Introduction
Vedaranyam is on the Tirutturaipundi-Point Calimere line of the Southern Railway. The temple is about 2 furlongs from the Railway Station.
The temple faces the east and is at a slightly lower level when compared with the town. Within he temple, in the southeast lies the famous Manikarnika extending to about an acre with mandapam built of bricks on the east and west. A wall of granite stones with gopurams surrounds the emple. On the east and west. There are at present only two prakarams inside the ramparts.
Immediately on the outside on all the four sides lie the four Ratha Veethis (streets through which chariots are drawn during festival occasions). These Ratha Veethis are known as Dasharatha Maharaja Streets even today. The name alludes to the occurrence when Dasharatha had to install a Naga (snake) beneath the Sthalavriksha called "Vanni and worshipped at this temple.
Author : Shri R. K. Das
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