Nedungundram Sri Ramachandra Perumal Temple – Tiruvannamalai

Address

Nedungundram Sri Ramachandra Perumal Temple – Tiruvannamalai

Nedungundram, Tiruvannamalai District,

Tamil Nadu 606807

Moolavar

Sri Ramachandra Perumal

Amman

Sengamalavalli

Introduction

The Ramachandra Perumal Temple is located in Nedungundram and is dedicated to Lord Ramachandra perumal. This temple was built by Krishnadeva Raya on a sprawling 8 acres land. This is the biggest temple for Sri Rama. There is an inner passage to go to the sanctum sanctorum as a cave. Sri Rama on his way back to Ayodhya after killing Ravana in the war at Lakna passed this way and met Sukabrahamma Rishi who was doing penance on the hill here.

Thala Virutcham: Vilwa

Theertham: Shivatheertham

Puranic Significance 

     On his way back to Ayodhya after the war with Ravana in Sri Lanka Sri Rama passed through this place and met Sukabrahamma Rishi who was performing penance on the hill here. The Rishi, immensely pleased with the visit of Sri Rama with Sita and Lakshmana gave Rama some palm leaves containing some rare scriptures. Receiving the palm volume from the Rishi with all humility, Rama sat with Sita on the left and Lakshmana on the right and asked Hanuman to read the scriptures. Hanuman sitting in a Padmasana form read the leaves. The Rishi taught Hanuman the Muktikopanishad here, according to a story.

  Sri Rama looks sitting calm in the sanctum sanctorum with his right hand on the chest, while Mother Sita holds a lotus in the right hand and left pointing to the feet of Rama as if telling the devotees that their destiny is safe at His feet. Brother Lakshmana is standing by the right side of Sri Rama. Hanuman is chanting the Vedas obediently sitting before the Lord. It is noteworthy that there is no bow and arrow with Rama in this temple. The dividing line in Plantain leaf: It was a critical and embarrassing time for Rama then. He could neither refuse nor accept the hospitality of Sugabrahmma rishi to stay for a day and dine with him. The 14 years deadline to return to Ayodhya was nearing. Bharatha was all set to fall in the fire if Rama did not return in time. A confused Rama gave his ring to Hanuman to be given to Bharatha as evidence that Rama was fast on his way to Ayodhya. Meantime, Rama and Hanuman dined on a single leaf when Rama drew a line on the leaf to facilitate easy use. That line became a permanent mark on the plantain leaf, goes the hearsay story. This happened in Nedungundram. Sri Rama is seen sitting in this temple only. There is no temple bigger than this for Rama in Tamilnadu. The form of Rama in the temple looks as if He is teaching Vedas. In this temple only He does not have his bow and arrow. Lakshmana holds these weapons. Hanuman has a place in the sanctum sanctorum itself in this temple only. Hanuman is holding the palm leaf book reading the scriptures. It is said that as Rama did not need to have his usual bow and arrow as he was returning back from the war on a peace path. There is an inner way to go round the sanctum sanctorum as a cave. The antiquity of the temple dates back to 1500 years. Sri Rama was installed in the temple by Rishi Krishna Premi. The temple is built by Krishnadeva Raya on a vast area of 8 acres.

Beliefs

Praying Rama in the temple ensures peace of mind to the devotee. Sudharsana Azhwar promises happy wedlock and children to his devotees. Devotees also pray for business development, promotion in jobs, family prosperity etc. Devotees perform abishek with milk, curd, turmeric cosmetic powder, honey, sandal paste etc. They offer garlands made of Tulsi, Dhoti. Sari, flowers, jewels etc. to mother. Devotees also offer money in the Hundi and also undertake feeding the poor.

Special Features

     On his way back to Ayodhya after the war with Ravana in Sri Lanka Sri Rama passed through this place and met Sukabrahamma Rishi who was performing penance on the hill here. The Rishi, immensely pleased with the visit of Sri Rama with Sita and Lakshmana gave Rama some palm leaves containing some rare scriptures. Receiving the palm volume from the Rishi with all humility, Rama sat with Sita on the left and Lakshmana on the right and asked Hanuman to read the scriptures. Hanuman sitting in a Padmasana form read the leaves. The Rishi taught Hanuman the Muktikopanishad here, according to a story.

  Sri Rama looks sitting calm in the sanctum sanctorum with his right hand on the chest, while Mother Sita holds a lotus in the right hand and left pointing to the feet of Rama as if telling the devotees that their destiny is safe at His feet. Brother Lakshmana is standing by the right side of Sri Rama. Hanuman is chanting the Vedas obediently sitting before the Lord. It is noteworthy that there is no bow and arrow with Rama in this temple. The dividing line in Plantain leaf: It was a critical and embarrassing time for Rama then. He could neither refuse nor accept the hospitality of Sugabrahmma rishi to stay for a day and dine with him. The 14 years deadline to return to Ayodhya was nearing. Bharatha was all set to fall in the fire if Rama did not return in time. A confused Rama gave his ring to Hanuman to be given to Bharatha as evidence that Rama was fast on his way to Ayodhya. Meantime, Rama and Hanuman dined on a single leaf when Rama drew a line on the leaf to facilitate easy use. That line became a permanent mark on the plantain leaf, goes the hearsay story. This happened in Nedungundram. Sri Rama is seen sitting in this temple only. There is no temple bigger than this for Rama in Tamilnadu. The form of Rama in the temple looks as if He is teaching Vedas. In this temple only He does not have his bow and arrow. Lakshmana holds these weapons. Hanuman has a place in the sanctum sanctorum itself in this temple only. Hanuman is holding the palm leaf book reading the scriptures. It is said that as Rama did not need to have his usual bow and arrow as he was returning back from the war on a peace path. There is an inner way to go round the sanctum sanctorum as a cave. The antiquity of the temple dates back to 1500 years. Sri Rama was installed in the temple by Rishi Krishna Premi. The temple is built by Krishnadeva Raya on a vast area of 8 acres.

Festivals

10 day Panguni (March-April) Brahmmotsavam and Sri Ramanavami, the 7th day car festival, 10th day Indravimana festival is grandly celebrated with the participation of all communities. On the second day of Pongal, known as Kanum Pongal or Kanu, Sri Ramachandra is taken in procession around the hill passing through Jaganathapuram, Arasambedu, Veppampattu to Villivanam, Chetpet Bazaar and Pazhampettai. Vaikasi Visakam (May-June) Karudasevai, Sri Krishna Jayanthi, all Saturdays, Tamil and English New Year days, Deepavali, Pongal are very devotionally celebrated when the crowd would be huge.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Nedungunam                                

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvannamalai Station

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

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