Kothandaramaswamy Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples in Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ram. The temple is classified as one of the 108 Abhimaan Kshetras of the Vaishnava tradition. The temple is the only historical structure to survive the 1964 cyclone that devastated Dhanushkodi.
History and Architecture of Kothandaramaswamy Temple
Kothandaramaswamy Temple, is 500 years old. The temple has idols of Ram, Lakshman, Sita, Hanuman and Vibhishana. This temple is surrounded by the sea and remains a center of tourist attraction.
Kothandaramaswami means Bhagwan Ram with the bow.
It is said that it was here that Ravana's brother Vibhishana met Bhagwan Ram for the first time and sought refuge from him. Pictures of many incidents of Ramayana are engraved on the walls of this temple. At the same time, the main deity of Bhagwan Ram is depicted in the form of a bow (Kothandam), due to which the temple is named Kothandaramaswamy.
This is the only temple where Vibhishana is also worshipped.
When Dhanushkodi was badly affected by the 1964 Rameshwaram cyclone, the temple was the only structure that survived. It is said that
Swami Vivekananda visited this place after his historic visit to Chicago.
Kothandaramaswamy Temple Visit Timings
The temple remains open throughout the week and darshan timings are from 7 am to 5 pm.
Major Festivals at Kothandaramaswamy Temple
Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti are the major festivals of Kothandaramaswamy Temple.
How to reach Kothandaramaswamy Temple?
Kothandaramaswamy Temple is located in
Rameshwaram. Located on an island surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar, the temple is located 13 kilometers (8.1 mi) from Rameshwaram. This place is easily accessible by bus and train.
Popular Name: Dhanushkodi Mandir
Basic Services
Drinking Water, Prasad, CCTV Security, Shoe Store, Parking Lot