This is one of the beautiful temples of Sri.Rama in Tamilnadu situated nearby Salem.It is around 20 kms in Salem - Authur state highway, few kms from Salem - Chennai N.H( 4 lane).The legend is that Lord Rama stayed here one night on his way to Ayodya with Mother Sita,Laksmana,Anjaneya,Sugreva & Vibishana after killing Ravana.Sri.Rama's footprints are near the dwaja stamba( flag staff).The sculptures of this temple are excellent & speak themselves of such an architectural beauty.The mandapa ( big hall ) constructed before the sanctum has ,musical pillars, a soldier killing a demon riding a horse,a lion like animal, an elephant all are carved in a single pillar.This was constructed by the king Thirumalai Naicker. There is similarity in sculptures of Tharamangalam Kailasanathar,Thiruchengode Arthanareeswarar & Murugan temples & also Thirumalainaicker mahal (Madurai),said to be constructed at the same time.But Thiruchengode temple was visited by Saint Sambandar during 7th century.The temple is in a peaceful atmosphere.When you enter near the sanctum ,you would be in Ramayana period.Statue of Thirumalai Naiker is in the mandapa.
Musical pillars
Many sculptures carved in a single pillar
Idols photo from Dinamalar magazine with thanks.
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