In the state of Tamil Nadu there are many temples dedicated to Sri Rama. The Kodandapani Ramar temple, Rameswaram, Mudikondon Kothandaramaswmi Temple, Kollavilli Raman Temple, Sri Yoga Ramar Temple, Nedungunam. Ramaswami temple, Kumbakonam, Eri-Katha Raamar Temple of Maduranthakam (main deity - Udayavar was named by Ramanuja), etc., are some of the temples worth mentioning. Sri Kothandaramar temple at Mariamman kovil near Thanjavur city where the Moola vigrahams are entirely made of saligrama stones (donated by the Nepal king to the Maratha rulers of Thanjvur), the Vaduvur sri Ramar temple at Vadvur town near Thanjavur and Sri Ramar temple on West main street, Thanjavur are quite popular in this part.
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| Sri Ramar temple, Ayodhyapatnam, Salem, TN in.worldorgs.com |
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Sri Ramar temple, Ayodhyapatnam, Salem, TN in.worldorgs.com
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Sri Ramar temple, Ayodhyapatnam, Salem, TN. in.worldorgs.com
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Sri Ramar temple, Ayodhyapatnam, Salem, TN in.worldorgs.com
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Sri Ramar temple, Ayodhyapatnam, Salem, TN in.worldorgs.com
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Sri Ramar temple, Ayodhyapatnam, Salem, TN in.worldorgs.com
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Sri Ramar temple, Ayodhyapatnam, Salem, TN in.worldorgs.com
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Sri Ramar temple, Ayodhyapatnam, Salem, TN in.worldorgs.com
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ornate chariot, Adhyothyapatnam, Salem.twitter.com
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People from the delta district or from south Tamil Nadu are not familiar with a famous Sri Ramar temple at Ayodhyapattanam near Salem city, TN. Located about 10 km from the city, this roughly 1000 year old temple dedicated to sri Kothandaramar is quite popular in this part of Salem district and has amazing rock sculptures of various deities and other images, besides ornamental mandapams with fine ornate stone pillars. These pillars and the big stone images bear testimony to the mastery and artistic talents of the sculptors of the past era. They are well planned, designed and executed. The intricate decorative features on the ceiling of the mandapam get the attention of the visitors to this temple.
Yet another interesting feature is the rare posture of Sri Rama idol in the sanctum.. In sitting posture he is seen with his crossed legs - left one over the right. I have not yet come across this kind of posture of Rama in other temples. Also present here are the brothers of Sri Rama - Lakshmana, Bharata and Chatrugana along with ever-present Anjaneya. Across the idols of Sita and Rama is the image of Vibishna, invoking blessings from them.
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Ayodhyapatnam, salem tripadvisor
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| Sriramar temple, Ayodhyapatnam, salem tripadvisor.com |
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Sri Rama (Moolavar) in sitting posture, Adyodhyapatnam, Salem
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What is unique about this temple? This place got the name because God Rama, on his way back to Ayodhya, had set his feet here with his brother Lakshmana and others after defeating the demon king Ravana of Lanka who abducted Rama's consort Sita from the Panchavadi forest and held her hostage in Ashokvana, Lanka. Hence this temple is said to be holy and sanctified.
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| Salem, Tamil nadu, location map. mapsofindia.com |
The builder of this temple was none other than the famous Nayak ruler of Madurai Thirumalai nayak of Madurai dynasty. According to historical records Thirumalai Nayak (17th century), at the same time, not only built this Ramar temple, but also Dharamangalam kailasanathar temple, Thiruchencode Murugan (Karthikaya) temple, besides popular Naiyakar Mahal at Madurai. That similar store sculptures and architectural designs of these temples and pillars with big horses suggest the influence of Madurai nayak dynasty's style of design. One particular pillar in the big hall (mantap) has carvings of Dasavathara - ten incarnations of Sri Vishnu. Mention may be made of a man on a divine horse killing a demon , Yali (s strange mythical animal resembling fierce lion) and other features of similar size on single pillar. Of particular attraction is a musical pillar that produces different sound upon tapping on the image. There are stone images of Vibishana, Sugriva and Anjanaya who were associated with God Rama during the fierce battle between him and Ravana. In the Anjanaya shrine the Sun's ray would fall on the image during a particular time through the door; it is said this can not be seen nowadays became of countless buildings close to the temples and they block the morning Sun's rays. There color paintings on the walls and the color dyes were made from various herbs and plants.
Sri Ramanavami is a major festival here and this ten-day long festival comes in the month of Chithirai. Yet another festival that attracts the people here is the Hanumath jayanthi.
https://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=95
https://in.worldorgs.com/catalog/salem/monastery/ayodhyapattinam-ramar-temple
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