Shree Kodandarama Temple is located at Thirupoovanur in the Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu.Dedicated to Lord Rama, it is an important site for devotees of Lord Vishnu and is steeped in both architectural beauty and spiritual significance. The temple is believed to have a rich historical and mythological connection to the Ramayana.
The Thirupoovanur Kodandarama Temple is believed to have been constructed during the Chola period (9th–13th century CE), a time when temple-building reached its zenith in Tamil Nadu.
The Thirupoovanur Kodandarama Temple, built in the classical Dravidian style, features a grand Rajagopuram, a sanctum with Lord Kodandarama holding a bow (Kodandam), and intricately carved Mandapams depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The temple includes a sacred tank (Pushkarini) and circumambulatory paths (Prakaras), offering a serene spiritual ambiance. Constructed during the Chola period with later Nayak contributions, it beautifully blends artistry, devotion, and tradition.
At its core lies the Garbhagriha (sanctum), where Lord Kodandarama is enshrined in a unique form holding a bow (Kodandam), flanked by Sita and Lakshmana, embodying divine grace and protection. Above the sanctum rises the Vimana, a smaller pyramidal tower intricately decorated yet simpler than the gopuram.
Poovanur was once a large grove filled with Punnai trees. It is believed that Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, rested here on his way back to Ayodhya after sending Hanuman ahead to inform Bharatha of his return.
A sage named Jatamuneeswara, a devoted follower of Rama in his mind (manaseeka disciple), requested Rama to bless him by staying there. Lord Rama fulfilled his wish by manifesting his image, along with those of Sita and Lakshmana, in a Salagrama stone and gave it to Jatamuneeswara for worship. The sage carefully placed the idols inside an anthill and worshipped them, protecting them for centuries.
Years later, Bhagavannama Bodhendra, a saint from the Kanchi mutt and an ardent devotee of Sri Rama, visited the area. Lord Rama appeared in his dream and expressed his desire to be worshipped by Bodhendra. The next day, Bodhendra searched for the idols but could not find them. That night, Jatamuneeswara appeared in his dream and revealed the location of the idols, on the condition that he too would be given a place near Rama when the idols were installed.
After Bodhendra agreed, the idols were found and installed in the Varadaraja Perumal Temple complex. Jatamuneeswara was also given a place in the temple’s prahara (outer corridor). Bodhendral then installed a *Salagrama Vigraha of Hanuman* at the spot where the idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana were discovered. This spot is located beside a beautiful lotus tank, which remains stunning to this day.
The Hanuman idol is majestic, depicted with folded hands and adorned with anklets (thandai) and toe rings (nupura) on his feet.
Thirupoovanur Kodandarama Temple celebrates several vibrant festivals, the most prominent being Rama Navami, marking the birth of Lord Rama with grand processions and special poojas. Other significant festivals include Vaikunta Ekadashi and Hanuman Jayanti, honoring Lord Hanuman’s devotion. Daily rituals follow Vaishnavite traditions, including Alankaram (adorning the deities), Aradhana (worship), and Prasadam distribution. Devotees