Paruthiyur Kothandaramar Temple – Pancha Rama Kshetram in Tiruvarur

 

Location

• Village: Paruthiyur, Kudavasal Taluk
• District: Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu
• Nearby Towns: ~25 km from Kumbakonam, on Kodavasal–Nannilam Road

Presiding Deities

• Main Deity (Moolavar):
• Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal (form of Vishnu) with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi consorts.
• Worshipped as Kothandaramar (Lord Rama with bow).
• Rama’s Shrine:
• Lord Rama facing south, accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman.

Subshrines

• Varadaraja Perumal Shrine – the original presiding deity.
• Hanuman Shrine – dedicated to Anjaneya, revered for granting strength and devotion.
• Other Shrines:
• Sreedevi and Bhoodevi
• Local guardian deities and traditional Vaishnavite subshrines.

Temple Significance

• Pancha Rama Kshetram: One of the five sacred temples linked to the Ramayana (others include Vaduvur, Thillaivilagam, Mudikondan, and Adambar).
• Abhimana Kshetram: Classified among the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams of Vaishnavism, glorified by Maharishi Valmiki.
• Historic Value: Dates back to the 10th century AD, built in Dravidian style.
• Spiritual Belief: Devotees believe worship here grants blessings of marital harmony, prosperity, and protection.
• Unique Feature: The deity holds the Prayoga Chakra (Sudarsana Chakra in active use), symbolizing divine protection.

History

• The temple dates back to the 10th century AD, built during the Chola period, reflecting their devotion to Vishnu and Rama.

Legends

• Ramayana Connection: Each Pancha Rama Kshetram is linked to specific episodes of the Ramayana. Paruthiyur is believed to be a place sanctified by Lord Rama’s presence.
• Varadaraja Perumal: The presiding deity is Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal, blessing devotees with His Prayoga Chakra (Sudarsana Chakra in active use), symbolizing divine protection.

Architecture

• Style: Built in Dravidian architecture, typical of Chola temples, with gopurams, mandapams, and intricate carvings.
• Layout:
• Main sanctum houses Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi.
• Separate shrine for Kothandaramar with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman.
• Subshrines for Hanuman and other Vaishnavite deities.

Rituals

• Daily Pujas:
• Standard Vaishnavite Agama-based rituals – Abhishekam, Alankaram, Archana, Harathi.
• Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman are worshipped with Vedic chants.
• Special Sevas:
• Kalyanotsavam – symbolic reenactment of Rama–Sita marriage.
• Hanuman Seva – devotees offer betel leaves, butter, and curd rice to Anjaneya for strength and relief from planetary doshas.
• Unique Offering:
• Curd rice (Thayir Sadam) offered to Hanuman is believed to remove obstacles in marriage and family life.

Festivals

• Rama Navami (March–April):
• Grand celebration with Kalyanotsavam of Rama and Sita.
• Recitation of Ramayana and special processions.
• Hanuman Jayanti:
• Devotees throng the temple to worship Hanuman, seeking blessings for courage and protection.
• Vaikunta Ekadasi:
• Observed with special pujas and darshan rituals.
• Other Annual Festivals:
• Deepavali, Pongal, and Navaratri are celebrated with special decorations and prayers.

Beliefs

• Pancha Rama Kshetram:
• Paruthiyur is one of the five sacred Rama temples in Tiruvarur district, each linked to Ramayana episodes.
• Abhimana Kshetram:
• Classified among the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams, glorified by Maharishi Valmiki.
• Blessings of Rama:
• Worship here is believed to grant marital harmony, progeny, prosperity, and protection from evil influences.
• Hanuman’s Grace:
• Hanuman here is revered as Graha Dosha Nivarthi Hanuman, believed to whisper prayers to Rama on behalf of devotees.

Getting Here

• By Road:
• Located in Paruthiyur village, Kudavasal Taluk, Tiruvarur District.
• ~25 km from Kumbakonam; buses and taxis connect via Kodavasal–Nannilam Road.
• Accessible from Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Thiruvarur–Kumbakonam routes.
• By Rail:
• Nearest major station: Kumbakonam Railway Station (~25 km).
• Local trains connect from Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruvarur.
• By Air:
• Trichy International Airport (~100 km).
• From airport, buses/taxis to Kumbakonam, then onward to Paruthiyur.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit:
• Rama Navami (March–April) and Hanuman Jayanti are the most vibrant festivals.
• Early mornings offer peaceful darshan.
• Dress Code:
• Traditional attire (saree/dhoti) recommended.
• Avoid western casuals inside sanctum.
• Offerings:
• Coconuts, flowers, betel leaves, and curd rice (special for Hanuman).
• Tickets available for Kalyanotsavam and other sevas.
• Nearby Temples:
• Other Pancha Rama Kshetrams: Vaduvur, Thillaivilagam, Mudikondan, Adambar.
• Ideal to plan a circuit pilgrimage.
• Stay & Food:
• Lodges available in Kumbakonam and Tiruvarur.
• Simple vegetarian eateries near temple; annadanam offered during festivals.