Nandampakkam Kodanda Rama Temple

Nandampakkam, a locality within Chennai city, has garnered significant attention in the past decade, thanks to the presence of DLF IT Park and the Trade Center. Yet, few are aware that this area has a history that traces back to the Ramayana. Let's explore an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Rama situated in this locale.

Located on Mount Poonamallee High Road, opposite the Chennai Trade Center, the Kodanda Rama temple can be found.

Highlights:

• Depiction of Rama with Sita on his lap
• Presence of Rama and his three brothers in the sanctum
• Pattabhisheka posture of Rama and Sita in the sanctum
• Puranic name - Brindaranya
• Teerth (Holy water) - Bhringi Teerth
• Vimana - Nalinaka Vimana

Legend:

During their quest to locate Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana, Lord Rama and Lakshmana passed through the site now known as Nandampakkam. At that time, the sage Bhringi resided in a hermitage here. At his request,  Rama and Lakshman stayed here for a day. In Valmiki Ramayana, this location is referred to as Brindaranya, while in Kamba Ramayana, it is called Nandavanam. Over time, Nandavanam evolved into Nandampakkam.

Another theory suggests that due to Bhringi Rishi's presence, the nearby hill came to be known as Bhringi Malai. Later, it transformed into Parangi Malai and eventually St. Thomas Mount.

It is believed that Tirukkachi Nambi constructed a small temple for Lord Rama in the 11th century CE.

History:

In the 16th century CE, during the reign of Vijayanagara Emperor Krishnadeva Raya's representative, Sanjeeva Raya, the present temple was constructed, featuring shrines dedicated to Rama and Srinivasa.

Temple Layout:

The temple boasts two entrances with distinct gopuras: an east-facing gopura with five tiers and a south-facing one with two tiers.

The south-facing sanctum features an image of Rama with Sita on his lap in the Pattabhisheka posture. Additionally, his brothers Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna are depicted together within the sanctum, with a shrine for Hanuman facing towards it.

Another east-facing sanctum houses Srinivasa Perumal, accompanied by his two consorts on either side. In the Ardha mandapa (half-hall), shrines for Alarmel Mangai and Andal can be found. Facing the sanctum, the Deepa stambha (lamp pillar), bali peetha (sacrificial platform), flagstaff, and an image of Garuda are present.

Within the prakara (enclosure), sub-shrines dedicated to Nammalvar, Ananda Anjaneya, and Sudarshan with Narasimha at the rear are situated.

In the Maha mandapa (main hall), sub-shrines for Tirukachi Nambigal, Ramanuja, and Manavala Mamunigal are found.

A serene Nandavanam (garden) featuring a sub-shrine for Nandavana Kannan adds to the temple's charm.

The temple pond lies just outside the temple complex.

Happy travelling.