Thirupullabhoothangudi Sri Valvilraman Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Sri Valvilraman Temple Pullaboothangudi, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 612301, India

Diety

Chakravarthy Thirumangan Ramar, Valvil Ramar(Vishnu) Amman: Potramaraiyal(Lakshmi),Hemabujam

Introduction

Thirupullabhoothangudi Temple is dedicated to Vishnu located in Pullabhoothangudi near Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is counted as one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu is worshiped as Kolavalli Ramar and his consort Lakshmi as Sita. The temple has a small shrine with Vimanam and five-tier rajagopuram. The temple was built by Medieval Cholas with additions from later kings. The temple is located in Pulla Bhoothangudi, a small village, 8 km away from Kumbakonam and 3 km from Swamimalai. The temple tank is located north of the temple. Tower: Sopana Temple tank: Jatayu

Puranic Significance

Brahmanda Purana and Padma Purana detail the history of the temple. During the Ramayana period, Ravana, the demon king abducted Sita, the wife of Rama who were both in the forest. Jatayu, the eagle king, fought a valiant battle with Ravana who was travelling with Sita in Pushpaka Vimana. Jatayu was severely injured in the battle and fell down to the ground. Jatayu was able to narrate the events to Rama who was in search of Sita. Jatayu died after narrating the events and Rama performed the rites. As per Hindu customs, the wife of the individual performing the final rites has to accompany him. Since Sita was not present, Bhumadevi appeared to accompany Rama from a golden lotus. The same legend is associated with Vijayaraghava Perumal temple in Thiruputkuzhi King Krita is believed to have worshiped Vishnu here.

Beliefs

This holy place is dedicated to the Buda (Mercury) planet and so prayers to absolve evils, especially for the departed souls are considered good in this place. Those who meet with hurdles for their wedding also pray here. The traditional belief is that those who desire promotion in their jobs, if they perform thirumanjanam and worship the Yoga Nrsimhar and Udyoga Nrsimhar in the prakaaram are sure to get their prayers fulfilled.

Special Features

The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Kulasekhara Alvar in one hymn. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. Thirumangai Azhwar has also revered the temple in his verses. The temple is the only place where Rama is sported with four hands, with two of the hands holding conch and Chakra

Festivals

The Gajendra Moksha Leela celebrated in the Tamil month of Adi (July–August), Chariot festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June) on Visakam star and Brahmmotsavam are the major festivals celebrated in the temple, along with all Vishnu related festivals