Ramanatheswarar Esalam

Saivite Temples, Villupuram District

God

Ramanatheswarar, facing east

Goddess

Thiripurasundari, facing south

Other Deities

Being Updated

Ramanatheswarar Esalam is a stone temple with many beautiful carvings and sculptures. The balipeedam in the front is beautifully carved. Vimaanam is made of stone. The temple does not have a Rajagopuram.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Kaaman Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Panai (Palmyra Palm)

History

Ramanatheswarar Esalam was built by Rajendra Chola I between 1012 and 1027 CE. Many inscriptions dating back to the Chola period have been discovered here. The villagers while renovating the temple discovered ancient bronze figures, articles and plate buried in a pit of sand, obviously for safe keeping from invasions, belonging to Rajendra I in 1036 CE.

Legend

Ramanatheswarar Esalam is believed to have been built as a tribute Rajaraja Chola’s teacher.

Directions

When going towards Villupuram from Tindivanam, take the right after the Veedur dam signboard and after crossing the Gingee river bridge. The road will take you to Ramanatheswarar Esalam. You can continue on to reach Brahmadesam where there are two ancient Shiva Temples and also to Madagapattu where one of the earliest Pallava rock cut temple for the Holy Trinity is there.

Stay and Food

None except tea and snack shops.

Saivite Temples

Ramanatheswarar, Esalam