About Kothandaramaswamy Temple
Kothandaramaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama located at Dhanushkodi on Pamban Island near Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu. Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal about 12 km southeast of Rameswaram town, it is noted for its Dravidian architecture and for surviving the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone that destroyed Dhanushkodi town. The temple enshrines Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana and is an important pilgrimage site on the Rameswaram circuit.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small, historic temple complex set in an isolated coastal landscape surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and sandy shores near Dhanushkodi. The temple has a gopuram, pillared mandapas and sanctum enshrining idols of Rama holding a bow (Kothandam), Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana. The surroundings are open and windswept with views of the sea, ruins of old Dhanushkodi nearby, and a quiet pilgrimage atmosphere. Visitors can explore the temple courtyard, offer prayers and view the coastal scenery.
Key highlights
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Temple dedicated to Lord Rama as Kothandaramaswamy (Rama with bow) along with Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana
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Located on the isolated Dhanushkodi coastline surrounded by Bay of Bengal waters
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Only structure in Dhanushkodi to survive the devastating 1964 Rameswaram cyclone
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Traditional South Indian Dravidian architecture with sculpted pillars and gopuram
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Associated with Ramayana tradition where Vibhishana is believed to have surrendered to Rama
History of Kothandaramaswamy Temple
The temple is traditionally associated with the Ramayana episode where Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, surrendered to Rama and was crowned as king of Lanka at this site. The present structure is believed to be several hundred years old, built in Dravidian style, and is historically notable for being the only building in Dhanushkodi to remain intact after the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone that destroyed the town.
Culture & Context
The temple is an important Vaishnavite pilgrimage centre and part of the Rameswaram pilgrimage circuit. It is revered by devotees of Lord Rama and is visited as a sacred site linked to the Ramayana. The enshrinement of Vibhishana alongside Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman is considered distinctive and culturally significant for pilgrims.