Ramaswamy Temple of Palayankottai
Could the resplendent Lord Rama of Ayodhya be as breathtaking as the divine Sri Ramaswami of Palayankottai? It seems that, to cater to the devout who cannot make the journey to Ayodhya, he chose to reside in Palayankottai. Join me as I explore the intricate details of the temple graced by one of Tamilagam's most exquisite murtis as the presiding deity. The Ramaswamy temple, believed to have its origins possibly in the later Pandya era, around the 1200s or 1300s, has seen significant additions and renovations spanning centuries, extending up to the present day. A captivating east-facing Rajagopuram extends a warm welcome. A weathered dwarapala guard is found at the entrance, while the fate of his counterpart remains a mystery. Passing through a mandapa, we approach the primary sanctum, facing south, which enshrines a striking stone image of Lord Rama, flanked by Lakshmana and Sita. Additionally, we encounter the snapana metal images of this divine trio, accompanied by Hanuman, ever