Lord Rama with moustache at temple draws devotee interest
Nalgonda, April 5: In a rare display of iconography, the deity of Lord Sri Rama at the Sri Sritaramachandra Swamy Temple in Tirumalaigudem, Shaligowraram Mandal, is depicted with a moustache, a feature that has added distinctive significance to the temple.
Such representations of Lord Rama are scarce in the country, setting this temple apart as a cherished pilgrimage site for local villagers. The unusual portrayal stands in contrast to mainstream depictions, notably stirring discussions following the Telugu film “Adhipurush,” in which actor Prabhas’s portrayal of Lord Rama with a moustache received mixed reactions. Local devotees, however, warmly embrace the temple’s unique image, as many believe that during his exile (vanavasam), Lord Rama maintained his moustache and beard as a mark of his life in the forests.
Another unique ritual at the temple is its celestial wedding ceremony, held at night between 10 pm and 12.20 am. While most temples conduct the celestial wedding of Sita and Rama during the day on Sri Rama Navami, this temple’s night-time celebration has become a focal point of local lore. Villagers share two stories explaining these unique traditions: one recounts that Lord Rama spent a day at the site during his 12-year exile, and another links the temple’s discovery to a Rama deity with a moustache found about 350 years ago.
Local traditions add further mystique to the temple. According to resident Chada Hatipsh Reddy, villagers from surrounding areas believe that consuming “garuda mudda” — a rice preparation offered to Garudadwajam the day after the celestial wedding — brings blessings of progeny. Moreover, visiting the temple on Sri Rama Navami is said to bestow good fortune.
Temple priest Ratnamacharyulu noted that the deity’s distinctive attire and moustached depiction contribute to the temple’s aura of power and uniqueness, drawing many devotees to participate in the pujas and rituals.
