Sri Ramanatheswara Temple, Esalam

Address

Sri Ramanatheswara Temple, Esalam Vickravandi, Villupuram District- 605 203,

Deity

Ramanatheswara Amman: Sreedripurasundari

Introduction

• The temple in Esalam, Villupuram district, is notable for its historical and spiritual significance, linked to Rajendra Chola and the Cholapuram temple.
•  It is significant for researchers as it holds rare information about the reasons behind the construction of the Cholapuram temple.

Puranic Significance:

• Historical Context: The Arulmigu Viramiswaram Temple, dedicated to Esan (Lord Shiva), was built by Chavasiva Pandita, a guru to Rajendra Chola, during his reign. The village of Esalam is peaceful, with historical sites and ancient Pallava architecture nearby.
• Inscriptions: The temple’s inscriptions reference historical periods from the reigns of Rajendra Chola I, Rajathi Rajan, Kulothungan I, Rajarajan I, and Kopperunsingh I. The temple has undergone renovations under various rulers, including the Pandya, Vijayanagara, Nayak, and Maratha kings.
• Temple Structure: The temple features a Mahamandapam (great hall) with a shrine for Ambal Sreedripurasundari. The deity Ambika is depicted with lotus garlands and various hand symbols.

Beliefs:

• Healing Rituals: The temple is associated with curing cattle diseases. Devotees anoint the “Kalvarayan Idol” outside the temple with sacred water, which is believed to heal cattle. The tradition involves anointing with milk and oil to gain blessings and position-related benefits, akin to an Ashwamedha Yagya.

Special Features:

• Astronomical Alignment: On the first day of every year, sunlight aligns through a specific window and illuminates the deity.
• Sculptural Significance: The temple features intricate sculptures, including a notable sculpture with folded arms near the window. Historians speculate that Chavasiva Pandit might have been involved in the temple’s construction.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000

Managed By

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Nearest Bus Station

Perani

Nearest Railway Station

Viilupuram

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

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