Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram
The Kothandaramaswamy
Temple at Rameswaram, Tamil
Nadu is a shrine dedicated to the Hindu 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.
The
temple is surrounded by sea and remains a tourist attraction. It is easily
accessible from Rameswaram. It is believed that Ravana’s brother Vibishana
joined Lord Rama’s army at this place. This is the place where Vibishana was
crowned the king of Lanka by Lord Sri Rama.
The
walls of the temple have beautiful paintings inscribed on them, depicting the
story of Ramayana. Kothandaramaswamy Temple has several images of Lord Rama,
wife Sita, brother Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibishana.
Athi
Maram is one of the oldest trees located in the temple and there is a temple
tank named after sage Bhringi. The temple Gopuram looks odd to many Shaivites
as its structure is similar in shape to that of the Dakshinamoorthy Temple, a
Vaishnavite temple tower. The place nearby this temple is called as Nandavanam
or Nandambakkam, where Lord Rama lived for few days at sage Bhringhi’s ashram.
This
temple is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal Ocean and lies at the southernmost
tip of India. Tourists can take taxi from the city Centre to reach the
Kothandaramaswamy Temple. It is preferable to visit the temple in the early
morning, as over this, is the time when the temple gets crowded. Moreover,
tourists can stay in the rooms available within the temple for pilgrims.
Kothandarama
Swamy Temple is located 12 km away from Rameswaram. Here Lord Ramachandra
arranged for the coronation of Vibishana as King of Lanka after his surrender.
The walls of Kothandarama Swamy Temple are adorned with marvelous paintings
that depict the story of Ramayana.
Historical
Background
The
temple is estimated to have been constructed about 500-1000 years
ago. Rama, the main idol, is depicted as having a bow (Kothandam), and
hence the name Kothandaramaswamy for the idol.
The
temple is believed to be the place where Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana, asked Rama and his vanara (ape men) army for refuge. According to this
tradition, after the abduction of Sita, Vibhishana advised Ravana to return her
to Rama. However, Ravana did not listen to the advice, which led to
Vibhishana fleeing from Lanka and joining Rama's army. When Vibhishana
surrendered to Rama, the vanara army urged Rama not to accept Vibhishana
believing him to be a spy.
However,
Rama accepted Vibhishana under the insistence of Hanuman stating that it is his
duty to protect the ones surrendered to him. It is also said that after
the slaying of Ravana, Rama performed the "Pattabhishekam" (ascension
to king of Lanka) for Vibhishana at this place. The story is depicted in
painting across the walls inside the shrine.
Vibishana
took all the efforts to persuade his brother Ravana to return Mother Sita to
Rama whom he abducted in a cowardly way. Not only Ravana disagreed
with Vibeeshana’s advice but heavily came down on him to hit him with his legs.
Leaving his incorrigible brother for good, and came to Rameswaram where Lord
Rama was camping then and sought asylum. As a tribute to his
impeccable qualities, Lord Rama crowned him the king of Lanka even before
Ravana was killed in the battle. Remembering this event, the temple is
built in this island.
Location &
Importance
Situated
on an island that is surrounded by Bay
of Bengal and Gulf
of Mannar, the temple is
located 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from Rameswaram. When Dhanushkodi was
severely affected by the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone, the temple was the only structure that survived. Swami
Vivekananda is believed to have
visited this place after his historic trip to Chicago.
The
Temple
The
temple is situated in an island surrounded by Bay of Bengal and Gulf of
Mannar. Lord Sri Rama graces the devotees from the sanctum sanctorum with Mother
Sita and Sri Lakshmana with his bow Kodanda. As Lord appears with
the bow, He is praised as Kodandaramar and the place Kodandam.
Sri
Anjaneya is nearby praised as Anjaneya the Supporter. When Vibishana
came to Rama after breaking his relationship with his brother Ravana, the
monkey army did not agree to accept Vibishana as they suspected his
sincerity. But Sri Anjaneya recommended Vibeeshana’s case explaining
that he had personally observed his activities in Lanka and found him good in
all aspects and that he deserved to be accepted by the Lord. Hence,
He is called Anjaneya the Supporter. It is believed that he takes
the just prayers of the devotees to Lord Rama and helps them achieving their
desires.
Traditionally,
we see Sri Anjaneya in a worshipping form near Lord. In
this temple, Vibishana is awarded with this right. It is
also noteworthy that Vibishana was offered the ‘Azhwar’ title as he was
accepted by Lord. In this small temple, Garuda Bhagwan and Acharya
Sri Ramanuja have their shrines. Those seeking leadership position
through proper ways and to be away from the wicked pray here. Lord
helps them. This is the philosophy behind the coronation of
Vibishana.
Sethu
Samudram Project Alignment
After
Independence, six alignments were proposed for the implementation of the Sethu Samudram Shipping Canal
Project. Incidentally, the fourth
of the six proposed alignments was dropped because it proposed that a large
area around the Rameswaram Island, including the temple, be demolished.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
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.
Prayers
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.
Contact
The
Executive Officer,
Sri
Kodandaramar Temple,
Rameswaram
– 623 526,
Ramanathapuram
district
Phone: +91-4573 - 221
223
Mobile: 97912 45363.
Connectivity
Kodandam
is 12 km from Rameswaram on the Dhanushkodi route. Buses are available only at
specific hours. The devotee would have to walk a kilometer to reach the
temple.
Nearest
Railway Station is located at Rameswaram & Nearest Airport is located at
Madurai.