Sri Yoga Ramachandra Swamy Temple Padavedu

Sri Yoga Ramachandra Swamy Temple- Padavedu

Sri Yoga Ramachandra Swamy Temple is located at Padavedu near Santhavasal which is centrally located among Vellore, Thiruvannamalai and Arani in Tamilnadu.

This temple is constructed before 12th Century AD, has Lord Rama in a uniquely seated yoga posture in Artha Padmasana with a “Chin Mudra”, Seetha Devi and Lakshmana by his side and without his usual Kodanda (Bow).Unusually Lord Hanuman is seated in front of Lord Rama reading Palm leaf manuscripts. The combination of the clean and properly illuminated sanctum sanctorum and the beautiful deities is really marvelous.

Legend

After the destruction of Ravana, Lord Rama was requested to destroy the demon, hundred headed Mahi Ravana. On behalf of Lord Rama, Hanuman fought with Mahi Ravana. The intense battle witnessed the fall of his (Hanuman) soldiers at the hands of the demon. In spite of his best efforts, Hanuman could not locate Mahi Ravana. At that time, Seetha Devi informed Hanuman that Mahi Ravana was a staunch devotee of Goddess Renuka Devi and his life force was hidden in a lotus flower of a Pond at Kundalipuram and he had been protected by Goddess Renuka Devi.

When Hanuman went to Kundalipuram, Goddess Renuka Devi made the lotus Pond to disappear to safeguard Mahi Ravana. Hanuman got angry and fought with Goddess Renuka Devi but Lord Rama intervened and pacified both. Then Lord Rama and Hanuman prayed Goddess Renuka devi to help them in destroying Mahi Ravana. Pleased by the prayers, Goddess Renuka Devi granted the boon and Mahi Ravana was destroyed.

Later Rama too took abode in Kundalipuram along with his consort Sita, brother Lakshmana and his devotee Hanuman at the place where the present temple is located.

As Lord Sri Rama graces here as a Guru, the temple is more revered as a place of worship seeking academic benefits. They pray for good education, freedom from forgetfulness and wisdom. People also pray for a happy wedding, child boon and unity in family.