Thiruvelliangudi near Kumbakonam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This place is very important for the vaishnavites and visiting Thiruvelliangudi Divya Desam is equivalent to visiting all the 108 Divya Desams. The Moolavar, Kolavilli Raman is present in a reclined posture and facing east. His Consort is Maragathavalli Thayar. The holy waters here are Sukra theertham, Brahma theertham, Parasurama theertham and Indra Theertham.
Thiruvelliangudi Temple Entrance
This temple is believed to be four Eras (Yugas) old. In the Krita Yuga this place was known as Brahma Puthiram, Prasuram in the Treta Yuga, Chandra Nagara in the Dwapara Yuga and Bhargava Puram in the Kali Yuga. This temple is one of the Vaishnavite Navagraha Parihara sthalams around Kumbakonam. This is the Parahira sthalam for Sukran or Venus. Bhargava is another name of Sukran and hence the name Bhargavapuram. Sukran is known as Velli in Tamil and hence the name Velliangudi. But how is Sukran connected to this temple. The story goes thus.
Mahabali, the grandson of Prahalada was a righteous and generous demon king. He was respected by his subjects who were all happy under his rule, as there was no crime, poverty or diseases. He is believed to have ruled the present day Kerala. He became ambitious and was on a mission to conquer the whole world. He defeated Indra and captured the Deva Lokam. Indran approached Lord Vishnu and sought His help. Lord Vishnu took the Vaman Avatar and came down to the Earth. Now, Mahabali was a staunch devotee of Vishnu and was very generous. Like Karna of Mahabharatha, if someone asked him for something, he would always give. Mahabali had the habit of fulfilling the needs of a few Brahmins after his morning prayers. That fateful day, Vishnu as Vamana was amongst the Brahmins present. He asked Mahabali for 3 steps of land. Sukracharya, the Asura Guru, tried to dissuade Mahabali from granting the boon. Sukracharya did his best to stop the boon being granted. He took the form of a bee and blocked the mouth of the Kamandalam (a type of Jug, usually carried by rishis) from which Mahabali would pour water to signify the grant of the boon. Vishnu used a dharba to clear the blockage in the Kamandalam and in the process blinded Sukracharya in one eye. Vamana then took the Vishwaroopam and covered the whole universe in two steps. The 3rd step was placed on Mahabali. Thus Mahabali was vanquished. Vishnu was pleased with Mahabali’s righteousness and granted him the boon of visiting his people once every year. This is the day that is celebrated as Onam by the people of Kerala.
Meanwhile, Sukracharya who had lost his vision in one eye prayed at a lot of Vishnu temples and asked for forgiveness. It is believed that it was here that he was given back his sight. Sukracharya also wished to the Lord that He should make this place as His permanent abode and bless all devotees who visit this temple with good eyesight and cure all eye ailments. Visiting this temple is equivalent to visiting all the 108 Divya Desams as per Vishnu’s boon to Sukracharya. Vishnu also married Sukracharya’s daughter Maragathavalli as per his wishes.
This temple was then built by the Asura architect, Mayan. He decided to build the most beautiful temple ever. He wanted it to be better than the Vaikunta built by the Deva architect Vishvakarma. Vishnu was pleased with Mayan and gave him a darshan as a bow and arrow wielding Rama with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. Interestingly, at that point in time, Ramavatar was yet to happen. As per the request of Mayan, the Lord is present in the same form. A unique feature of this temple is the sight of Garudazhwar with Sangu and Chakram. Vishnu is believed to have given them to him, while giving the darshan to Mayan. This is the only Divya Desam where Garudazhvar is seen with four hands. Garudazhavar with four hands is seen as though he is awaiting instructions from the Lord and is ready to hand over the Sangu and Chakram to Him. Prayer at this temple will result in career growth and employment for the unemployed. There is an oil lamp in the garba graham called Netra Deepam which burns eternally.
Location of the Temple:
Click here for the location of the temple.
Thiruvelliayangudi is located at a distance of about 16 Kms from Kumbakonam. It is very close to Thirupanandal. Direct bus service to the village is not frequent. Route No. 2 from Kumbakonam via Anaikudi goes to this village. Hiring an auto from Thirupanandal or Suryanar Koil is the preferred option.
Other Temples Nearby:
Thirupanandal
Boarding & Lodging:
Have your travel base at Kumbakonam. There is nothing much available at this village except a petty shop.
Temple Timings:
8 AM to 12.30 PM & 5 PM to 7 PM
Temple address:
Sri Kolavilli Ramar Alayam,
Palakudi Post
Via Thirumangalakudi
Tanjore District
Thiruvelliangudi 612 102
Phone: 0435-2943152
Temple Priest: Sri. S Ramamurthy Battacharyar
Mobile: +91-9443396212, +91-9843470120
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Very well written. what is noteworthy is hat Raman was pesent even before Ramayana!