Kettavarampalayam Rama Navami Mandapam,
Thiruvannamalai
Rama
Navami Mandapam is located in Kettavarampalayam located about 20 kms south west
of Polur. This holy village is synonymous with Lord Sri Rama and Bhajans.
Kettavarampalayam is very popular for its Sri Rama Navami celebrations. Every
year all 10 days of Sri Rama Navami is celebrated with utmost devotion by the
natives. Though most of the native villagers have migrated and settled in
various places, everyone gathers during these 10 days of Sri Rama Navami to
celebrate Sri Rama.
It is
said that this village was once called as Kashtaharampalayam (a place where
ones difficulties are overcome) and in later days known as Kettavarampalayam
(means granting boons as per wishes) as many devotees’ wishes were granted by
Lord Sri Rama here. This is one place where one can hear, see and feel Sri Rama
Nama round the clock on all the 10 days of Sri Rama Navami.
This
tradition was started over a century ago in 1907 by one Sri Janakirama Dikshithar
in a small way during Sri Rama Navami. This cult has been carried forward
through generations by various Bhagavathas during various periods and now has
evolved as a very popular place of Sri Rama and Sampradaya Bhajans. A unique
feature of Bhajans at Kettavarampalayam is that the entire Bhajan from start to
finish is rendered in the standing posture by everyone, irrespective of the
number of hours.
Every
year during these 10 days devotees throng from various parts of the country to
witness the festival and take part in it. It is a feast for the soul to watch
the proceedings during the festival at Kettavarampalayam. All the above
happens, not in some ancient temple or a grand auditorium but in a simple
Mandapam constructed and maintained exclusively for this cause. The shrine does
not even have idol of Sri Rama, but has a beautiful image of Sri Rama Pattabhishekam
with divine charm.
This
place is called Sri Rama Bhajanai Mandhiram. The festival here starts on Sri
Rama Navami day and goes on for 10 days with various events happening on each
day. Sri Rama Seetha Kalyanam (Ram Sita Marriage festival) is very popular
here. The festival ends with Hanumanthothsavam on the last day. Laksharchana is
conducted every day on all the days of the festival. One can witness Laksharchana,
Vedic chanting, Ashtapathis, Sampradaya Bhajans and much more happening round
the clock in this village.
It is
said that, in Kaliyuga, Bhajans and Nama Sankeerthanams are the best way to
reach God. Unjavruthi tradition is very popular here, where Bhagavathas
reciting Bhajans on the street visit every house collecting Bhiksha. Members
from every house offer rice as Bhiksha which is collected and offered to the
Lord here. Also very renowned Bhagavathas and Bhajan groups come and perform
Bhajans every year in this village.
On
entering the village, there is an arch constructed during the centenary year
which welcomes us towards Sri Rama Mandhiram. Sri Rama Mandhiram is present is
the same street with Sri Rama in his beautiful Pattabhishekam posture. Devotees
in large numbers visit this place during Sri Rama Navami days. The photographs
of all the scholars including Sri Janakirama Dikshithar who started Sri Rama
Navami here and others who were instrumental in keeping the Kettavarampalayam
tradition alive are preserved and displayed in this Mandhiram.
A trust
called Kettavarampalayam Sri Rama Bhajanai Mandhiram Trust is formed by the
native people and the trust has constructed a huge Mandapam to accommodate the
visiting pilgrims, free of cost. Pilgrims can have a comfortable stay at this
Mandapam which is attached with all the basic amenities. Irrespective of the
number of visitors, the trust feeds each and every pilgrim visiting this place
right from coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner every day during these 10 days.
There is
a vast dining hall just behind Sri Rama Mandhiram which feeds thousands of
pilgrims every year. The native people have also recently formed a Vedha Paatsaala
(Vedic school) to teach Vedhas to aspiring children. The Paatsaala is running
in this village itself with about 4 residential students for now. This village
has a small beautiful temple for Sri Kasi Viswanathar. Another feature of this
village is its ancient hill temple called Malaikkovil where Sri Venkatesa Perumal
is blessing the devotees.
The very
popular Parvathamalai is just next to this village. The Dharshan of beautiful
Parvathamalai and the hill temple can be had from this village itself.
Thus Kettavarampalayam is sanctified by various temples around it and with Sri Rama Nama being chanted for over a century. There is also an age old saying that “One should visit Kettavarampalayam at least once in the life time”.
Thus Kettavarampalayam is sanctified by various temples around it and with Sri Rama Nama being chanted for over a century. There is also an age old saying that “One should visit Kettavarampalayam at least once in the life time”.
Contact
Sri Rama
Bhajanai Mandhiram,
Kettavarampalayam,
Via Adamangalam S.O,
Thiruvannamalai
District – 606901,
Phone: +91 44 4553 4041
Connectivity
Kettavarampalayam
is a small village located about 20 kms south west of Polur. Polur can be
reached by road from Chennai or Thiruvannamalai and also from Vellore. Buses
going from Polur to Melcholankuppam stop at Kettavarampalayam. Nearest Railway
Station is located at Thiruvannamalai and Nearest Airport is located at
Chennai.
