Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
Address
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Thattankoil, Mannargudi, Thiruvarur – 614 717.
Deity
Ramanathaswamy Amman: Mangalanayaki
Introduction
- The Thirurameswaram Temple is located 4.5 km off the Mannargudi-Thiruthuraipoondi road, in the village of Thattankoil.
- It is renowned for relieving devotees of Pithur and Brahmahathy Dosham, especially on Amavasai (new moon days in Audi and Thai months).
- The temple is noted for inscriptions from the Pandya and Vijayanagara kings.
Puranic Significance:
- Kumpakarnan’s Request: During the battle with Rama, Kumpakarnan requests Rama to spare Vibeeshana to perform Pithur Tarpanam for their ancestors, highlighting the significance of offering rites to ancestors.
- Mahabharata Story: When the Pandavas were in the forest, Nakula fetched water from a pond and died for not answering a question posed by a voice. Yudhishthira chose to revive Nakula over others because Nakula needed to offer Pithur Tarpanam for his mother.
- Sri Rama’s Pooja: After returning from Lanka, Sri Rama performed Shiva Pooja for five days at Thirurameswaram to atone for Brahmahatya Dosham (sin of killing) and to remove Pithur Dosham. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared to bless him.
Special Features:
- Temple Structure: The temple features a Rajagopuram (great gateway), Mahamandapam (grand hall), and separate shrines for Sri Ramanatha Swamy, Sri Mangalanayaki Ambal, Natarajar, Seetha, and Thirurameswaram.
- Historical Context: Built by Rajasekara Varman of the Chola dynasty.
- Benefits: The temple is believed to offer “thousand-fold benefits” for Pithur Tarpanam and is especially auspicious on Amavasai days for removing Pithur and Brahmahathy Dosham.
Century/Period/Age
1000 to 2000
Nearest Bus Station
Karuvakulam
Nearest Railway Station
Mannargudi
Nearest Airport
Trichy