Sri Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Address

Sri Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi Rd, Rameswaram- 623 526, Ramanathapuram district, Phone: +91-4573 – 221 223 Mobile: 97912 45363.

Diety

Kothandaramaswamy

Introduction

The Kothandaramaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu is a shrine dedicated to the deity Rama. Located at a distance of 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from Rameswaram, it forms the southernmost tip of the island.. The temple is the only historical structure to survive the 1964 cyclone that washed away Dhanushkodi. The temple has the deities of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and Vibhishana. Kothandaramaswamy Temple is one of the popular places to visit in Rameshwaram. This temple is situated the island, surrounded with sparkling waters of Bay of Bengal on one side and majestic Gulf of Munnar on another side. This temple is also said to be visited by the revered saint Swami Vivekananda before his tour to Chicago which was an important historic event.

Puranic Significance

In this temple Vibhishna, the younger brother of Lanka King Ravana is said to have joined with the Lord Sri Rama and his army. Vibhishana urged Ravana to return Goddess Sita to Lord Sri Rama after she was abducted. Vibishana tried everything he could to convince his brother Ravana to give Mother Goddess Sita back to Lord Sri Rama. Ravana, on the other hand, ignored Vibhishana’s advice, forcing him to leave Lanka and join Lord Sri Rama’s army. Vibhishana left Lanka and crossed over the sea via sky and came to surrender to Lord Sri Rama. All the leaders suggested Lord Sri Rama avoid accepting Vibhishana joining their army, but only Lord Hanuman explained that “Vibhishana is an honest man, we can believe Vibhishana and accept him to join Lord Rama’s army. At this temple, we find various beautiful paintings to visually represent the history of this temple. Lord Anjaneya / Hanuman is typically depicted in a worshipping posture near Lord. Vibishana is granted this privilege in this temple. In this temple, Garuda Bhagwan and Sri Lord Sri Ramanuja also have their shrines. Each year Vibishana Pattabishekam coronation celebration is one of the most noted festivals at this temple which is held in the Tamil month of Aani, which is between June to July. There is a temple tank named after sage Bhringi. Athi-Maram is one of the oldest trees located in the temple. This Temple was the only building left standing when Dhanushkodi was destroyed by a cyclonic storm in 1964, which washed away everything in Dhanushkodi. There is a place near the Temple named Nandavanam where Lord Sri Rama is believed to have stayed with sage Bhringi at his ashram for a few days.

Beliefs

It is suggested that those who want to be away from the wicked, desirous of following a righteous life and expecting promotions in job may pray to Lord in the temple. Devotees offer Tulsi garlands to Lord.

Special Features

In this temple, Lord Sri Rama, the main idol, is depicted with a with Bow and Arrow – the Kothandam, hence the temple’s deity is known as Kothandaramaswamy. In this Temple Rama blessed his devotees with Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshman, Lord Hanuman, and Vibhishanan.

Festivals

Special pujas are performed on the last Purattasi Saturday in September-October. Vibishana Pattabishekam-coronation – is celebrated in the month of Aani-June-July.