Unamancheri Sri Kothandaramar Temple (Ramar Temple) – Chengalpattu

Address

Unamancheri Sri Kothandaramar Temple (Ramar Temple) – Chengalpattu

172, Indira Gandhi Street,

Unamancheri,

Chengalpattu district,

Tamil Nadu 600048

Moolavar

Sri Kothanda ramar

Amman

Sri Sita.

Introduction

• Location: Sri Kothandaramar Temple is located in Unamancheri, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. The area is significant due to its historical connection with both Shiva and Vishnu temples situated on the west and east sides of GST Road, from Old Perungalathur to Chettipunyam.
• Deities:
  • The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Kothandaramar, an incarnation of Lord Rama.
  • The temple also honors Sri Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, and Lakshmana on the left side of Lord Rama in the sanctum.

Puranic Significance

1. Origin of the Name:
   • The name “Unamancheri” is believed to be derived from the original name Unam Maikkum Cholai, a reference to the place being a refuge for those suffering from disabilities or illnesses.
2. Age and Historical Background:
   • The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old, though there is no direct evidence of its antiquity. The style of the temple structure suggests that it may have been reconstructed during the 15th to 16th century, corresponding to the Vijayanagara period.
   • The Vijayanagara Dynasty’s emblem—featuring a boar, dagger, Sun, and Moon—can be found in the bas relief on the Ardha Mandapam wall, confirming the temple’s connection to this period.
3. Legend of Achyuta Deva Raya:
   • According to legend, Achyuta Deva Raya, the brother of the Vijayanagara King Krishna Devaraya, was born with a disability. Lord Rama appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to visit this temple and offer prayers. After following the divine instructions, Achyuta Deva Raya was cured of his disability.
   • As a gesture of gratitude, Achyuta Deva Raya expanded the temple by adding the Ardha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. The name Unam + Maikkum + Cholai signifies this act of healing, and the temple became a place where people with disabilities and those desiring children came to pray.
4. Iconography and Layout:
   • The temple faces east and includes the Garuda Deepa Sthambam, Balipeedam, and Garudan. The temple tank is located behind the temple.
   • At the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Rama is depicted in the Pattabhisheka posture, with Sita on his right and Lakshmana on his left. Also present are Bharatan, Sathrukkan (both in Anjali Hastam), and Hanuman.
   • A distinctive feature of the Hanuman idol is that it has faces on both the front and back, symbolizing his willingness to face all visitors during the Pattabhishekam ceremony.
5. Utsavar Kothanda Ramar:
   • The Utsavar (processional deity) of Kothanda Ramar is said to have nine moles on his body, a unique feature identified by a temple priest called Bhattacharya.

Special Features

1. Architectural Style:
   • The temple consists of the Sanctum Sanctorum, Antarala, Ardha Mandapam, and an open Mukha Mandapam.
   • A single-tier Nagara Vimanam is atop the Sanctum Sanctorum, but there is no Koshtam (niche) around the sanctum.
   • The pillars of the temple feature bas reliefs depicting donors, the Kalinga Narthanar, clowns, floral designs, animals, Hanuman, lady warriors, rishis, peacocks with snakes, Garuda, lotus medallions, etc.
   • The ceiling of the inner Ardha Mandapam showcases scenes of solar and lunar eclipses, with images of a snake swallowing the Sun or Moon, and various other creatures like fish, cranes, and lizards.
2. Stucco Images:
   • Stucco images of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are placed on the front top of the mandapam, adding to the temple’s visual splendor.

Festivals

• Ram Navami: Celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
• Vaikunta Ekadasi: A major Vaishnavite festival.
• Krishna Jayanthi: The birth of Lord Krishna.
• Hanuman Jayanthi: The birth of Lord Hanuman.
• Other Vaishnavite functions: The temple celebrates various festivals that are significant to the Vaishnavite tradition.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1000 years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Vandalur to Kelambakkam 

Nearest Railway Station

Vandalur railway station, Chengalpattu 

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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