Sri Ramanathaswami temple is located in the village named Tirukannapuram in the district of Tiruvarur, in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. The main deity of this temple is Ramanathaswami (Lord Shiva) and his consort is Sarivar Kuzhali. The festival deity is Somaskanda with Nandhi vahan.
The holy trees of this temple are Mahizham and Shenbagam. The holy water of this temple is Ramatheertham. The agamam or pooja of this temple is known as Kameekam. This temple is nearly 1000-2000 years old in this region. The historical name of this place is Ramanatheeswaram.
According to the local legends, “The temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Saint Gnanasambandar.This is the 77th Shiva temple on the southern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns.” The important festivals of this temple are Aipasi Annabishekam and Skanda Sashti in October-November, Maha Shivrathri in February-March, all the days of Ekadashi and Tirukarthikai in November-December.
The temple tank in front of the temple is considered very holy. All the devotees have a bath or dip in the early morning before visiting this particular temple. Devotees from the nook and corner of the world visit this temple because the Lord is known as wish fulfiller among the devotees.
As per the local legends, “Lord of the temple is a swayambumurthy. It is noteworthy that a Jyothi will be visible on the Linga when abishek is performed”. According to the temple’s authority, the temple is open from 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m for all the pilgrims and devotees. The visitors are largely advised to directly contact the temple administration in advance for any type of pujas and rituals.