Ramanatheswarar temple, Ramanatheechuram
Location
Ramanatheechuram (Tiru-Kannapuram)
Deity
Ramanatheswarar, Ramalingeswarar
Female Deity
Soodikaambal, KaruvaarkuzhaliAmmai, sariwarkuzhali
Pathikam
Sambandar - 1
Ramanadeswamy Temple Photos
How to Reach
This Paadal Petra Sthalam is located about 10 km from Nannilam and around 2.5 km from Tiru-Pugalur. From Tiru-Pugalur, devotees can cross the Mudikondan River, pass through Thiru-Kannapuram, and take the road branching east to reach the temple. It is situated about 3 km from Thiruchengattangudi. Regular bus services are available from both Nannilam and Tiru-Pugalur. A short distance from this Shiva temple is the renowned Thirukannapuram Sowriraja Perumal Temple, one of the 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams.
Temple Address
Thirukannapuram
Thirukannapuram Post
Nannilam Taluk
Tiruvarur District
PIN – 609704
Temple Hours
Morning : 8:30 - 11:00
Evening : 6:00 - 8:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Layout
This east-facing temple has a simple entrance gateway instead of a Rajagopuram. Opposite the temple is the sacred Rama Theertham. On entering through the gateway, devotees first come across the Bali Peetam and the Nandi Mandapam. The temple does not have a Dwajasthambam (flagstaff). Beyond this lies a spacious courtyard. The south-facing sannidhi of Goddess Sarivarkuzhali is situated on the right, where the Goddess graces devotees in a standing posture. The outer prakaram houses the sannidhis of Vinayaka, Subramanya with Valli and Deivanai, Gajalakshmi, Kala Bhairava, and Surya. Above the entrance to the ardha mandapam is a beautiful stucco image of Shiva and Parvati seated on Rishabha (Nandi). The presiding deity is a large Swayambhu Lingam installed on a tall Avudaiyar. During Deeparadhana, devotees believe that a radiant Jyoti can be seen on the Lingam, making it one of the unique features of this temple. The Koshta deities are Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Brahma, and Durga, while the sannidhi of Chandikeswarar is located in its customary place.
Sthala Puranam
Rama Worships the Swayambhu Lingam
After defeating Ravana and the warriors of Lanka to rescue Sita, Rama sought relief from the sin of Brahmahatya. He first worshipped Lord Shiva at Rameswaram and, while returning to Ayodhya, visited several Shiva temples along the way. As He passed through this ancient Champaka forest, He discovered a Swayambhu Lingam beneath a tree and prepared to offer worship. Nandi, unaware of Rama's divine nature, stopped Him from approaching the Lingam. According to the Sthala Purana, Goddess Parvati intervened, restrained Nandi, and revealed Rama's true identity. Rama then bathed in the sacred Rama Theertham and offered prayers to Lord Shiva before continuing His journey to Ayodhya. In later years, a temple was built at this site, and since the deity was worshipped by Rama, the Lord came to be known as Ramanathaswamy.
Special Significance of Somaskandar
In temples dedicated to Lord Rama, special pujas are traditionally performed on the day of His birth star, Punarvasu (Punarpoosam). Since Rama worshipped the deity here, a special puja is also offered to the deity on this auspicious day. Temple tradition further believes that Rama Himself continues to perform the Sayaraksha Puja every evening, making the evening darshan especially sacred. The Somaskandar, the processional deity of this temple, is another unique feature. The idol beautifully depicts Goddess Parvati gently drawing Nandi aside so that Rama could worship Lord Shiva without obstruction.
Nearby Divya Desam & Other Sacred Temples
Just a short distance from this temple is the famous Thirukannapuram Sowriraja Perumal Temple, one of the 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams. Devotees visiting Ramanathaswamy Temple can also seek the blessings of Sowriraja Perumal during the same pilgrimage. Several other Paadal Petra Sthalams, including Thirumarugal, Thiruchengattangudi, and Thiruppugalur, are also located nearby, making this region an important pilgrimage circuit. The pathigam on this temple composed by Thiru-gnanasambandhar is included in the 1st Thirumurai.
Ramanadeswamy Temple More Photos
