12 Major Lord Rama Temples : Testaments of Ramayana Carved in Stone

Article of the Month - Dec 2023

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The fabric of India’s immensely rich culture and heritage is dyed with the vibrant hues of epics as grand as the Ramayana. Known as the land of spirituality and peace, this country is home to many breathtaking Lord Rama temples, each housing a statue of Lord Rama that is not only a visual treat but also exudes positivity in abundance.

Let’s take a look at some of them.

Here are the Top 12 Major Lord Rama Temples

1. Ram Mandir, Ayodhya


Ayodhya is said to be the birthplace of Lord Rama and is located on the banks of river Saryu. Hence, a grand temple is to be constructed on this site. In 2020, the temple's foundation was laid and currently, the construction process is going on in full swing. The principal deity here will be Rama Lalla, i.e., Lord Ram in an infant form.

2. Kalaram Mandir, Nashik


The Panchvati region of Nashik is where this temple is located. Legend has it that this is where Lord Rama stayed for a brief period of his exile. Constructed in 1788, this divine temple has a black-colored Lord Rama statue, which is the reason behind its name. It is believed that the temple was constructed by Sardar Rangarao Audhikar, who had a dream about the statue of Lord Rama and found it in the same position as seen in his dream.

3. Sita Ramchandraswamy Temple, Telangana


The temple is built on the bank of the Godavari River. It is constructed on the spot from where Lord Rama crossed the river and is a very important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. This was where Lord Rama appeared in front of Bhadra, who was Lord Vishnu’s devotee. The idol of the deity, i.e., Lord Rama, in this temple, has four arms.

4. Ramaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu


This beautiful and colorful temple is known for its eye-catching carvings and magnificent 64-pillar hall. It reflects the regality of Dravidian architecture with its intricately carved gopuram. Lord Rama is worshiped here with his three brothers - Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Lord Hanuman. It has been here since the 16th century.

5. Raghunath Temple, Jammu


Maharaja Gulab Singh, the first Dogra king of Jammu and Kashmir, commissioned the construction of this temple in 1835. While Lord Rama is worshiped as the chief deity here, shrines are built in honor of other Gods and Goddesses in the temple complex. In total, there are seven different temples within the premises, which are decorated with beautiful paintings and carvings.

6. Kodandarama Temple, Karnataka


It is located near Hampi and is believed to have been the residing place of Lord Parshurama and the 9 Siddha Purushas. The style of architecture is a mix of Vijayanagara and Hoysala styles. Lord Rama is worshiped here with Mata Sita, his brother Lakshman, and his most ardent devotee, Lord Hanuman. UNESCO declared this beautiful shrine as a World Heritage site.

7. Sri Ram Tirath Temple, Amritsar


This place is considered to be the place where Mata Sita took shelter after she had to part ways with Lord Rama upon their return from Lanka. It is also the birthplace of Lord Rama’s sons - Luv and Kush, and the ashram of Maharishi Valmiki. Surrounded by water on all sides, this temple is revered by Hindus for being the site where Maharishi Valmiki penned the epic Ramayana.

8. Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Rameswaram


The city of Rameswaram holds immense significance in the Hindu religion for where the construction of Rama Setu took place. Located at the tip of the Indian peninsula, this temple was constructed in the 12th century. The temple has the same Shiv linga Lord Rama worshiped before leaving for Lanka. 

9. Ram Raja Temple, Madhya Pradesh


Lord Rama is worshiped as a king here. The Lord Rama statue is seen with a shield and a sword in this sprawling temple in Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. Every day, a guard of honor is bestowed upon the deity in this temple. His idol is accompanied by those of Mata Sita and his brother Lakshman. Lord Hanuman and Devi Durga are worshiped here, and idols of Sugriva and Jambavan can be found as well.

10. Thriprayar Shree Ramaswamy Temple, Kerala


Lord Rama is worshiped here as Triprayarappan and is believed to have been worshiped by Lord Krishna in this form. The statue of Lord Rama in this temple has four arms bearing a conch, a discus, a bow, and a garland, and is said to have been recovered from the sea. It was constructed by a local ruler named Vakkayil Kaimal and is located among lush greenery, which adds to its peaceful ambiance. 

11. Kanak Bhavan Temple, Ayodhya


Built like a palace in gold hues, hence the name, this temple houses a beautiful Lord Rama statue along with an idol of Mata Sita. even the thrones and the ornaments of the deities are made of gold. The ideal time to visit this temple is either during sunrise or sunset when the golden rays of the sun fall on the temple and illuminate it with a divine glow.

12. Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Rameswaram


Located 13 km from Rameswaram, this magnificent temple is surrounded by the sea on all sides. It is believed to be built on the spot where Ravana’s brother Vibhishana met Lord Rama after he left Lanka. That is why, apart from the idols of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshman, the temple also has one of Vibhishana.

Wrapping Up

From the north to the southern tip, temples of Lord Rama are spread all across India. With beautiful carvings on their walls and a statue of Lord Rama along with those of Mata Sita, brother Lakshman, and Lord Hanuman lending to their ethereal beauty, these temples are not just holy shrines but are also places where the mind finds peace. They exemplify a culture that celebrates faith and art, both in beautiful amalgamation.

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