduction

Sri Yoga Ramar Temple is located in the Nedungundam village, Tiruvannamalai district, Tamilnadu. Here the presiding deity is called as Ramachandra Perumal, and Mother is called as Sengamalvalli.Sri Rama is seen sitting in this temple only. There is no temple bigger than this for Rama in Tamilnadu the form of Rama in the temple looks as if He is teaching Vedas. In this temple, He does not have his bow and arrow. Lakshmana holds these weapons. Hanuman has a place in the sanctum sanctorum itself in this temple only.

Thala Virutcham: Vilwa

Theertham: Shivatheertham

Puranic Significance

This is the place where Sukha Brahma Rishi, a saint with a Parrot face, was in tapas towards Ramar. While Lord Rama was on His way to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana and completing the Pattabisheham for Vibishanan, He noticed the tapas of Sukha Brahmar on the banks of Kaliyar. The Lord then alighted from His chariot and surprised the Sage by just appearing before him. We could imagine what could be the reaction and feelings of the saint. Ramar stayed here for a day at the request of Sukha Brahmar. Although He was in a hurry to go to Ayodhya to save Bharata, Rama honored the prayers of His devotee. The most noble qualities of Lord Rama – Sowlabya (simplicity) and Sowseelya (the ability to treat everyone alike) without any discrimination – are conveyed just by this act. The name Nedungunam conveys the noble quality of Rama – Nedum meaning high/ noble and Gunam meaning Quality/ Personality.

The Kaliyar River starts from here through the waters of the nearby Dheerkachala hill and ends at the Maduranthaham Lake near Chenglepat which was protected by Eri Katha Ramar. So both the temples are connected by legend.

Sukha Brahma Rishi is a devotee of Lord Shiva as well. Sukhar is an expert in changing forms and once he changed into a parrot. He flew to Kailayam where he saw Lord Shiva was preaching Shiva secrets to Parvathi devi and Sukhar wanted to know the secret. So he was flying around between Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi. Parvathi Devi got angry and cursed him to be in the Parrot form itself. Sukhar then pleaded pardon and Shiva gave some relief to be in human form but with Parrot face. Sukhar penanced at a place called Thiru Idaiyaru near Sidhalingamadam near Thirukoyilur and got blessed by Shiva. Sukhar has a separate shrine in this temple. Thus Sukha Brahma Rishi is a devotee of Lord Shiva as well as Lord Rama There is a Dheerkachaleswar (the nearby hill is called Dheerkachalam) temple at the Esanya corner near the Ramar temple at Nedungunam.

Beliefs

Praying Rama in the temple ensures peace of mind to the devotee. Sudharsana Azhwar promises happy wedlock and children to his devotees. Devotees also pray for business development, promotion in jobs, family prosperity etc. Devotees perform abishek with milk, curd, turmeric cosmetic powder, honey, sandal paste etc. They offer garlands made of Tulsi, Dhoti. Sari, flowers, jewels etc. to mother. Devotees also offer money in the Hundi and also undertake feeding the poor.

Special Features

This ancient and attractive Pallava period temple is quite big with tall temple walls. The Temple is believed to be 1500 years old. The five-tier magnificent Rajagopuram welcomes everyone.

The dividing line in Plantain leaf: It was a critical and embarrassing time for Rama then. He could neither refuse nor accept the hospitality of Sugabrahmma rishi to stay for a day and dine with him. The 14 years deadline to return to Ayodhya was nearing. Bharatha was all set to fall in the fire if Rama did not return in time. A confused Rama gave his ring to Hanuman to be given to Bharatha as evidence that Rama was fast on his way to Ayodhya. Meantime, Rama and Hanuman dined on a single leaf when Rama drew a line on the leaf to facilitate easy use. That line became a permanent mark on the plantain leaf, goes the hearsay story. This happened in Nedungundram. Sri Rama is seen sitting in this temple only. There is no temple bigger than this for Rama in Tamilnadu the form of Rama in the temple looks as if He is teaching Vedas. In this temple only He does not have his bow and arrow. Lakshmana holds these weapons. Hanuman has a place in the sanctum sanctorum itself in this temple only. Hanuman is holding the palm leaf book reading the scriptures. It is said that as Rama did not need to have his usual bow and arrow as he was returning back from the war on a peace path. There is an inner way to go round the sanctum sanctorum as a cave. The antiquity of the temple dates back to 1500 years. Sri Rama was installed in the temple by Rishi Krishna Premi. The temple is built by Krishnadeva Raya on a vast area of 8 acres.

Festivals

10 day Panguni (March-April) Brahmmotsavam and Sri Ramanavami, the 7th day car festival, 10th day Indravimana festival is grandly celebrated with the participation of all communities. On the second day of Pongal, known as Kanum Pongal or Kanu, Sri Ramachandra is taken in procession around the hill passing through Jaganathapuram, Arasambedu, Veppampattu to Villivanam, Chetpet Bazaar and Pazhampettai. Vaikasi Visakam (May-June) Karudasevai, Sri Krishna Jayanthi, all Saturdays, Tamil and English New Year days, Deepavali, Pongal are very devotionally celebrated when the crowd would be huge.