Thread by @KindsoulRitzS

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Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam

Located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Ramaswamy Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to one of Vishnu's ten avatars, Lord Rama. The temple is enshrined by Lord Rama where he sits

in the sanctum in the coronation posture with his consort Sita Devi at his side, flanked by the idols of his brothers Lakshmana, Bharatha, Chatruguna (in standing position) and Hanuman (in worshipping position). Believed to have been built in the 16th century by the

Nayakkar Prime Minister- Govinda Dikshitar, the temple also has commercial corridor connecting it to the older Chakrapani Temple built by the same ruler.

The main deity of the temple is Lord Rama himself, and his chief companions throughout the story

of Ramayana - his wife and consort Sita, brother and protector Lakshmana and loyal and powerful devotee, Anjaneya Hanuman. Lord Rama and Sita sit on a throne, flanked by Lakshmana with a bow and arrow, their other two brothers Bharat and Shatrugna, with an

umbrella and a fan respectively, while Hanuman sits near the Lord's feet in a praying posture and sings his praise with a veena.

Between the sanctum and the three-tiered gopuram of the temple lies the Maha Mandapam with 64 pillars, which are sculpted with certain episodes from

the great epic. Events like the coronation of Vibishana and Sugriva, Hanuman playing the Veena, relieving Agalya from her curse - these are carved on the single-stone pillars of the hall. The carvings are delicate and tell the episodes of Ramayana in artistic details.

Dasaratha King of Ayodhya was sad as he had no issues to look after the kingdom after him. As advised by Guru Vasishta, he conducted a yajna called Puthrakameshti Yajna seeking child boon. To establish Dharma on Earth Lord Vishnu was born to

him as Rama from his first queen Kausalya. Vishnu’s Adisesha and conch were born as Lakshmana and Satrugna to his second queen Sumitra. Bharatha representing Vishnu’s discus was born to the second queen Kaikeyi and was a symbol of Dharma himself. Rama,

Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrugna were born on very auspicious days with Punarvasu, Pushya, and Aslesha as their birth stars respectively. All the four brothers were a living and practical example in human forms of the rule of Vedas. Rama and Lakshmana

were close to each other while Satrugna was close to Bharatha.

Bharatha, an outstanding example of the political dharma of the days, ruled Ayodhya as its acting Governor of Rama from the Nandhi Grama placing Rama’s sandals on the throne. He ruled till the return

of Rama from his exile after 14 years. Their wives excelled their husbands in upholding Dharmas.

No power on earth could separate the brothers. They were united by soul and mind. Lord Sri Rama in the temple appears as on the Coronation Day in Ayodhya with his consort Mother

Sita who suffered untold suffering during their exile, Lakshmana who was only happy to share the hardships of jungle life along with his brother, Bharatha and Satrugna whose sacrifice deserves all praise and Sri Anjaneya who was the soul of Rama in deciding his final

victory over Ravana.

After Ayodhya in U.P. this is the temple in Kumbakonam in the coronation style, a pilgrim town known for its famous temples and Theertha importance.

What’s unique about Kumbakonam Ramaswamy temple?

In ‘Gitarthamu’ (Suratti/Desadi), Tyagaraja hails Hanuman

as one of the blessed beings who knows the true import of the Gita and the bliss of music. In his ‘Kaluguna pada niraja seva’ (Purna Lalitha, Adi), he wonders if he will ever be able to witness Hanuman serving the Lord, and one among the duties listed for Hanuman is

the recital of puranas when commanded by Rama. As though to buttress this is the frieze of Ramayana idols that the composer worshipped — in that assembly, Hanuman holds a manuscript in his left hand and his right hand is in vyakhyana mudra,indicating that he is reciting something

to Rama. In this temple Lord Rama & Mother Sita blesses the devotees in wedding posture with all his brothers & Lord Hanuman, who is holding a Veena. It is said that Lord Hanuman singing the glory of Lord Rama. There are many temples for Lord Rama in

India. But all His brothers appear together only in Ayodhya temple, Ramaswamy temple & Ayodhyapattanam temple. Those facing problems in wedding proposals, longing for child boon pray here for getting good results.