Ponpadhar Koodam Chaturbhuja Kothandaramar Temple – Kanchipuram

Address

Ponpadhar Koodam Chaturbhuja Kothandaramar Temple, Kanchipuram Via P.V. Kalathur, Ponpadharkoodam, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu – 603 405 Phone: +91- 44 – 2744 1227 Mobile: +91 – 97890 49704 / 944

Deity

Chaturbhuja Kothandaramar

Introduction

• Location:
  • Situated in Ponpadhar Koodam, near Pon Vilaintha Kalathur, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
  • Approximately 10 km east of Chengalpattu and 70 km south of Chennai, easily accessible from the Great Southern Trunk (GST) Road.
• Deity:
  • Presiding Deity: Chaturbhuja Kothandaramar (Lord Rama with four arms).
  • Consort: Sita.
  • Notable Feature: Lord Rama is depicted with four arms holding a Bow, Arrow, Shanku (Conch), and Chakra.

Puranic Significance

• The temple is one of the few in India showcasing Rama’s Chaturbhuja form, which symbolizes his divine capabilities.
• Unique features include:
  • Sharp nails on Rama’s fingers, detailed life lines on his palm, knee caps, and visible veins on his legs.
  • The name Ponpadhar translates to “golden husk” in Tamil, indicating the historical abundance of golden grains in the area.
• Legend:
  • Sage Devaraja desired a divine vision of Rama and prayed at this site, leading to the establishment of the temple.
  • A devotee, Darmadhishta, was cured of a skin disease after worshipping Rama at this shrine, leading to a tradition of offering Tulsi garlands and sugar candy for healing.
• Miraculous Event:
  • In 1982, during a Pattabhishekam ceremony for Rama, a lone monkey appeared to observe the rituals. Villagers believed this monkey was Sri Hanuman himself, marking the event as auspicious.

Beliefs and Practices

• Couples visit the temple to pray for lasting relationships and reunion of separated spouses.
• Devotees offer Thirumanjanam, clothing (Vastras), and perform special pujas to seek blessings from Lord Rama.

Special Features

• The presiding deity is enshrined under a Lotus tower (Pushpaka Vimanam).
• In the front hall (Mandapam), shrines are dedicated to Lakshminarayana, Vishwaksenar, Namazhwar, Tirumangaiazhwar, Ramanuja, and Mahadesikar.
• Rama is depicted with Mahalakshmi on his chest, emphasizing his identity as Mahavishnu.
• Hanuman is also represented, shown in a humble pose facing Rama with his palms closed over his mouth in reverence.
• The Utsava deity is distinct, made from a combination of five metals (Pancha Loka), with intricate details in its craftsmanship.
• On Makara Sankranti (Thai Pongal), the deity participates in Pari Vettai, honoring his lineage from the Sun God.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several important festivals, including:

• Sri Rama Navami (March-April)
• Wedding Festival on Panguni Uthiram
• Tirukarthikai (November-December)
• Sudarshana Homam (February 21)

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Ponpadhar Koodam

Nearest Railway Station

Ottivakkam

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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