Kodanda is the name of the bow used by Bhagavan Sri Rama to
vanquish the practitioners of Adharma in the Ramayana. This bow of Sri Ram is
known as the auspicious one. Usually, a bow has 3, 5, or 7 joints. However,
Kodanda is unique, having 9 joints. This characteristic sets it apart as a
symbol of extraordinary power and divine intervention.
The Kodanda bow is deeply revered, and there are several
temples dedicated to Kodanda Rama, particularly in the southern states of
India, such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. In these temples,
Bhagavan Sri Ram is worshipped in the murti form, where he is depicted holding
the Kodanda bow, symbolizing his role as a warrior upholding Dharma.
Despite its significance, the Ramayana does not detail how
Rama came into possession of this formidable weapon. The absence of this
backstory adds to the mystique of the Kodanda bow, allowing devotees and
scholars to focus on its symbolic importance in Rama's mission to eradicate
evil and establish righteousness.
The presence of Kodanda Rama temples underscores the
cultural and spiritual importance of this aspect of Rama's narrative. These
temples are not just places of worship but also cultural hubs where the stories
of Rama's valor and righteousness are celebrated and passed down through
generations. The image of Rama with the Kodanda bow serves as a reminder of the
perpetual struggle between good and evil and the divine support that ensures
the triumph of Dharma.