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Tamilnadu Ramaswamy Temple
Ramaswamy Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also known as the Southern Ayodhaya. It hosts explicit idols of Lord Raman and Sita as depicted in their coronation. It gives visitors the only opportunity to see idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana along with Bharatha and Shatrughna.
The temple has 62 pillars and scenes from the Ramayana have been printed on the walls of the prakaram as well as the walls of the temple. These paintings tell stories of Lord Rama, right from his birth to his coronation.
History
The temple was constructed in the 16th century by Achutha Nayaka of Thanjavur under the capable instructorship of Govinda Dikshitar who was the Prime Minister of the Nayakkar Kings. The Nayakkar Kings were devotees of Lord Vishnu and decided to construct a temple dedicated to him. While many of the architectural pieces of the temple resemble the style that existed during the Nayaks reign, Dikshitar added a corridor between the temple and Chakrapani temple for commercial purpose.
Discovery
It is believed that King Raghunayak, who ruled at that time, was digging a holy tank in Darasuram near Kumbakonam when icons of Rama and Sita were discovered from the tank. On that very spot, the king ordered the construction of a temple for Rama and called it Ramaswamy temple.
How To Reach
By Air
The nearest airport to Kumbakonam is Trichy located at a distance of 96 km from the temple. From the airport, there are regular taxis to Kumbakonam. Domestic and connecting flights to Chennai International airport operate from this airport. Chennai International airport is located 273 kms away and taxis to this airport charge anywhere between INR 2,500 and 3,000.
By Rail
Kumbakonam is connected to Chennai, Rameshwaram, Tirupati and Quilon by rail. There are many trains operating daily and is a convenient way to reach Kumbakonam from some of the major cities of the country. Some of the most popular trains that run all 7 days in a week include Rameshwaram Express, Mannai Express, Chennai Express and Mysore Express.
By Bus
Regular buses are available from Kumbakonam to Chennai, Trichy and Chidambaram. Tamil Nadu state transport corporation buses connect the town to all major cities of the state.
Important Shrines
The temple has separate shrines for Azhwars and Acharyas and a separate sanctum dedicated to Srinivasa. Ramaswamy Temple consists of one Maha Mandapam Gopuram, and Karuvarai. The Maha Mandapan houses some beautiful stone carvings of Vamana Meenakshi Kalyanam, Avatharam, Ramayana and Sukreeva Pattabisekam.
Significance Of The Temple
The temple, a dedication to Lord Rama is a special place of worship for people having trouble getting married. This is the only temple where Lord Rama and Sita are placed in the same platform. Another specialty of this temple is that while Hanuman appears reading the Ramayana all other Vaishnava temples, he is holding a veena in this temple.
Weather And Time To Visit
Kumbakonam experiences both hot and pleasant climate and winters are not very cold. The town witnesses three distinct seasons - summer, monsoon and winters. March, April and May are the hottest months with temperatures ranging between 32 °C to 38 °C. June to September is when the town is at its beauty best with the rains providing a welcomed relief from the hot, humid summer. December to February is the town's winter months when the weather is pleasant.
The best time to visit the town is between June to September when the temperatures are moderate and pleasant. This time is ideal for temple visits, though the rains could pose as a hurdle for visitors looking to some extra sightseeing. People who want to indulge in tourist activities should visit the place between October to March.
Accomodation
Kumbakonam is known as the "temple town" and is accustomed to having thousands of visitors streaming in throughout the year. Owing to this, the town has equipped itself with many options to accommodate this continuous flow of tourists.
The Cauvery bank in the center of the town has a few good hotels that are completely booked throughout the year. It is difficult to get bookings for November to February as the town receives most of its tourists during this time. However, prior bookings can help.
Budgeted hotels offer both single and double rooms and cost a minimum of INR 400. Air condition services are a necessity during the months of March to May and nearly all hotels in the region are equipped with this facility.
There are many luxurious hotels in the vicinity that offer traditional look. Most of them have in-house restaurants that offer both south-Indian and north-Indian cuisines.
Tips For Devotees
Special pujas are held in March and April, known as Panguni Tamil month. Rama Mavami is celebrated with great pomp and show in this temple.
According to Hindu mythology, on the Masi Maga day, celebrated between the months of February and March, it is believed that Lord Rama and Sita visit the Maga Magam Temple Tank for a bath and offer Theertha Prasad to their devotees.
Rules And Regulations Of The Temple
- The temple is open to visitors 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
- Devotes visiting the temple performs Tirumanjanam to Rama and offer vastras.
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