Kotandaramar Ayodyapatnam

Kotandaramar Ayodyapatnam is a large east-facing temple with a 5 tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance in the east. The temple has a magnificent temple chariot. After the Rajagopuram is a beautiful flagstaff and a pedestal with the feet of Lord Rama carved on top. The Maha Mandapam in front of the Ardha Mandapam is in the form of a chariot and has 28 pillars depicting the glory of Lord Rama including some large Music pillars and Yaali pillars with fine carvings on them. There are some beautiful murals from the Ramayana epic created with herbal paints on the ceiling of this mandapam. The image of the sculptor who created this mandapam is also in one of the pillars. The main deity is Lord Rama in coronation posture with his consort Sita (both sitting cross legged), Anjaneya, Vibeeshana, Angada, Sugreeva and brothers Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughana. On the south side of the Prakaram is the shrine of Chakrathazhwar and on the northwest side is the shrine of Aandal. Kotandaramar Ayodyapatnam is a treasure trove of art and requires some peaceful time to observe and appreciate the works of art on stone all around. If you request, one of the priests can demonstrate on the musical pillars. On the opposite side of the road outside is a small temple for Nandavana Anjaneya. The Nandavana is sadly gone today due to encroachments all around, but the shrine remains and is protected from further damage. In the olden days, we were told that the rays of the setting sun on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) used to fall on the idol of Anjaneya. But the encroachments around have prevented this totally these days.