Kaattu Ramar Arugankulam

Vaishnavite Temples, Tirunelveli District

God

Rama with Lakshmana and Sita, facing east

Goddess

Sita with main deity, facing east

Other Deities

Anjaneya

Kaattu Ramar, Arugankulam is a beautiful east-facing temple with an open prakaram. The ancient stone structure of the Sanctum Sanctorum with its huge Vimaana is truly amazing to look at. Lord Rama and others here are in a standing posture. The idol of Anjaneya outside the sanctum is a tall idol. The location of the temple under shade-giving trees resonates with the calls of peafowl. The Tamiraparani River runs southeast of Kaattu Ramar, Arugankulam.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Jatayu Theertham (section of Tamiraparani River)

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Kaattu Ramar, Arugankulam is an old temple as is evident from the numerous inscriptions found on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum. Historical information is not available as of now.

Legend

Kaattu Ramar, Arugankulam is where Lord Rama is believed to have given Darshan (Kaatchi) to Jatayu. Jatayu who was mortally injured by Raavana as he kidnapped Sita was found here by Lord Rama. Jatayu lamented that he could not see the Lord in his royal form with goddess Sita. For him, the Lord appeared with his royal attire along with Sita and Lakshmana. Kaatchi Kodutha Ramar became Kaattu Ramar over time.

Directions

Kaattu Ramar, Arugankulam is about 5 kilometers northeast of Tirunelveli town. Kaattu Ramar Arungulam can be reached from the north by-pass road by taking the immediate right after Tamiraparani bridge. Kaattu Ramar, Arugankulam can also be reached from the bypass road coming from Kanyakumari by taking a left immediately after crossing the Tamiraparani bridge at a place called Naranammalpuram. There is a shiva temple and a Perumal temple also nearby connected with the same legend as this temple.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest is Tirunelveli.

Vaishnavite Temples