Valvil Rama Temple or Thirupullabhoothangudi is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in Pullabhoothangudi, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple, built in the South Indian 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 Lord Vishnu. Vishnu is represented as Valvil Ramar, and his consort Lakshmi is represented by Sita.

The temple contains a modest shrine with a Vimanam and a five-tiered rajagopuram. The temple was established by Mediaeval Cholas and succeeding kings added to it. The temple is near Pulla Bhoothangudi, a small village 8 kilometres from Kumbakonam and 3 km from Swamimalai. The temple tank may be found to the north of the temple. Kolavalli Ramar is said to have arrived for Sita, and the temple is said to be where Rama performed the eagle king Jatayu’s funeral rites.

Story/Legend of the Valvil Rama Temple

The temple’s sthala purana is described in the Brahmanda Purana and Padma Purana. In the Ramayana, Ravana, the rakshasa king, kidnaps Sita, Rama’s wife, during their exile in the wilderness. The eagle king, Jatayu, fought a gallant battle against Ravana, who had kidnapped Sita in the Pushpaka Vimana. During the combat, Jatayu was seriously hurt and collapsed to the ground. Jatayu was able to recount the events to Rama, who was searching for Sita. After relating the incidents, Jatayu died, and Rama administered the ceremonies. According to Hindu tradition, the individual administering the final rites must be accompanied by his wife.

Because Sita was not present, Bhumadevi came from a golden lotus to accompany Rama. The same tradition is linked to the Vijayaraghava Perumal temple in Thiruputkuzhi, where King Krita is said to have worshipped Vishnu. 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 Valvil Rama Temple

The mediaeval Cholas are supposed to have built this temple, with later additions and modifications by other kings. The entrance tower of the modest yet old temple is a five-tier Rajagopuram. Valvil Ramar can be worshipped in the sanctuary, which has the Sopana Vimana as its roof, in a reclining East-facing posture. The temple tank, Jatayu Theertham, is located to the north of the temple.

The architecture of Valvil Rama Temple

The Valvil Rama Temple has a simple shrine, a Vimanam, and a five-tiered rajagopuram. It is located in Pullabhoothangudi, a small village eight kilometres from Kumbakonam and one kilometre from Thiru Aadanoor Temple. To the north of the temple is the temple tank. The dazzling kalasams, Dhwajasthambham, and Balipeetham of the Pullabhoothangudi temple greet the devotee. Sri Maha Desikan, a Brindavan from Ahobilam Mutt, is here for the 19th Jeeyar.

The temple’s Moolavar Deity is known as Sri Valvil Raman. Moolavar is located in Kidantha Kolam, Bujanga Sayanam, facing East. Prathyaksham was bestowed upon Chakravarthy Thirumagan Ramar and Raja Kiruthra by the Lord. Utsava Moorthy bestows Seva Valvil Raman with four hands (Chathur Bhujam), in addition to Sangu and Chakram.

Facts about Valvil Rama Temple

• Sri Valvil Raman is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Vishnu. Furthermore, it is one of the “Divya Desams,” the 108 Vishnu temples worshipped by the 12 poet saints or Alwars.
• The Valvil Rama Temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Kulasekhara Alvar in one hymn.
• The Valvil Rama Temple is classified as a Divya Desam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples mentioned in the book.
• The temple is the only place where Rama is sported with four hands, with two of the hands holding conch and chakra.
• The Valvil Rama Temple follows Pancharatra Agama, and worship is performed by hereditary priests. During festivals and on a daily basis, temple priests perform pooja (rituals).
• Because the Lord performed Jatayu’s funeral rites, considering him as his father, it is thought that worshipping him will aid in receiving the blessings of the ancestors.
• It is also stated that performing rituals in memory of the forefathers here can bring about ‘Pirtu Sabha Nivarthi,’ or relief from ancestral curses.
• It is also believed that Rama may assist his devotees in choosing the proper route in life, overcoming marriage issues, obtaining new work possibilities and advancing in their careers.
• People also believe that praying here can clear the adverse effects of planet Mercury.

Famous Festivals In Valvil Rama 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.

How to Reach Valvil Rama Temple

Valvil Rama Temple is located about 5 kilometres from Swamimalai to Tiruvaikavur village.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Trichy, about 90 km from temple, which is both a national and an international airport.

By Railway: Kumbakonam town is well-connected by trains to many other cities and towns and is just 8 km from the temple.

By Roadways: People can take buses and private vehicles to go to the temple, from Kumbakonam and other places.

Also Read – Andalakkum Aiyan Perumal Temple