Sri Kodandarama Temple – Mudikondan, Thiruvarur

 

Sri Kodandarama Temple is located in Mudikondan Village in Thiruvarur district of Tamilnadu State.

It is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetram of Lord Vishnu

It is one of the Pancha Rama Kshetrams. Other temples are

Sri Kodhanda Ramar Temple, Adambar

Sri Ramar Temple, Paruthiyur

Sri Kodhanda Ramar Temple, Thillaivilagam

Sri Kodhanda Ramar Temple, Vaduvur

There is an idol of Rama in the sanctum sanctorum and a shrine to Hanuman outside the sanctum sanctorum.

Generally, Ramar temples are built facing south as Vibhishana from Lanka always wanted to have the darshan of Lord Rama according to scriptures. But here, the temple is facing east as He gave the darshan to Sage Bharadwaja with Mother Sita and Lakshmana in His coronation form. However, Lord Sri Ranganatha installed by Sage Bharadwaja is facing south to grace Vibishana. Sri Hanuman has his shrine opposite the Lord. The theertha tank is behind the Hanuman shrine. The temple is believed to have come into being even before the times of Alwars. Rama is very beautifully made with his neck and hip bending with his Kodandam and arrow in hand.

After Rama departs from Ayodhya to take on the forest life as Pithurvakya Paripalana dharma (obeying the command of father), Sri Rama visited the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja on his way. When the sage offered him a feast, Sri Rama respectfully declined to accept the offer as he was on a mission then and promised to accept it on his return to Ayodhya.

On his return after the Ravana Vadha (killing), while returning to Ayodhya, the Pushpaka Vimana (the divine aircraft) landed at the sage’s ashram. When sage Bharadwaja offered the dinner, Sri Rama said that he had to perform the puja to Lord Sri Ranganatha before the feast. The sage installed Sri Ranganatha as desired by Rama. Rama accepted the feast after worshipping His Kuladevatha Sri Ranganatha. Here Rama gave darshan to the sage in Corporation form (with crown – Mudi in Tamil) at this place, even before the official coronation at Ayodhya later. Hence, the place came to be known as Mudikondon. Rama in this temple is also known as Mudikondaramar.

Valmiki Ramayanam yudhakandam 124th Sargam's first poem directly refers to Lord Rama's landing at this village referred to as the Bharadhwaja Ashram. As a living proof, the village is still inhabited by direct descendants of Sage Bharadhwajar.

Every month on the Punarvasu star day being the birth star of Lord Rama, special pujas are performed in the temple.

Every month on the Ekadesi Thidhi a special Tirumanjanam is performed for Ranganadha Perumal.

Ramar processions will be happening on the 3rd Saturday in the month of Purattasi (September–October).

Ranganathar Udaya Garuda seva is happening on the 3rd Saturday of Puratasi

Sri Ramanavami – The 10-day festival ends with Sitarama Kalyanam and a procession.

10-day celebration for Vaikunta Ekadesi to Ranganatha Perumal and on the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi Aganda Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana for 24 hours held in the temple premises.

Massi Maha theerthavaari - Ranganatha Perumal goes to a nearby village along with Chakrathalwar for chakrasnana in the thirumalairajan river

Other festivals like Krishna Janmashtami, Karthigai, Tamil New Year, Margazhi festival, Sankaranthi, Panguni Uthiram, and Rohini utsavam are celebrated.

Temple Timings

6.00 am to 11.00 am

5.00 pm to 8.00 pm

How to reach the Temple

25 km from Mayiladuthurai

16 km from Thiruvarur