Ayodhyapattanam Sri Kothandarama Temple, Salem

Address

Ayodhyapattanam Sri Kothandarama Temple, Salem Ayodhyapattanam, Salem District- 636 103 Phone: 98948 70206/ 80981 21383

Sri Kothandarama Amman: Sita

The Kothandarama Temple in Ayodhyapattanam, Salem District, Tamil Nadu, is a significant religious site known for its unique portrayal of Lord Rama.

It is located approximately 10 kilometers east of Salem on the Tiruppattur / Athur – Vriddhachalam highway.
The temple dates back to the 17th century AD and was built during the rule of Tirumala Nayak.

Religious Significance:

The temple is associated with a unique depiction of Lord Rama. It is believed that after the battle with the Lankan king Ravana, Lord Rama, along with Sita, stayed at this place for a day.
On the request of Vibheeshana, Lord Rama is said to have appeared in a Pattabhisheka Kolam (coronation posture), with Sita to His left. Vibheeshana is depicted standing opposite Lord Rama and Sita, offering his prayers and seeking their blessings.

Temple Architecture and Artwork:

The temple features a five-tier, 150-foot-high Raja Gopuram (tower) at its eastern entrance.
The temple’s Maha Mandapa (main hall) has well-crafted pillars and artistic sculptures that date back to the Nayak period.
Notable features within the temple include musical pillars, cornices, horse pillars, and carvings of Dasavathara (the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu).
Carvings in the Maha Mandapa are believed to represent Tirumala Nayaka, his wife, and two sons.
The upper wall of the Maha Mandapa showcases Mooligai Paintings, which depict various medicinal herbs and plants.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Rama is depicted in a unique seated posture with His left leg resting on His right thigh. Alongside Rama and Sita, you can also find idols of Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, and Anjaneya.