Sri Kodandarama Temple Mudikondan – History, Legends, Festivals & Timings

Location

The temple is located in Mudikondan Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.
It is one of the Pancha Rama Kshetrams and also one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams of Lord Vishnu.

Deities

Presiding Deity: Lord Rama (Mudikondaramar), depicted with bow (Kodandam) and arrow.
Consort: Goddess Sita.
Other Shrines:

Hanuman shrine opposite the sanctum.
Sri Ranganatha Perumal, installed by Sage Bharadwaja, facing south to bless Vibhishana.

Sacred Tank: Located behind Hanuman’s shrine.

Legends

When Rama left Ayodhya for forest exile, he visited Sage Bharadwaja’s hermitage. The sage offered a feast, but Rama declined, promising to accept it after completing his mission.
After defeating Ravana, Rama returned via Pushpaka Vimana and stopped at Bharadwaja’s ashram. Before accepting the feast, Rama asked the sage to install Sri Ranganatha Perumal and worshipped him.
Rama then gave darshan to the sage in his coronation form (with crown – “Mudi” in Tamil), even before his official coronation at Ayodhya. Hence the place is called Mudikondan (“the crowned one”).
This episode is mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 124. The village is still inhabited by descendants of Sage Bharadwaja.

Architecture

Built in Dravidian style, with sanctum facing east (unlike most Rama temples that face south).
Rama’s idol is unique, with a graceful bend at the neck and hip, holding bow and arrow.
Hanuman shrine faces Lord Rama directly.
Temple tanks: Rama Theertham and Kalyana Pushkarani.

Rituals & Festivals

Monthly Rituals:

Punarvasu Star Day – special pujas for Lord Rama.
Ekadasi – special Tirumanjanam for Ranganatha Perumal.

Annual Festivals:

Purattasi (Sept–Oct) – Rama procession on 3rd Saturday; Ranganatha Perumal Garuda Seva.
Sri Rama Navami – 10-day festival ending with Sita Rama Kalyanam and procession.
Vaikunta Ekadasi – 10-day festival with 24-hour Vishnu Sahasranama chanting.
Masi Maha Theerthavari – Ranganatha Perumal and Chakrathalwar perform Chakrasnana in Thirumalairajan river.

Other Festivals: Krishna Janmashtami, Karthigai, Tamil New Year, Margazhi festival, Sankranti, Panguni Uthiram, Rohini Utsavam.

Beliefs

Worship here is believed to bring family harmony, marital blessings, and liberation from sins.
Devotees consider the temple sacred for Rama bhakti and Vishnu devotion, as it combines both traditions.
Bathing in the temple tank during festivals is believed to grant purification and divine grace.

Temple Timings

Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Getting Here

By Road:

Mudikondan village is well connected by local buses and taxis from Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam.
It is about 20 km from Mayiladuthurai and 15 km from Tiruvarur.

By Rail:

The nearest major railway station is Tiruvarur Railway Station, with good connectivity to Chennai, Trichy, and other towns.

By Air:

The closest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, approximately 120 km away.

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings (6–8 AM) or evenings (5–7 PM) for peaceful darshan.
Festivals: Plan ahead if visiting during Sri Rama Navami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, or Purattasi Garuda Seva, as crowds are large.
Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended (men in dhoti/veshti, women in saree/salwar).
Offerings: Carry flowers, Vilwa leaves, and rice preparations for puja.
Nearby Temples: Combine your visit with other Pancha Rama Kshetrams (Adambar, Paruthiyur, Thillaivilagam, Vaduvur) for a spiritual circuit.

Crowd Management

Festival Days: Expect heavy footfall during Rama Navami and Vaikunta Ekadasi. Local volunteers and temple staff guide devotees during processions.
Queue System: Standard darshan queues are maintained, with priority lines for senior citizens and special ticket holders.
Safety: Devotees are advised to avoid overcrowding near the sanctum and follow instructions during theerthavari rituals at the temple tank.
Facilities: Drinking water, resting areas, and basic amenities are available near the temple premises.

Frequently Asked Questions – Sri Kodandarama Temple, Mudikondan

1. Where is Sri Kodandarama Temple located?

The temple is situated in Mudikondan Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.

2. Why is this temple significant?

It is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams of Lord Vishnu and part of the Pancha Rama Kshetrams (five sacred Rama temples in Tamil Nadu).

3. Who are the deities worshipped here?

Lord Rama (Mudikondaramar) – the main deity.
Goddess Sita and Lakshmana.
Sri Ranganatha Perumal, installed by Sage Bharadwaja.
Sri Hanuman, with a shrine opposite the sanctum.

4. Why is the temple called Mudikondan?

According to legend, Lord Rama gave darshan to Sage Bharadwaja in his coronation form (with crown – “Mudi” in Tamil) after defeating Ravana. Hence, the place is called Mudikondan (“the crowned one”).

5. What is unique about the temple’s orientation?

Most Rama temples face south (to bless Vibhishana of Lanka), but here the sanctum faces east, as Rama gave darshan to Sage Bharadwaja. However, Sri Ranganatha Perumal faces south to bless Vibhishana.

6. What are the temple timings?

Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

7. What rituals are performed here?

Punarvasu Star Day: Special pujas for Lord Rama.
Ekadasi: Special Tirumanjanam for Ranganatha Perumal.
Daily Sevas: Abhishekam and pujas following Vaishnava traditions.

8. Which festivals are celebrated at the temple?

Sri Rama Navami: 10-day festival ending with Sita Rama Kalyanam.
Vaikunta Ekadasi: 10-day festival with 24-hour Vishnu Sahasranama chanting.
Purattasi (Sept–Oct): Rama procession and Ranganatha Garuda Seva.
Masi Maha Theerthavari: Ranganatha Perumal and Chakrathalwar perform Chakrasnana in Thirumalairajan river.
Other festivals: Krishna Janmashtami, Karthigai, Tamil New Year, Margazhi, Sankranti, Panguni Uthiram, Rohini Utsavam.

9. How can devotees reach the temple?

By Road: Accessible from Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam.
By Rail: Nearest station is Tiruvarur Railway Station.
By Air: Nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (~120 km).

10. What are the beliefs associated with the temple?

Worship here is believed to bring family harmony, marital blessings, and liberation from sins.
Bathing in the temple tank during festivals grants purification and divine grace.
The temple is considered sacred for devotees of both Lord Rama and Lord Vishnu.