Pon Vilaintha Kalathur Kothandaramar Temple – Kanchipuram

Address

Pon Vilaintha Kalathur Kothandaramar Temple, Pon Vilaintha Kalathur/ P.V. Kalathur, Kanchipuram– 603 405, Phone: 044 – 27441142 Mobile: +91 – 94437 06842

Deity

Kothandaramar Amman: Alarmel Mangai

Introduction

Location: Pon Vilaintha Kalathur, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu (10 km south of Chengalpet).
Age: More than 1000 years old.
Presiding Deity: Kothandaramar (Rama with Kothandam).
Mother Deity: Alarmel Mangai.

Puranic Significance

Historical Connection: Sri Thoopul Nigamantha Mahadesikan passed through this village on his way to Thiruvahindirapuram.
Cultural Heritage:
- Promotes Tamil language; notable poets include Padikkasu Pulavar, Andhaga Kavi (Veeraraghava Mudaliar), and Pugazhendi Pulavar.
- Freedom fighter Salem Vijayaraghavachariyar hailed from this village.
Moolavar Deity:
- Pattabhi Rama in a grand Pattabhisheka posture with Sita on his left lap and Lakshmana by his side.
- The marks on the Moolavar Rama deity indicate the temple’s historical significance.
Name Origin: The village is named Pon Vilaintha Kalathur, meaning “golden yield from cultivation” in Tamil, due to a divine incident involving a white horse.

Special Features

Kothanda Ramar: Appears with Kothandam (famous bow of Mahavishnu) in his hands.
Temple Layout: Adjacent to the Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple; features a beautiful garden.
Postures:
- Sita Devi is seated on Rama’s left lap (unlike in most temples where she is on the right).
- The Moolavar Venkata Varadan deity, found during renovations, is 6 ft tall and blesses devotees facing south with Abhaya Hastam.
Renovation: The temple was renovated by Ahobila Mutt using sacred water from Vilakkoli Perumal Temple at Thoopul.
Nearby Temples: Includes Kodanda Ramar Temple, Dharba Sayana Ramar Temple, and Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple.
Chaturbhuja Ramar Temple: Located about 4-5 km away at Pon Padhar Koodam.