Kumbakonam Sri Ramaswamy Temple- Thanjavur

Address

Kumbakonam Sri Ramaswamy Temple- Ramaswamy Kovil Sanathi St, Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 612001 +91 435 2401788

Deity

Sri Ramaswamy Amman: Sitalakshmi

Introduction:

• Location: Situated in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, the Ramaswamy Temple is a prominent shrine dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu.
• Architecture: Built during the 16th century by the Thanjavur Nayak kings, particularly under the reign of Achuthappa Nayak and later completed by Raghunatha Nayak, this temple features splendid architecture. Govinda Dikshitar, the Nayak’s prime minister, played a pivotal role in the temple’s construction, linking it with the older Chakrapani Temple.
• Rajagopuram: The temple boasts a five-tiered rajagopuram (main gateway), and exquisite sculptures adorn the pillars. The Ramayana is artistically depicted in three segments within the first precinct.
• Legendary Origins: It is believed that the temple idols were discovered in a tank in the nearby village of Darasuram.
• Renovation: The temple underwent a significant consecration (Maha kumbabhisekam) on 9 September 2015.

Puranic Significance:

• Ramayana Connection: The temple celebrates the epic story of Ramayana. According to legend, King Dasaratha of Ayodhya, desiring heirs to his throne, conducted a Puthrakameshti Yajna. As a result, Lord Vishnu was born as Rama, while his other forms, represented by Adisesha and Vishnu’s conch, were born as Lakshmana and Shatrugna. Bharatha, symbolizing Vishnu’s discus, was born to Queen Kaikeyi and ruled Ayodhya on behalf of Rama during his 14-year exile.
• Unity of the Brothers: The four brothers are celebrated for their unwavering devotion to Dharma and their close bond. They were not only united in soul and mind but also exemplified the principles of Vedic living.
• Coronation Style: In this temple, Lord Rama is depicted as He appeared on His Coronation Day in Ayodhya, accompanied by Mother Sita, Lakshmana, Bharatha, Shatrugna, and Sri Hanuman.

Beliefs:

• Weddings and Marital Harmony: Devotees pray for a suitable match or marital harmony, as Lord Rama and Mother Sita are depicted in their wedding posture. This contrasts with Ayodhya, where they are in coronation style.
• Worship Practices: Devotees perform Tirumanjanam (ritual bathing) for Lord Rama and offer vastras (clothes). The belief is that praying in this temple brings forth a sacrificial partner with noble qualities, much like the virtues displayed by the characters in the Ramayana.

Special Features:

• Unique Deity Configurations: Lord Rama blesses devotees in the company of His three brothers and Mother Sita. Sri Hanuman, instead of holding his traditional club, is depicted playing a Veena in this temple, highlighting his musical talent and calm, war-free nature.
• Wedding Posture: In most other temples, Lord Rama and Sita are housed in separate shrines, but here, they are together in a seated wedding posture.
• Satrugna’s Devotion: Shatrugna is depicted to the left of Lord Rama, fanning him with a Samara (whisk), while Bharatha holds the Royal Umbrella.
• Musical Hanuman: Sri Hanuman appears as a musician, holding the Ramayana epic in one hand and playing the Veena, symbolizing his deep reverence for Lord Rama’s story. This unique depiction showcases Hanuman as both a scholar and a musician.

Festivals:

• Sri Rama Navami: Celebrated in March-April during the Tamil month of Panguni, this festival includes special pujas in honor of Lord Rama’s birth.
• Masi Maga Festival: In February-March, Lord Rama and Mother Sita take a ceremonial bath at the Maga Magam Temple Tank and distribute Theertha Prasad (holy water) to devotees.

Century/Period/Age

16th century.

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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