Azhagiya Ramar Temple, Kaveripakkam, Vellore
Azhagiya
Ramar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Kaveripakkam
Town in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. Although the presiding Deity is
Varadaraja Perumal, the temple takes its name from Lord Rama Shrine in the
Temple. Kaveripakkam is located on the banks of River Palar.
History
For
brief details, please refer below link;
The
Temple
This is
a small temple with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. The Azhagiya Rama Temple is actually
dedicated to Varadaraja Perumal. This deity, more than six feet in height
including the pedestal, is in a standing pose holding the conch (Sankha) and
discus (Chakra) in the upper hands, with the lower right hand in the pose of
blessing devotees (abhaya mudra) and lower left hand resting on the top of the
mace (gada).
The
processional image, seen with consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, is worshipped as
Sundara Varadar. The shrine for Azhagiya Rama, after whom this temple takes its
name, has the stone images of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita all standing, with
Anjaneya seen next to Lakshmana. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped here as
Sundaravalli Thayar. A unique image of Madapalli Nachiyar (Goddess worshipped
in the temple kitchens) is here. This deity is in a natural pose, with her
garment slightly hitched up as a lady in a kitchen.
There is
a unique image of Garuda where he is seen with the left leg on the ground,
and the right leg bent and uplifted as though just about to fly. This deity is
called Ashtanaga Garuda as there are eight serpents (naga) on his body. Two are
earrings, two around the wrists, two are on the shoulders, one is a garland and
one is around the waist. There is special Thirumanjanam to Garuda every
Valarpirai Panchami.
It has
been believed there is a secret subway leading to Vellore fort from this
temple. There is a window in the wall of the main sanctum and is said to be
carved in single stone. The designs of the window are different in both the
sides which is very rare case in single stone window. Theertham associated with
this Temple is Ksheera Pushkarini. The temple tank Ksheera Pushkarani is to the
right of the temple from the entrance.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple
remains open in the mornings from 7 am to 10 am and in the evenings from 5 pm
to 9 pm.
Inscriptions
The
earliest inscriptions here, dating to the 9th century, belong to the reigns
of Nripatungavarman and Kampavarman of the Pallava dynasty. A few
inscriptions in fragmentary condition, found in Azhagiya Ramar temple, are of
great interest. The most important inscription is found on the Jagadi of Azhagiya
Rama temple and is dated in the reign of Chola, Rajakesari. It refers to a
merchant of a market named “Kirtimartanda Kalapuiyam”. The merchant named Cappakan
son of Kumara chetti, gifted 90 sheep for burning a perpetual temp to Lord
Kalapriyadeva, named after the title Kirti Marthanda. The sheep were entrusted
in the hands of some shepherds. The Rajakesarivarman of this record may be
Rajaraja Chola I.
The next
record is important. The area in which the temple of Kalapriyadeva is located
is now called Loka Mahadevipuram. Loka Mahadevi was the name of the Chief queen
of Rajaraja after whom several townships were created in the time of Rajaraja. So,
it is clear that Rajaraja has paid special attention to this town and
re-established it as a merchant town. Earlier it was called a market town
Kirti-Marthanda Kalapriyam after this temple. Another fragmentary record
mentions the gift of several jewels, Silver and brass vessels and also
arrangement of 7 days festival.
The
merchant guild received nine Kalanju of gold and in lieu of interest resolved
to supply provisions for the seven days festival. The gold was gifted by a
commander in chief. The village was called “Kavidippakkam” obviously a region
gifted to a commander in chief who was conferred the 'Kavidi' title that also
suggests the importance of it as a strategic centre. Inscriptions mention
the historic names of Kaveripakkam as Vikrama Chola Chaturvedi Mangalam after
Vikrama Chola (1118-1135 AD) and also as Vijayaganda Gopala Chaturvedimangalam
and Avani Narayana Chaturvedi Mangalam.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kaveripakkam Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Thiruparkadal,
6 Kms from Sirukarumbur, 18 Kms from Walajah Railway Station, 17 Kms from Ranipet,
20 Kms from Marudhalam Railway Station, 30 Kms from Kanchipuram, 32 Kms from Sholinghur,
39 Kms from Arakkonam, 41 Kms from Vellore, 90 Kms from Chennai Airport and 99
Kms from Chennai. Kaveripakkam on right on the Bangalore – Chennai highway.
