Padavedu Yoga Ramachandraswamy Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Padavedu Yoga Ramachandraswamy Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Padavedu,

Thiruvannamalai district,

Tamil Nadu – 605 905

Phone: +91 4181-248 224 Mobile: 94435 40660

Moolavar

Yoga Ramachandraswamy

Amman

Shenbagavalli

Introduction

Location and Overview

• Located in Padavedu village, Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu.
• 1 km west of Arulmigu Renugambal Temple.
• Rediscovered after being buried in sand for centuries.

Unique Iconography

• Lord Rama seated in Artha Padmasana with Chin Mudra alongside Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana.
• Lord Hanuman depicted seated in front of Rama, reading palm-leaf manuscripts.
• Rama and Sita sculpted in a single stone with a Peeta-seating arrangement.
• No Kothandam (bow) for Lord Rama, emphasizing his role as a teacher (Acharya).

Architectural and Historical Significance

• Constructed before the 12th century AD.
• Influenced by Vijayanagara Empire and Sambuvarayar chieftains.
• Inscriptions indicate support from King Krishnadevaraya.

Legends and Puranic Stories

1. Philosophical Representation:
   • Lord Rama revealed himself as the Paramatma to Hanuman, explaining the essence of the Vedas.
   • Lord Rama referred to as Yoga Ramachandra Murthy.
2. Destruction of Mahi Ravana:
   • Hanuman, guided by Lord Rama and Sita, defeated the hundred-headed demon Mahi Ravana.
   • Associated with Goddess Renuka Devi’s blessings.

Deities and Shrines

• Shrines for Vishwaksenar, Nammalvar, Periyalwar, Parasurama, and Sri Anjaneya.
• Corridor (prakara) houses Lord Venugopala and other deities.
• No shrine for Andal due to the temple’s focus on meditation and philosophy.

Worship and Beliefs

• Devotees seek blessings for education, wisdom, memory enhancement, marriage, and family unity.
• Offerings include ghee lamps, pasipayaru, and sweet Pongal.
• Attracts seekers of total salvation, emphasizing spiritual enlightenment.

Special Features

• Celebrated as a temple of academic and spiritual significance.
• Represents the Ramayana’s Saranagathi Veda (total surrender to the Lord).
• No Sorgavasal (gate to heaven); focused on inner spiritual realization.

Festivals

• Garuda Seva: Second Friday of Aavani (August-September).
• Masi Magam: February-March with Theerthavari at Mahabalipuram.
• Sri Rama Navami: March-April, culminating in the Sita-Rama wedding.
• Special abishekams on full moon, new moon days, and Punarvasu star days.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/03/yoga-ramachandraswamy-temple-padavedu.html

Century/Period

12th Century

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Padavedu

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvannamalai

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

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