Temple of Kodandarama
Location:
Situated 12 km from Rameswaram to Dhanushkodi, the Kothandaramaswamy Temple is situated on Dhanushkodi Island, sandwiched between the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal.
History of Legacy:
In the Ramayana, Vibhishana counsels Ravana, his brother, that it was improper for him to woo Sita and give her to Lord Rama. Vidaana gave himself over to Rama in order to assist him after Ravana refused to accept it and started stomping Veedana under his boots. Prior to capturing Sri Lanka, Raman anointed Sri Lanka as Vendan, acknowledging Veedana as his younger brother. At the location of Veedananai Pattabhishekam, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama called Kothandarama Temple. Beside Ramabran, Vibhishana is worshipped at this temple.
Ramayana Festival:
Lord Ram , Lakshavan and Sita are displayed as utsava murthys in Kothandaram temple . Utsavam is held on the days of Ramalinga Pratishtai in the month of Ani, Vaikunda Ekadasi, Rama Navami and Aadi Amavasai.
During the Ramayana festival, events such as Ravana's seduction of Sita, Jatayu stopping her, Anjaneya's visit to Sri Lanka, Rama's defeat of Ravana, the consecration of Vibhishena, and the consecration of the Rama Linga will be performed.
Festival of Ramayana:
In the Kothandaram temple, Lord Ram, Lakshavan, and Sita are portrayed as utsava murthys. The days of Ramalinga Pratishtai in the months of Ani, Vaikunda Ekadasi, Rama Navami, and Aadi Amavasai are when Utsavam is conducted.
Events including the seduction of Sita by Ravana, her halting by Jatayu, Anjaneya's trip to Sri Lanka, Rama's victory over Ravana, the consecration of Vibhishena, and the consecration of the Rama Linga will all take place during the Ramayana festival.