Introduction to 5 Most Famous Shri Ram Temples
When we talk about the 5 most famous Shri Ram Temples, the name that flashes in our mind without a second thought is that of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh which is situated on the banks of the holy Saryu river.
We all know that Shri Ram was exiled for a long period of 14 years and during the period of his exile, he travelled far and wide up to Lanka to set free his wife Goddess Sita from the clutches of demon King Ravana who forcefully took her away.
There are umpteen stories associated with Prabhu Ram’s acts of valour, benevolence and virtuous approach towards one and all including those who were in the other flank.
Hindu society is deeply rooted in the ideals of Prabhu Ram, and thus it tends to keep in their fold all and one by exhibiting tolerance and patience.
The dogma of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ is the hallmark of Hindu culture, customs and traditions. For Hindus, Prabhu Ram is Maryada Purushottam, who resides in their hearts, souls and minds eternally.
From this perspective, it is apt to discuss the 5 most famous Shri Ram Temples of the Hindu religion.
The 5 most famous Shri Ram Temples in India:-
The 5 most famous Shri Ram Temples in India include Kalaram Temple, Nashik, Maharashtra; Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Telangana; Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh; Kodandarama Temple, Karnataka and; Raghunath Temple, Jammu.
Kalaram Temple, Nashik, Maharashtra
Kalaram Temple, Nashik, Maharashtra is an ancient temple where, it is believed that Prabhu Ram together with Goddess Sita, his wife and Lord Laxman, his brother had spent about 2 and half years of their 14 years of exile.
Nashik City, earlier known as Panchvati is located on the banks of the holy river Godavari. Sita cave (Sita Gufa) is believed to be the place where Goddess Sita spent her time during the time God Ram and Lord Laxman went out to gather food and water.
Kalaram Temple, Nashik, Maharashtra is stated to be earlier a wooden temple. The present shrine was built by Sardar Rangrao Odhekar in 1782. The Kalaram Temple, Nashik, Maharashtra is enclosed by 17 ft. high walls. The sanctum sanctorum has 2 ft. tall idols of deities Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Laxman in black stone.
The Kalaram Temple, Nashik, Maharashtra is very well connected by road, rail and air. The Ojhar Nashik International Airport is about a distance of 24 km from the temple. Nashik Road Railway station is at about a distance of 10 km from the temple and the bus station is at a distance of about 3 km.
During the Ramnavami festival, devotees from far and wide visit the Kalaram Temple, in Nashik, Maharashtra and propitiate the deities Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lord Laxman.
During the Ramnavmi festival, the temple is bedecked with flowers and the devotees immerse themselves completely in religious fervour.
The festival of Ramnavmi is celebrated in the month of Chaitra(March-April). According to the mythological legend, Lord Laxman severed the nose of Supernakha, the sister of demon king Ravana of Lanka.
Kalaram Temple, Nashik, Maharashtra Timings for Darshan:05:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, Telangana
Sri Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, Telangana, a Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Laxman. Lord Rama is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the Universe.
Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, Telangana is located in Bhadrachalam district in Telangana. The temple is situated on the banks of the holy river Godavari.
The festivals of Ramnavmi and Vaikunta Ekadashi are celebrated with grandeur and fanfare. Devotees and pilgrims from far and wide come to Bhadrachalam to worship Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lord Laxman.
The devotees immerse themselves in spirituality and religious fervour. The Vaikunta Ekadashi festival is scheduled to be held on 10.01.2025. Pilgrims can book their slots Online in advance.
Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Telangana Timings for Darshan:
Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Telangana Timings(Mon – Saturday):
4:30 am to 09:30 pm.
Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Telangana Timings (Sunday):04:00 am to 09:30 pm
Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh is the place where Prabhu Shri Ram was born to King Dashrath and Queen Kaushalya. Prabhu Shri Ram is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The unique feature of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh is that it is so designed that the sunlight falls onto the forehead of the idol of Lord Ram at around 12 noon.
Amongst Hindus, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh holds a special significance as it is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram.
This finds mention in the Valmiki Ramayan and people professing the Hindu religion venerate and worship the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Shri Ram, with profound devotion and dedication.
After the protracted legal battle, on the Babri Masjid – Ram Mandir issue, the present Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh was inaugurated after holding the consecration ceremony, or the prana paratishtha( infusion of life in the deity) on 22.01.2024.
The architecture of the present Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh
The sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh where the presiding deity has been consecrated. The temple is built over an area of over 2.7 acres and the temple area is about 70 acres. The work in the temple premises is being completed in phases.
The design and architecture of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh includes construction of three floors (161 feet tall). The temple is going to be 360 ft. long and 235 ft. wide. The architecture of the temple includes 12 huge gates and 05 congregations halls.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture. The spire and the sanctum sanctorum(garbhagriha) of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh has an octagonal shape.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh temple Timings for Darshan: -6:30 am to 09:30 pm.
Kodandarama Temple, Karnataka
Kodandarama Temple, Karnataka is dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Laxman. The temple is built in the Hoyasala style of architecture. The Sanctum sanctorum(Garbagriha) and Entry gates(Sukhanasi) are built in the Dravidian style of architecture.
The 5 tiered main tower of the Kodandarama Temple, Karnataka temple faces East and the other two towers face North and South directions. The temple Mandapams rests on 32 magnificent pillars.
The temple is believed to have been constructed by Chola Kings in 1000 AD. It is believed that at Kodandarama Temple, Karnataka, Sage Parshuram met Lord Rama.
Lord Rama is shown to hold the bow, (the Kodanda) in their left hand and an arrow in his right hand. An idol of Lord Ganesha in a dancing pose adorns the Mandapam. In the enclosed area of the temple are the idols of Madhava, Sugriva, Yoga Narasimha, Vedanta, Ramanujacharya, Deshika, and Muddukrishna.
The deity of Goddess Sita is on the right-hand side of Lord Rama. The deity of Hanuman is not there, however, in other shrines, the idol of Lord Hanuman is there. According to the mythological legend, Lord Rama here is depicted as enacting the wedding scene to Sage Parashuram.
The festivals of Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Sri Rama Navami and Sri Krishna Janmashtami are celebrated with enthusiasm and religious fervour. The temple is located on the banks of the Tungbhadra River.
How to reach Kodandarama Temple, Karnataka
Kodandarama temple, Karnataka is accessible by road, rail and air. The temple is located at a distance of 10 km from Chikmagalur city. The Nearest Railway station is Kadur which is around 40 km from the temple.
The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport which is about 150 km. On the other hand, Bangalore Airport is at a distance of about 250 km.
Kodandarama Temple, Karnataka Timings for Darshan: 06:00 am to 11:30 am; 04:30 pm to 08:30 pm on all days of the week. There is no entry fee.
Raghunath Temple, Jammu
Raghunath Temple, Jammu constitute 7 shrines with 7 mountain peaks or Shikhars. Raghunath Temple, Jammu was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh and his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh during 1853- 1860 AD.
The architecture of the Raghunath Temple Jammu is in North Indian style. At the entrance of the temple, the idol of Lord Hanuman is placed. Also, a portrait of Maharaja Ranbir Singh is there at the entry gate of the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Besides, there are other shrines which are dedicated to other Hindu Gods and Goddesses, and the Sun God.
In the Raghunath Temple, Jammu library, there are Sanskrit scriptures, texts and manuscripts are kept.
How to Reach Raghunath Temple, Jammu
Raghunath Temple, Jammu is accessible by Air, Train and Road. The temple is about at a distance of 08 km from the Jammu Airport. Jammu Tawi Railway station is at a distance of about 07 km and the bus stand is nearby at a distance of about half a km.
Raghunath Temple, Jammu Timings for Darshan: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Conclusion:
Prabhu Ram, the son of Dashrath of Ikshavaku lineage is revered and worshiped amongst Hindus all over the world. The idols of Prabhu Ram, Goddess Sita and Laxman are propitiated across India.
In Hindu Vedic culture, customs and traditions, the life of Prabhu Ram is inspiring and people desperately long for the restoration of Ramrajya in the society which is believed to have been absolutely free from caprice, crime, theft, fear or favour and malice of any sort.
Prabhu Ram set an example of dignity, humanity, reason and rationale and is, therefore, called Maryada Puroshattam Prabhu Shri Ram. The devotees get completely immersed in religious fervour during the festivals at the temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshamana.
FAQs About 5 Most Famous Shri Ram Temples
Q.1. Why is Kalaram temple famous?
Ans.1. Kalaram Temple, Nashik, Maharashtra is an ancient temple Prabhu Ram, Goddess Sita, and Shri Laxman, had spent about 2 and half years of his 14 years of exile.
Q.2. What is the Speciality of Bhadrachalam Temple?
Ans.2. Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, Telangana is located in Bhadrachalam district in Telangana. The temple is situated on the banks of the holy river Godavari. “Paduka Sahasram” signifies a thousand footprints of Lord Rama carved in stone.
Q.3. In which state is Ayodhya Ram Mandir?
Ans.3. Ayodhya Ram Mandir is located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
Q.4. What is the history of Ayodhya Ram Mandir?
Ans.4. Ayodhya Ram Mandir was consecrated in January 2024 after a protracted legal battle on the Mandir-Masjid issue.
Q.5. Why is the Raghunath temple famous?
Ans. 5 Raghunath Temple Jammu is famous as Prabhu Ram’s shrine. There are 7 shrines on different mountain peaks(Shikhars).
