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South India's Shiva Sthala
 Sree Ramanatha Swamy Temple, which is situated in Thirurameshwaram ( in Thiruvarur District ) is the first Siva temple in South India. In Rameshwaram the Shivalingam was established by Sree Rama while in Thirurameshwaram the Shivalingam is a self-existent one. In Rameshwaram the 21 sacred bathing Ghats are found separately while in Thirurameshwaram the speciality is that all the sacred bathing Ghats confluence in the Thirukulam (sacred pond).
Ever perennial Kodhanda Theertham
 When Sree Rama after defeating Ravana was returning from the land of the asura to the holy land , to liberate himself from the sin and Bhramahathi dhosham, offered prayers to Lord Shiva at this Sthala. In order to use water while offering his prayers, he shot an arrow and created a well opposite to the sanctum sanctorum of Sree Mangala Nayagi Amman which is called as Khodhanda Theertham. The temple pond which is 15 feet in depth, is ever perennial.
After performing pooja with Kodhanda Theertham and Pathala Gangai Theertham for five days, Rama was given Dharshan by Lord Shiva and Parvathi. Rama prayed to them that he be absolved from Bhramahathi dhosham
and that people who worship in this Sthala should be liberated from their sins. Such is the greatness of this
Sthala.
Only Shiva Sthala with Vishnu Durga
Since Mahavishnu worshipped Goddess Durga in this temple, it is called as Vishnu Durga. One can see Shiva Durga also in this temple. It is believed that if one offers pooja to Vishnu Durga. and Shiva Durga in
'Rahukalam' just once, their needs will be fulfilled whether it be marriage or for progeny or for material wealth.
One can see stone idols of Arthanareeshwarar and Sree Pichadanar on one side of Shiva Durga. The carving of Lingothparin on the Linga is a marvel. Guru Bhagavan who appears with 4 rishis usually, appears with 8 rishis in this temple. He is seen in an instructive posture here which makes it very special for one seeking education and wisdom.
Retaining of power by Surya
 Once when Lord Surya was offering prayers to Lord Shiva, some error was committed by him, which resulted in his loosing his strength. On the advice of the devas, Indra and sage Naradha, he came to Thiruramesharam and offered prayers to Lord Shiva and got back his strength. So every year on the day he offered prayers ( in the month of Masi (Feb) from 22nd to 27th) one can have Dharshan of the Linga being bathed in the radiance of the Sun. When the rays of the Sun fall on the Linga, it is called as Bhaskara Pooja or Surya
pooja.
It is considered as auspicious if one takes dip in the sacred pond of the temple during 'Adi Amavasai' and 'Thai Amavasai'. If it is done for seven Amavasais continuously, it is said that they will be rid of all the Dhoshas. This is due to the fact that Pathala Ganga comes up and confluences with the Saptha Theeratha (7 wells) in this pond.
There is a statue of Sage Agasthya here and it is said that when Lord Shiva blessed Agasthya by giving Dharshan with Parvathi, the latter heard a voice from heaven asking him to go Thirurameshwaram and worship Lord
Shiva.
Since it was worshipped by the devas, sages, rishis, and all gods, Thirurameshwaram is called as 'Bhoologa Devalogam' by the devotees of Shiva.
In this temple, one can witness a strange scene as when the Sun is in the east, one's shadow also falls on the same side.
Oblations for the departed manes
It is said that one attains Mukthi if one is born in Thiruvarur, one dies in Kasi, one thinks of Thiruvannamalai, but if one steps on the soil of Thirurameshwaram one attains the same. It is famous for performing oblations to the departed manes during Amavasai, which releases one from the
'pithrudhosham'.
If one had not performed the ceremony ( thidhi) done to a deceased person, this Sthala is where the oblations are offered to absolve them from the Dhosham. Mahalaya Amavasai is considered sacred for performing such deeds. To rid of oneself, of the fear of Yama, Tharpana Pooja can be done in this
Sthala.
The students of Mannargudi Ponnaiah Ramajayam Vocational Institute are totally involved in the maintenance work of the temple.
'Kudamuzhukku Vizha' will be celebrated in the coming January (Thai) and preparations are being carried on for the same.
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