Sirukalathur Sri Parvatha Vardhini Sametha Sri Ramanatheeswarar Temple

Address

Sirukalathur Sri Parvatha Vardhini Sametha Sri Ramanatheeswarar Temple – Kanchipuram

Sirukalathur, Thirukavanur,

Kanchipuram district,

Tamil Nadu 600069

Moolavar

Ramanatheeswarar

Amman

Parvathavardhini (Visalakshi)

Introduction

Ramanatheeswarar Sirukalathur is a small and ancient temple on a small hillock. The temple had been badly damaged but recently renovates and brings it back to glory. The Shiva Lingam is on a square Aavudayar. Here the presiding deity is called as Ramanatheeswarar and Mother is called as Parvathavardhini, also as Visalakshi. A rare sight of Seetha as Goddess Vaibhavalakshmi is seen here.

Ramanatheeswarar Sirukalathur is on a small hillock near the banks of the Chembarambakkam Lake, about 10 kilometers northwest of Pallavaram and about 1.5 kilometers after Kundrathur.

Puranic Significance

Ramanatheeswarar Sirukalathur has been estimated to belong to the 10th Century CE based on the style of its architecture. This is the area where Sekkizhar was born and lived. From the fact that unlike other old temples in the area his idol is not seen, one could assume that this temple belongs to an earlier period.

Lord Rama to rid himself of the sin of killing Ravana is said to have visited many Shiva temples on his way back and Ramanatheeswarar Sirukalathur is considered one such and hence the name of the lord. It is also believed by the presence of Seetha as Goddess Vaibhavalakshmi that this is where she proved to the world that she is an Avatar of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Sekkizhar who used to go to Thiruvannamalai for Girivalam was once not well and he was said to have been told by the lord to perform the same around this hillock.

Special Features

The temple is facing east and Rishabam with balipedam are kept outside the temple. The pedestals are built with bricks. The Tamil inscriptions are at the base of the sanctum. It was believed that Sri Rama and Sekkizhar worshiped lord Shiva of this temple. Sri Sitha was identified as vaibhava Lakshmi. Here the Presiding deity and Mother facing east side in the temple, other deities are Ganesha and Surya. There is ashta lingam around temple. Also one can see all the 63 Nayanmar in the temple premises.