Santhana Ramaswamy Temple, Needamangalam, Thiruvarur
Santhana Ramaswamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Vishnu located at Needamangalam Town in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu.
Legends
Needamangalam:
In the 18th century, Saraboji Maharaja Prathapasimha
along with his wife Yamunambal took bath in the Saketha Pushkarini in front of
Santana Ramaswamy Temple in Needamangalam. They were the childless couple who
were blessed with children after praying to Santhana Ramaswamy here. Hence this
place came to be known as Neeradumangalam and subsequently Needamangalam.
Muthuswamy
Dikshidar song on Santhana Ramaswamy:
Sri Muthuswamy Dikshidar sang a song “Santhana Ramaswamy
sathguna swaroopam” on this Ramar.
People
worshipped Lord Vishnu here:
Srimath Udayavar, Srimath Nihamantha Mahadesigan, Sri
Nammazhvar and Sri Thirumangai Azhwar worshipped Lord Vishnu here
History
The is said that the temple was built during the rule of
Prataba Simha spanning from 1739 to 1763. Maharaja Prathapasimha who
established the Maratha empire built two temples in Needamangalam with a rest
house-choultry. The Chola region of Thanjavur district including
Tiruvarur has its reputation of being linked to Kasi-Varanasi. There are
many poems and hymns by Azhwars add to the name and fame of the place. This is
a beloved temple to the heart of Maharaja Pratapa Simha. He has a history as
majestic as he was in his holy life. The samprokshanam of the temple was
performed in the year 1924, Maha Samprokshanam in 1956 and the consecration in
the year 2006.
The
Temple
The temple is situated in the centre of the town. Other
temples in the town are on the east of this temple. Three sides are
covered with water sources from Vennaru and Korayaru rivers. Saketha
Pushkarani is named after Sakethapuri the other name of Ayodhya. The
temple has a Vasantha Mandapam, front Mandapam, flag post, Yagasala, Balipeeta
etc. in all the directions. The idols of Alwars, Nikamanda Maha Desikan,
Sri Garuda, Hanukan are installed in places according to scriptures.
Lord Santhana Ramaswamy with Mother Sita and Brother
Lakshmana graces from Thryanka Vimana sanctum sanctorum in standing form. Thumbikkai
Azhwar and Mother Durga are on the northern side. The temple has two
prakaras with a car street outside. Vadakalai Pancharathra system is
followed in the pujas. The temple covers an area if 272 ft. x 163
ft. Sri Anjaneya has his own shrine.
Temple
Opening Time
The Temple will remain open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Rama Navami in March-April, Aadi Pooram boat festival in
July-August, Aavani Pavithra Utsavam in August-September, Purattasi Navarathri
in September-October, Margazhi Adhyayana Utsavam, Garudaseva on Akshaya
thirithiyai, Navarathri, Hanuman Jayanthi and Vaikunda Ekadasi in
December-January are the festivals grandly celebrated in the temple.
Singers
This Kshetra is neither included in 108 Vaishnava Dhivya
Desams or Abhimana or Purathana Sthalams. The only link showing the existence
of this temple is a kriti by Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar (MD) - Santhaana
Ramaswaminam in the raagam Hindolavasantham. He mentions "santatam
yamunambapuri nivasantham nathasantham hindolavasantham".
Prayers
Till date Childless couple pray for children and are
blessed with children by Santana Rama Swamy here. Couples first visit the
Saketha Pushkarini in front of the Temple. On Rohini and Revathi Nakshatra
days, people cradle the Santana Gopala Vigraham here in order to be blessed
with good children.
Contact
Sri Santhana Ramaswamy Temple,
Needamangalam, Thiruvarur District
Mobile: +91 94448 54208
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 24 Kms from Kumbakonam,
15 Kms from Mannargudi, 30 Kms from Tiruvarur and 33 Kms from Thanjavur and 88
Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Needamangalam and
Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.