Located just under 10kms West of Kumbakonam and 3kms off Swami Malai on the Thiruvaikavur road between Cauvery and Coloroon rivers is the Valvil Rama temple in Pullam Bhoothangudi, a Divya Desam whose legendary tale dates back to Ramayana and described above by Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his Periya Thirumozhi verse. This is the only Divya Desam where Rama is seen with conch and chakra in a Bala Sayanam Posture.
Adhanur Divya Desam is under a Km East of this temple.
Rama’s presence at Pullam Bhoothangudi
The story goes that Rama, in search of Sita, arrives in Pullabhoothangudi to the cries of the Eagle King Jataayu, who was in his last breath.
The Eagle King, an old friend of King Dasharatha (father of Rama) had fought a valiant battle trying to rescue Sita from Raavana, before the Lankan king finally cut off both the wings of the fighting bird. Lying in pain and unable to fly any further, the bird breathed its last uttering the words “ Rama Rama” and informing him that Sita had been taken away by Raavana.
Goddess Lakshmi came out of the Golden Lotus temple tank to stand by his side while he performed the last rites for the bird. Hence, Thaayar at this temple is called Potraamaraiyaal.
Pithru Saabha Nivarthi
Legend has it that Rama, who had not been able to perform the last rites for his father as he was away in the forest, derived some consolation by performing Jatayu’s obsequies and giving moksham to the Bird. In the Ramayana, this episode is referred to as the death of the second father. It is believed that those who failed to perform last rites for their father (parents) will get liberation from their ‘parental curse’ (Pithru Saabham Nivarthi) if they visit this temple.
While performing the last rites, Raama felt the absence of Sita. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi came out of the Golden Lotus temple tank to stand by his side while he performed the last rites for the bird. Hence, Thaayar at this temple is called Potraamaraiyaal.
Thiru Mangai Azhvaar misses Rama’s presence
Thirumangai, who passed this way, found a person relaxing in a sleeping posture under the tree , and walked away mistaking him for a Kshatriya. On turning back, he found Raama in his ‘Full Divine Form’- with Conch- Disc and four hands.
Thirumangai refers to this episode in his Periya Thiru Mozhi Pasuram on Pullam Bhoothangudi:
அறிவதறியான் அணைத்து உலகும் உடையான்
என்னை யாழ் உடையான்
குரிய மானி யாருவாய,
கூத்தன் மன்னி யமிருமிடம்
நறிய மலர்மேல் சுரும் பார்க்க
எழிலார் மஞ் னஞ நடமாட
பொறிகொள் சிறை வண்டிசை பாடும்
புள்ளம் பூதங்குடி தானே.
This is the only temple where Raama is in a reclining posture with all his ornaments and Chatur Bhujam (4 hands). Sita is not seen with the Moolavar deity as this temple relates to the time when Raama is separated from her.
Prarthana Sthalam
Many devotees are believed to have got employment after visiting Yoga Narasimha Sannidhi at this temple, so much so that the devotees have named it the Udyoga Narasimha.
Parikara Sthalam -Buthan
This is a Parikara Sthalam dedicated to Buthan (Mercury)
Temple Administration
Pullam Bhoothangudi Divya Desam is administered by Ahobila Mutt.
Quick Facts
Moolavar: Valvil Rama (Bhujanga Sayanam, Facing East)
Goddess : Potramaraiyaal
Azhvaar : Thiru Mangai Azhvaar – 10 Paasurams in Periya Thiru Mozhi ( 1348-57)
Temple Time : 730 am – 1230 pm and 4 pm – 730 pm
Priest : Gopalan Bhattachar @ 94435 25365
Address : 5/17 Sannidhi Street, Pullam Bhoothangudi SO, Swami Malai Via 612301
How to reach?
Local Bus Nos. 12 and 30 ply from Kumbakonam to Pullam Bhoothangudi (via Swami Malai) on way to Thiruvaikavoor
Where to stay?
Staying facilities available at Ahobila Mutt Guest House next to the temple.
A number of economical and deluxe hotels are available in Kumbakonam.
Source:
http://prtraveller.blogspot.com
