The Kodhandaramar Temple, located near the Punnainallur Mariamman Temple in Thanjavur, is a remarkable historical and spiritual site. This temple was constructed during the reign of the Maratha king Pratap Singh Maharaja, who ruled Thanjavur between 1739 and 1763 CE. The unique feature of this temple is that the idols of Kodhandaramar (Lord Rama with his bow), Sita, Lakshmana, and Sugriva are carved out of Shaligram stone, which is considered sacred and is traditionally associated with Lord Vishnu.
Temple History
In ancient times, it was customary for some people to gift Shaligram stones, which represent an aspect of Lord Vishnu, as part of wedding gifts. Shaligram stones are a type of beautiful, divine stone found in the Gandaki River in Nepal. The kings of Nepal and Thanjavur had close relations, and as a gesture of goodwill, the king of Nepal sent large quantities of gold, silver, and fine garments, along with a large Shaligram stone, to the king of Thanjavur.
As time passed, the Maratha king of Thanjavur, Pratap Singh Maharaja, noticed the Shaligram stone that had been sent as a gift. He was mesmerized by its size and beauty because typical Shaligram stones are usually small, palm-sized, or slightly larger. However, this particular stone was much larger, which inspired the king to order the creation of beautiful idols of Kodhandaramar, Sita, Lakshmana, and Sugriva. Additionally, he commissioned the construction of a temple with a grand Rajagopuram (temple tower).
Temple Architecture
Kodhandaramar is the main deity of this temple, and he is accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, and Sugriva. The temple’s Rajagopuram faces east and is constructed with intricate architectural details, comprising five tiers. Upon entering the temple, devotees are greeted by a Mahamandapam (main hall) where a beautifully carved circular stone pedestal holds the temple’s flagstaff, adorned with copper plates.
The inner walls of the Mahamandapam feature exquisite paintings in the Thanjavur style, depicting Garudalvar (the eagle deity), Hanuman, and the coronation scene of Lord Rama (Pattabhishekam). These paintings vividly bring to life the history of Lord Rama and the Ramayana for the devotees. In front of the flagstaff, Garudalvar has a separate shrine, revered as a deity who alleviates the sufferings of devotees. The entrance of the sanctum sanctorum is guarded by imposing Dwarapalakas (temple gatekeepers) on both sides.
The idols of the temple’s main deities are mirrored in the utsava murti (processional deities) of Kodhandaramar, Sita, and Lakshmana, which are also crafted with unique finesse. The temple boasts the ‘Soundarya Vimanam,’ one of the 96 different types of vimanas (temple towers) that stand out due to their distinct beauty.
Special Shrines and Features
Within the temple’s precincts, there are shrines for Thumbikai Azhwar, who holds the conch and discus, and for Maha Sudarshana Moorthy, depicted with 16 hands, each holding different weapons. It is believed that worshipping Sudarshana Moorthy systematically and with devotion grants good health, longevity, and inexhaustible wealth.
The temple’s sacred tree (sthala vriksha) is the Punnai tree, under which the footprints of Lord Rama are enshrined. Additionally, there is a separate shrine for Jaya Veera Anjaneya (Hanuman), who is worshipped with great devotion.
A Place of Salvation
Muktinath in Nepal is renowned as a holy site that grants liberation (moksha). Similarly, it is believed that the Kodhandaramar Temple, with its idols carved from Shaligram stones, also bestows liberation upon its devotees. It is said that those who adorn the deities of this temple with tulsi (holy basil) garlands and worship them earnestly will have their wishes fulfilled. It is also believed to alleviate ancestral curses (pitru dosha), resolve family problems, bring the blessing of children, and eliminate difficulties associated with the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities).
Temple Timings
The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This temple, with its historical significance, unique deities, and divine aura, attracts numerous devotees who seek spiritual solace and blessings.
The Kodhandaramar Temple is revered not only for its unique deities carved from sacred Shaligram stone but also for its profound spiritual significance and the rich history it embodies. Its architectural grandeur and the divine energy it radiates continue to draw worshippers and history enthusiasts alike.
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