Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Ramaswamy Temple

At a distance of 2 Km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, Ramaswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located on the southeastern portion of the Porthamarai Tank in Kumbakonam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is reagrded as one of the most prominent places to visit in Kumbakonam. It is one of the five Vishnu temples associated with the Mahamaham festival, which occurs every 12 years in Kumbakonam. The other four temples include Sarangapani Temple, Chakrapani Temple, Rajagopalaswamy Temple, and Varahaperumal Temple.

History of Ramaswamy Temple

The Ramaswamy Temple's construction commenced in the 16th century under the leadership of Govinda Dikshitar, a chieftain serving Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur (1560-1614), and was completed during the rule of Raghunatha Nayak (1600-34). Additionally, he incorporated a commercial corridor into the design, linking this temple with the older Chakrapani Temple, which is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most recent Kumbhabhishekam, or consecration, of the temple took place on September 9, 2015.

Architecture of Ramaswamy Temple

Built in the classic Nayak architectural style, the temple features an impressive three-tiered gopuram surrounded by a granite wall. It comprises a Maha Mandapam and a Sanctum Sanctorum. The Maha Mandapam is supported by 64 intricately carved pillars, showcasing renowned stone sculptures depicting Vamana Avatharam, Meenakshi Kalyanam, and Sugreeva Pattabishekam. Each pillar is hewn from a single stone, highlighting the exquisite craftsmanship. The outer Prakaram is adorned with 219 wall paintings that narrate various events from the epic Ramayana.

The central shrine, or sanctum sanctorum, contains the idol of Rama in a coronation pose, accompanied by his consort Sita Devi. This is flanked by standing idols of his brothers Lakshmana, Bharatha, and Shatruguna, along with Hanuman in a worshipful stance. The inner sanctum also features pictorial carvings of the Ramayana, which can be easily observed while circumambulating the sanctum. Other significant events from the epic, such as the coronation of Vibishana, the coronation of Sugriva, the redemption of Agalya from her curse, and Hanuman playing the veena, are also depicted.

Festivals of Ramaswamy Temple

Sri Rama Navami stands out as the principal festival celebrated at the Ramaswamy Temple. This occasion marks the birth of Lord Rama and takes place during the Tamil month of Panguni, which occurs between March and April. Furthermore, the temple hosts an annual event known as the Float Festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm from February to March. Additionally, the significant Mahamaham Festival, held every 12 years, is also observed with grandeur at this temple, which is one of the five Vishnu temples linked to the Mahamaham Festival.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Ramaswamy Temple

When planning a visit to the Ramaswamy Temple in Kumbakonam, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Ramaswamy Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM

Ramaswamy Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Ramaswamy Temple

The ideal period to explore Ramaswamy Temple is during the winter season, from October to March, when the climate is enjoyable and temperatures are cooler. This is also the best time to visit Ramaswamy Temple as the annual Float Festival, and Sri Rama Navami take place during this time when is adorned with vibrant decorations and lights, attracting thousands of tourists and pilgrims who come to partake in the festivities. It is advisable to avoid visiting during the peak summer months of May to June, as the heat in Tamil Nadu can be quite intense, making temple tours uncomfortable.

How to Reach Ramaswamy Temple

Trichy Airport is the nearest airport, situated about 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station provides comprehensive train services to numerous cities, including Chennai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Furthermore, bus services connect Kumbakonam with all parts of Tamil Nadu. Travelers can utilize bus services or opt for a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach Ramaswamy Temple.