Kolavalvil Ramar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located on the Kumbakonam-Chennai highway in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, 19 km from Kumbakonam. The temple, built in the Dravidian style, is mentioned in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, an early mediaeval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to the 9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams devoted to Vishnu, known as Kola Valvill Ramar, and his spouse Lakshmi, known as Maragathavalli.

The temple is thought to have been constructed by the Mediaeval Cholas, with later additions by Vijayanagara kings. The temple is surrounded by a granite wall, which encloses all of the shrines and two pools of water. The temple has a four-tiered rajagopuram, which serves as the temple’s gateway tower. Kola Vallvil Ramar is said to have visited Sage Markendeya.

Story/Legend of the Kolavalvil Ramar Temple

The Kolavalvil Ramar Temple was known as Brahma Putram in Satya Yuga, Parasaram in Treta Yuga, Sainthiranagaram in Dvapara Yuga, and Bhargavapuram in Kali Yuga, according to Hindu tradition. The temple is associated with Vishnu’s avatar Trivikrama. Sukrachariyar, the demon guru, was said to be opposed to King Mahabali gifting land to Vishnu in the shape of a Brahmin.

He transformed into a beetle and closed the tube of the jug used by the king to pour water during the donation. Vishnu recognised the ruse and used a short spear to harm the insect’s eyes. Sukracharyar, who had lost one of his eyes, performed penance at this location in order to regain his sight.

The light he acquired is said to be still burning at the Kolavalvil Ramar Temple as a lamp called Nethra Deepam. Sage Parasara is said to have worshipped the temple’s presiding deity. This temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams.

What is Divya Desams– A Divya Desam or Vaishnava Divya Desam is one of the 108 Vishnu and Lakshmi temples recorded by the Alvars, the poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava faith. 105 of the 108 temples are in India, one is in Nepal, and the final two are thought to be in space, in Tirupparkatal and Vaikuntham. They are distributed over the Indian states of Tamil Nadu (84), Kerala (11), Andhra Pradesh (2), Gujarat (1), Uttar Pradesh (4), and Uttarakhand (3). Muktinath, Saligramam is Nepal’s sole Divya Desam. The 12 Alvars respect the Divya Desams in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil hymns.

History of Kolavalvil Ramar Temple

The Kolavalvil Ramar Temple was established by the mediaeval Cholas, likely in the 8th century CE, and was later enlarged by the Vijayanagar emperors. While the central shrine is made of granite, the temple complex as a whole is made of brick.

Architecture of Kolavalvil Ramar Temple

Kola Valvill Ramar Temple is located near Tiruvelliyangudi, a village on the Kumbakonam-Chennai route 19 kilometres (12 miles) from Kumbakonam. The temple is surrounded by brick walls and includes a three-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower). Except for the central shrine of the presiding deity, which is made of granite, all of the other shrines are made of brick.

There are separate shrines for Kolavalli Ramar’s consort, Maragathavalli. Kola Valvill Ramar, the presiding deity, is depicted in the Bhujanga Sayan (reclined) stance. Varthaga vimana pattern on the vimana (roof over the sanctum). The temple is associated with four bodies of water: Sukra, Brahma, Indra, and Parasara.

Facts about Kolavalvil Ramar Temple

• Kolavalvil Ramar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located on the Kumbakonam-Chennai highway, 19 km from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India.
• The Kolavalvil Ramar Temple is counted as Vaishnava Sukra Kshetra as Vishnu appeared as a beautiful deity to please his devotee Shukra (Venus).
•  The Kolavalvil Ramar Temple is classified as a Divya Desam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples mentioned in the book.
• Thiruvelliyangudi acquired its name from this, and the reigning god is also known as Velliyan.
• Vishnu is said to have appeared to Parasarar, Markendeyar, Mayan, Brahma, Sukran, and Bhudevi in Kalyana Kolam (nuptial position).
• To ease Vishnu’s stress, his mount or vahana, the eagle Garuda, holds the conch and the Sudarshana Chakram, or disk-like wheel of Vishnu, which is unique in nature, making this the only temple where Garuda is shown in such a posture.
• Sage Parasarar is said to have performed penance at this temple, hence there is a temple tank named Parasara Theertham.
• It is said that an ancient banana plant can be seen growing from a granite base.
• In one hymn, Thirumangai Alvar praises the temple in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th-9th century Vaishnava canon.

Famous Festivals In Kolavalvil Ramar Temple

• Brahmmotsavam is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town.
• Chitra Poornima is also a significant occasion for celebration in the temple.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Akshaya Tritiya is another major festival celebrated in the temple when the festival deity is taken in procession in a Garuda mount around the temple.

How To reach Kolavalvil Ramar Temple

The temple is located 19 km away from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India on the Kumbakonam-Chennai highway.

By Air: Trichy International Airport is about 102 kilometres away, from where one can take road transport to reach the temple.

By Railway: Kumbakonam town is well connected by numerous trains. The railway station is just 19 kilometres from the temple.

By Roadways: Thiruvalliangudi Bus Stop is Nearest Bus Stop. Devotees can take buses, private taxis, and autos to go to the temple from places like Kumbakonam.

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