Kuthukal Valasai Valarmalai Ramar Temple -Thirunelveli

Address

Kuthukal Valasai, Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu – 627803

Moolavar

Ramar

Introduction

Valarmalai Ramar Temple is dedicated to God Vishnu located in Kuthukal Valasai Village near Tenkasi in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. Here the presiding deity is called as Ramar. The Temple is believed to be 1500 years old. Unusual Rock formation called Kuthukal (Rock) is located on Kuthukal Valasai to Thirumalaikovil Temple Route. Kuthukal Valasai village is on the Tenkasi – Madurai highway at the 4 th kilometer in the four road junction.

Puranic Significance

Lord Sri Rama came to this place with Mother Sita and beloved brother Sri Lakshmana and rested on these rocks. Lord had also left his bow, arrow in this place, believe the devotees. In memory of the stay of Lord in this place, people had built this temple and named it Valarmalai Ramapiran Temple.

Beliefs

Devotees pray to Sri Anjaneya for realizing their wishes. They perform abishek to Lord Sri Rama and Sri Anjaneya and offer Vadamala – a garland of Vadas a popular dish of Tamilnadu.

Special Features

Presiding Deity of this Temple is Lord Sri Rama. There is a small spring in this Ilamalai rock that doesn’t dry even in scorching summer. This was the source of drinking water for the population in olden days. Even today, the environment here continues to be green. The rock looks as the two pieces of a broken coconut, between which the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is built. It is believed that Sages are in these rocks. After visiting Kasi, Sivakasi and Tenkasi, Lord Sri Rama finally came to this rocky place. There is a mutt at the foot of this hill. In olden days, those who seek alms from the people of the place, used to stay here. They were healthy as it had the touch of the feet of Lord Rama. Many people unwell then used to visit this mutt and stayed here for a while. There is a tall lean rock here threatening to fall at any time, rather waiting for the darshan of Lord Rama. It also looks as if representing those performing penance standing on one leg. It is indeed a thrilling sight. This place is called Kuthukal – a planted stone – Valasai. Sri Anjaneya in the temple appears in worshipping form with his hands held together. He is praised as a powerful deity in the temple. Devotees write the famous line in tradition “Sri Rama Jayam” and offer the paper garland to him for realizing their wishes. The devotee crowd is huge on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.