Erri Kaatha Ramar. -----Rama the protector of the lake..

There is a interesting story behind the prefix 'Erri Katha' added to Sri Rama's name at Madhuranthakam.

Two centuries earlier an English collector promised in jest ,to the temple priests of Kothanda Ramar koil of help in rebuilding the dilapidatedThayar's [mother or Lakshmi]sannidhi if their beloved Rama would stop the Erri or lake from breaching in the heavy downpour that was being witnessed then.That same night when he went to inspect the bund he saw two young lustrous and bright looking men releasing a barrage of arrows at a breach and sealing it effectively.

He passed out and when he came around he was relieved to see that the water had not over flowed . He was also perplexed that none around him had seen the two young men with bows and arrows .Did he actually see lord Rama and Lakshmana on that stormy night? May be he did.I have lived long and suffered enough to know that certain happenings are inexplicable and beyond human comprehension.Facts are at times stranger than fiction.He was how ever very sure that he did.The very next day he sanctioned the necessary amount required to repair and rebuild Janaki Thayar's sannidhi.His name is said to be inscribed on the outer wall of the renovated sannidhi.

Ramar since that incident is also called as Erri Katha Ramar or Rama the protector of the lake.

Photo's.Top.The Madhuranthakam erri or lake.

Below. Janaki thayar's sannidhi that was rebuilt with a English collectors contributions.

Painting on the wall around main sannidhi depicting Lord Rama as 'Erri kathaRamar'.