Kotandaramar Ponvilaindha Kalathur

Kotandaramar, Ponvilaindha Kalathur

Vaishnavite Temples, Cheyyur Taluk

God

Kotandaramar, facing east

Goddess

Alarmelmangai Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Garuda, Aandal, Baktha Anjaneya, Chakrathazhwar, Abhaya Venkata Varadar, Dharba Sayana Sethuramar, Azhwars

Kotandaramar Ponvilaindha Kalathur is a small and ancient temple with a large entrance gateway in the east. The east facing temple has a single spacious Prakaram and an adjacent compound for Sayana Perumal. The Vimaana of the main deity is large and the adjacent new Vimaana for Dharba Sayana Sethuramar resembles a Gopuram. The temple has a beautiful small Nandavanam (flower garden) behind and the compound itself is filled with flowering plants and trees. Originally only the Ramar shrine was present and during expansion and excavations, the large 6 feet tall idol of Abhaya Venkata Varadar was discovered. This deity is installed in the Mantapa inside facing south. The main deity is Pattabhi (coronation) Ramar, sitting with a bow (Kothandam) in his hand. Sita is seen seated on his lap with Lakshmana standing on the right. Anjaneya is nearby. The processional deity of Lord Rama was found in the well inside the temple. A large temple tank is present north of the temple.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Kotandaramar Ponvilaindha Kalathur temple is said to have been in existence before the time of Sri Thoopul Nigamantha Mahadesikan (1268 – 1369 CE) as he is believed to have passed through this village.

Legend

Sri Thoopul Nigamantha Mahadesikan is believed to have passed through Kotandaramar Ponvilaindha Kalathur on his way to Thiruvaheendrapuram. During his stay here one night he could not raise alms to serve Lord Hayagriva. The next day he was told of a white horse which ran through some fields and destroyed the crops. Upon his visit to the spot, he found the crops had turned into gold and thus the name of the place – Pon (gold) Vilaindha (grew) Kalathur.

Directions

Kotandaramar Ponvilaindha Kalathur is 8 kilometers south of Chingleput.

Stay and Food

None locally. Chingleput has some restaurants.

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