Three Unique Rama Temples

Lord Rama is equally venerated in south India along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Jagannatha. Hence several temples have also been erected, which house Lord Rama as the superior deity. There are a large number of temples, both big and small dedicated to Lord Rama in South India. Some of these, like the temples at Bhadrachaiam (Andhra Pradesh) and Vaduvur (Tamil Nadu) are famous and draw a large number of devotees. However, there are some Rama temples, stationed in small towns and villages, which are not so well known, but are unique in their own way. To this category belong the three Rama temples, each distinctive and exclusive, found in the verdant villages of Ponvilainda Kalathur (P.V.Kalathur) and Ponpadirkudam in Kanchipuram district. Ponvilainda Kalathur is approximately eight kilometers from Chengalpattu town. Among these Rama temples mention may be made of Chaturbhuja Rama swami Temple, Sri Kodandaramasvami (Pattabhirama) Temple and Darbhasayana Seturama Temple.

Chaturbhuja Ramasvami Temple: - The Chaturbhuja Rama Temple is one of the trio Rama Temples of South India. The significant aspect about the Temple is the Chaturbhuja Rama icon. The legendary story depicts that the temple is several hundred years old and house the stone images of the Rama, his consort Devi Sita, Lakshmana. Hanuman is found here to be standing at the entrance of the sanctum, offering respect to the Lord.

Sri Kodandaramasvami (Pattabhirama) Temple: - The icon of Lord Rama is tucked in his human image. Here the lord has two arms, holding his bow and arrow. He is also placed with his consort Devi Sita in the same pedestal. The significant theme of the Rama icon in the Kodandaramasvami (Pattabhirama) Temple is the pattabhisheka scene of the legend of Ramayana.

Darbhasayana Seturama Temple: - The bronze image of Lord Rama is the chief attraction of this temple. The stone icon of Lord Rama was made just like the Rama image in the temple at Tirupullani. The image of the Lord here conforms to the Darbhasayana episode of Ramayana. The episode is related to the penance of Rama, in order to impress Samudra raja so that he can cross the sea safely to Lanka.

These trio Rama Temples although small in structure are significant among the Rama temples. The legendary stories associated with it enhanced the mythological splendor of these temples.