Kothandaramar temple is located in Mudikondan, Tamil Nadu.The main deity of the temple is family of Lord Rama. The unique part of the temple is that Lord Shri Rama is seen facing East since he gave darshan to Saint Bhardwaja as King of Ayodhya. Goddess Sita can be seen standing on the left of Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmna on his right. All the idols can be seen facing east. Sri Ranganathar installed by Saint Sri Bharadwaja is seen south facing in a separate sannathi.
History of Kothandaramar Temple
According to the legend, Saint Bhardwaj requested Lord Rama to accept the hospitality of his ashram while before heading towards Sri Lanka. Lord Rama told Saint Bhardwaj that he will only accept the hospitality on his way back from Sri Lanka along with Goddess Sita.
After wining the war against Ravana and winning back Goddess Sita, Sri Ram sends Lord Anjaneya on to Ayodhya to revent Bharata from entering into the fire since they had then completed fourteen years of exile. Lord Rama along with Goddess Sita halted at Saint Bharadwaja’s ashram as promised. Lord Rama had to offer his prayers to Lord Ranganatha before accepting the hospitality. Saint Bhardwaja sensed it and installed Lord Ranganatha’s idol in his ashram. On completion of the prayers to his Lord Sri Ranganatha, Lord Rama accepted the food offered by the saint. On the request of the saint, Lord Rama gave darshan to him as King of Ayodhya, even before his coronation ceremony. Hence this place is known as “Mudikondan”, whichb means ‘one who is crowned’ in Tamil.
Significance
The devotees offer garlands of Tulsi, light lamps in front of the Lord’s idol and distribute nivedhana to the visitors.People visit the temple to seek boon of education and wisdom. It is believed that by worshipping Lord Rama along with his family in this temple, one can get all his desires fulfilled. Artists aspiring name and fame and special skills seek the blessing of the lord of this temple.
The third Saturday of Purattasi (tamil month) (September-October ) is festive time with 13 days of celebration. The festival concludes with Sita Kalyanam and procession.A huge number of devotees can be seen visiting the temple, especially on Saturdays.