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.

Festivals

• Rama Navami: Celebrated on the 9th day of the month.
• Aipasi Pavitrotsavam: Annual festival held in the Tamil month of Aipasi.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Pon Vilaintha Kalathur

Nearest Railway Station

Ottivakkam

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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