Pullam Bhoothangudi Valvil Rama Divya Desam

Jatayu Moksham
Rama performs the last rites for Eagle King Jatayu at Pullabhoothangudi

Located 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 praised in 10 verses 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.

வெற்பால் மாறி பழுது ஆக்கி
விறல் வாள் அரக்கர் தலைவன் தன்
வற்பு ஆர் திரள் தோல் ஐந் நான்கும்
துனித்த வல் வில் ராமன் இடம்

கற்பு ஆர் புரிசை செய் குன்றம்
கவின் ஆர் கூடம் மாளிகைகள்
பொற்பு ஆர் மாடம் எழில் ஆறும்
புள்ள பூதங்குடி தானே - Thiru Mangai Azhvaar

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.

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 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. This is a Parikara Sthalam dedicated to Buthan (Mercury)

The temple is administered by Ahobila Mutt.

Quick Facts
Moolavar :Valvil Rama East Facing Bhujanga Sayanam
Goddess :Potramaraiyaal
Azhvaar :Thiru Mangai Azhvaar – 10 Paasurams in Periya Thirumozhi

The temple is open from 730am-1230pm and 4pm-730pm. Contact Gopalan Bhattachar @ 94435 25365

How to reach
Local Bus Nos. 12 and 30 ply from Kumbakonam to Pullam Bhoothangudi (via Swami Malai) on way to Thiruvaikavoor. Thiru Athanur Divya Desam is under a km East of this temple.


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


Gopalan Bhattar and his father have been performing aradhana at the Divya Desam for the last 75 years (http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/05/pullam-bhoothangudi-divya-desam.html)