Nedungundram Sri Ramachandra Perumal (Yoga Ramar) temple- Tiruvannamalai

Address

Nedungundram Sri Ramachandra Perumal (Yoga Ramar) temple- Tiruvannamalai

Nedungundram, Tiruvannamalai District,

Tamil Nadu – 606807.

Moolavar

Ramachandra Perumal (Yoga Ramar) and Lakshmana

Amman

Sita, Sengamalavalli

Introduction

• Location: Nedungundam Village, Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: Presiding deity is Ramachandra Perumal (Lord Rama) with Mother Sengamalvalli.
• Unique Aspect: Largest temple in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Rama, depicted seated in a meditative pose as if teaching the Vedas. Rama does not hold his traditional bow and arrow; Lakshmana holds them instead. Hanuman is in the sanctum, holding a palm-leaf book, symbolizing the study of scriptures.
• Thala Virutcham (Sacred Tree): Vilwa.
• Theertham (Sacred Water): Shivatheertham.

Puranic Significance

• Sage Sukha Brahma Rishi: A sage with a parrot face who performed penance to Lord Rama here. When Rama was returning to Ayodhya, he appeared before Sukha Brahma Rishi as a blessing, staying for a day at the sage’s request.
• Qualities of Lord Rama: The name “Nedungunam” signifies Rama’s noble characteristics—Nedum (high/noble) and Gunam (quality).
• Connection to Kaliyar River: Originates from Dheerkachala Hill and flows to Maduranthakam Lake, linking the Eri Katha Ramar Temple with this one.
• Curse of Sukha Brahma Rishi: Transformed into a parrot by Parvati’s curse, Sukha Brahma Rishi was granted a human form with a parrot face after his penance to Lord Shiva.

Beliefs and Worship

• Peace of Mind: Devotees pray to Lord Rama here for mental peace.
• Blessings for Marriage and Children: Sudharsana Azhwar is believed to bless devotees seeking a happy marriage and children.
• Prayers for Prosperity: Devotees pray for success in business, promotions, and family welfare.
• Offerings: Devotees perform abhishekams with milk, turmeric, honey, and other items. They offer garlands, dhotis, and money to the deity and undertake feeding the poor.

Special Features

• Ancient Temple: 1500-year-old temple with a 5-tier Rajagopuram and large temple walls built during the Pallava period.
• Unique Legend of Plantain Leaf: Rama marked a dividing line on a plantain leaf while dining with Sage Sukha Brahma, symbolizing his decision to stay despite a looming deadline to return to Ayodhya.
• Cave Pathway: There is an inner path around the sanctum, resembling a cave.
• Construction and Area: Temple was built by Krishnadeva Raya and spans 8 acres.

Festivals

• Panguni Brahmotsavam (10 days, March-April) with grand car festivals and processions.
• Sri Ramanavami (Lord Rama’s birthday) celebrated with a 10th-day Indravimana festival.
• Kanum Pongal (second day of Pongal, January): Procession around the hill to nearby villages.
• Other Celebrations: Vaikasi Visakam, Sri Krishna Jayanthi, Saturdays, Tamil and English New Year, Deepavali, and Pongal attract large crowds.

Century/Period

1500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Nedungundram

Nearest Railway Station

Bolur station

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

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