This realistic
picture is worshipped in the temple. Nowhere else is this Hastavalam- bana Darsan, i.e.,
physical appearance of Sri Rama and Sita holding each other's hands, to be seen. The scene
has been made so realistic and so vivid that one is spellbound at the sight.
For Vaishnavites Madurantakam is an important centre of pilgrimage because of its
association with certain anecdotes in the life history of Ramanuja, the great Vaishnavite
saint and philosopher. Although Ramanuja was born
at Sriperumbudur, it was here that he had his spiritual rebirth. He wanted to be initiated
by Peria Nambi. With this desire in his mind, he was proceeding to Srirangam. At
Madurantakam, he accidentally met Peria Nambi, who had been sent by the Vaishnavites of
Srirangam to invite
Ramanuja from Kancheepuram, to be installed as Head of the Vaishnava sect after the
passing away of Alavandar. |
