Maduranthakam Eri-Katha Ramar Temple – Kanchipuram

Address

Maduranthakam, Chengalpattu circle,

Kanchipuram district,

Tamil Nadu 603306

Moolavar

Eri-Katha Ramar, Ramanuja

Amman

Sri Janaki Valli.

Introduction

Temple Location: The Eri-Katha Raamar Temple is located in Maduranthakam, Tamil Nadu, and is dedicated to Lord Rama.

Alternate Names: The temple is also known by names such as Mathuranthaka Chaturvedi Mangalam, Vaikunda Varthanam, Thirumathurai, Thirumanthira Tirupathi, and Karunagara Vilagam.

Historical Significance:

The temple was built during the Pallava era and is about 1600 years old.
It is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Rama in South India.
The temple has inscriptions indicating gifts from Chola king Parantaka I.

Puranic Story:

Eri-Katha Raamar: The name “Eri-Katha Ramar” came from a legend during British rule, when Colonel Lionel Blaze, the British Collector of Chengalpattu, promised to build a shrine for Sri Janakavalli Thayar if Lord Rama saved the village from flooding. The lake bund withstood the storms, and Blaze fulfilled his promise by building the shrine.

Ramanuja’s Connection:

Sri Ramanuja was initiated into the Pancha Samskara Mantram by Periya Nambigal under the Magizham tree in this temple.
This temple is also significant as Sri Ramanuja is depicted here as a Grihastha (married person), which is a unique feature of this temple.

Special Features:

The presiding deity is Sri Kothandaramar (Lord Rama), and the temple has several shrines, including for Sri Janakavalli Thayar (Sita), Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, Sri Ramanuja, and Sri Periya Nambigal.
Sri Ramanuja is depicted in white clothing here, unlike other temples where he is depicted in saffron.
The temple is located near the Maduranthakam Lake, and there is a temple pond called Sri Rama Theertham.
There are also shrines for Sri Aanjaneyar (Hanuman), Sri Vishwaksenar, and Sri Chakrathalwar.

Beliefs: Devotees believe that worshipping here cures diseases and brings peace and prosperity.

Festivals:

Vaikunda Ekadasi (December-January) is celebrated grandly at the temple.
Other festivals include Sri Rama Navami, Brahmotsavam (during the Tamil month of Aani), and Bashyakaarar Jayanthi (celebrated in the Tamil month of Chitrai).

Unique Features:

No Hanuman statue inside the temple, as Hanuman was sent by Rama to inform Bharata, but did not accompany Rama during the return journey in the Pushpaka Vimaanam.

Temple Architecture: