Mudikondan Kothandaramar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Mudikondan Kothandaramar Temple, Mudikondan, Thiruvarur District – 609 502 Mobile: +91 99659 23703

Deity

Kothandaramar Amman: Sita

Introduction

• Location: Mudikondan Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu
• Presiding Deity: Kothandaramar (Lord Rama)
• Mother: Sita (on the left)
• Brother: Lakshmana (on the right, holding the bow Kothandam)
• Temple Age: Believed to be around 1000 years old
• Pancha Rama Kshetras: One of five auspicious places: Thillaivilagam, Paruthiyur, Vaduvur, Mudikondan, Adambar

Puranic Significance

• Connection to Sage Bharadhwaja: Associated with the sage’s hermitage; mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana.
• Rama’s Visit: Lord Rama visited the hermitage during his journey to Lanka and promised to accept a feast upon return.
• Coronation: Lord Ranganatha coroneted Lord Rama with a flower crown (pushpa kireedam) at the request of Sage Bharadhwaja.
• Hanuman’s Anger: Hanuman is absent from the sanctum due to an incident where he felt neglected; he has a separate shrine outside.

Beliefs

• Blessings for Education: Prayers for high education and wisdom.
• Overseas Aspirations: Devotees seeking overseas education visit for blessings.
• Artistic Endeavors: Artists pray for recognition and skill enhancement.
• Reunions: Couples separated for any reason pray for reconciliation.
• Employment: Devotees seek job opportunities and promotions through prayer.

Special Features

• Temple Entrance: Features an arch with no Raja Gopuram; the main view resembles a crown.
• Unique Posture: Lord Rama is depicted with three bends in his body, known as ‘Uthama Lakshana’.
• Temple Orientation: The temple faces east instead of south, a unique feature allowing Sage Bharadhwaja to view Lord Rama.
• Absence of Hanuman: Hanuman’s shrine is opposite the sanctum, marked by his gesture of folded hands (Anjali hastan).
• Ramatheertham: A sacred tank located behind the temple.
• Alangudi Swamigal Ashram: Nearby ashram dedicated to reading Srimath Bhagavatam.

Festivals

• Procession: The deity is taken in procession on the 3rd Saturday of Purattasi (September-October).
• Sri Ramanavami: A 13-day festival culminating in Sitarama Kalyanam.
• Punarvasu Star Day: Special pujas performed monthly in honor of Lord Rama’s birth star.
• Special Days: Significant gatherings on Saturdays and during festivals like Deepavali, Pongal, and New Year celebrations.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Mudikondan

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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