Yeri Katha Ramar Temple, Chennai

This temple is situated near the Madhuranthakam lake shore. The temple also houses an image of Karunakaramurthi. During the period between 1795 and 1799, the Collector of Chingleput District was a British officer called Colonel Lionel Blaze. During his collectorship, Blaze had witnessed two breaches to the huge tank.Wanting to take preemptive action in the year 1798, the Collector camped in Madurantakam. During his sojourn, the Collector was exploring ways and means to undertake urgent repairs of the breaches if and when they happened. During the course of his inspections, he happened to see a large collection of granite and other stones in the precincts of the Rama temple.The Collector mentioned to his subordinates that these could be put to use in restoration of the bunds. Hearing this, the temple priests submitted that the stones were meant for constructing a separate shrine for Janakavalli Thayar and since there was paucity of funds the construction could not commence.Hearing this, the Collector is said to have remarked that where was the need for a separate shrine when more urgent work like repairing the bunds was crying for resources. He also asked the priests jestingly as to why the Lord was not able to save the tank each year? The priests replied saying that the Lord was always known to answer a sincere prayer from the heart.The rains came and it poured. Within a few days, the tank was full to the brim and a breach seemed imminent. That night, a worried Collector camped near the tank hoping against hope that the bunds would hold. As he was inspecting, Colonel Blaze saw a miraculous sight. He saw two warriors bearing bow and quiver guarding the bunds.The British officer went on his knees and prayed, for he knew it was none other than Lord Rama and his divine brother Lakshmana. It was indeed strange that nobody else who was a part of the Collector's retinue saw the Lord. After a while, the vision evanesced and the rain stopped. The grateful Collector undertook the building of the shrine for Janakavalli Thayar and Lord Rama in the temple came to be known as the Erikatha Ramar (Rama who saved the tank (Eri)).The edict with the Collector's name citing him as a benefactor can be seen even today in the Madurantakam temple.

The presiding deity of the temple is Rama with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana. The images are made of stucco as is the case in some of the temples like Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram. The Moolavar is in a standing position facing east and is around 8 ft tall.There are different shrines around the sanctum and one of them is that of Sita who is worshipped as Janakavalli.

Devotees offer various items to the deities, including flowers, fruits, and sweets. Special offerings are made during festivals and important religious events.

The temple features traditional South Indian architecture with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main sanctum houses the deity Rama, and there are several smaller shrines within the temple complex.

The major festival of the temple is the Rama Navami festival, which commemorates the birth of Rama. Ani Brahmostavam celebrated during the Tamil month of Aani (July - August) and Panchasamskaram festival to commemorate the sanctification of Ramanuja are other major festivals celebrated in the temple.

Daily rituals and prayers are conducted by the temple priests. Devotees participate in various religious activities, including chanting, singing hymns, and performing special poojas. The temple also hosts annual festivals and special events that attract devotees from different regions.