Kola Valvill Ramar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th?9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Kola Valvill Ramar and his consort Lakshmi as Maragathavalli.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
As per Hindu legend, the temple was called Brahma Putram in Krita Yuga, Parasaram in Tretha Yuga, Sainthiranagaram in Dwapara Yuga and Bhargavapuram in Kali Yuga. The temple is associated with Trivikrama avatar of Vishnu. As per the legend, Sukrachariyar, the demon guru, was against king Mahabali donating land to Vishnu in the form of a Brahmin. He took the form of the insect and shut the tube of the jug used by the king to spill water during the donation. Vishnu identified the trick and injured the eyes of the insect with a small spear. Sukracharyar, who lost his eyes, did penance at this place to attain the lost eye. It is the believed the light he attained is still glowing at the temple as a lamp called Nethra Deepam. Once the architects of Devaloga, Viswakarma and Mayan had an argument on whose skill was superior. Brahma, the god of creation informed Mayan that Viswakarma attained betterment as he built Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu on account of accomplishments in the previous birth. He also informed Mayan that to attain similar status, he has to identify and build an abode near river Kaveri similar to Vaikunta. Mayan inspected various places and finally identified Thiruvelliyangudi, where sage Markendeya was doing penance. He built a beautiful temple and its compound, which is believed to be the temple in modern times. Vishnu appeared as Sringara Sundaran .
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The temple has a three-tiered rajagopuram and is enclosed within brick walls. Leaving the central shrine of the presiding deity, which is built with granite, all the other shrines are built with brick.There are separate shrines for the consort of Kolavalli Ramar, Maragathavalli.The presiding deity, Kola Valvill Ramar, is sported in Bhujanga sayan posture. The vimana has Varthaga vimana pattern. There are four water bodies namely, Sukra, Brahma, Indra and Parasara that are associated with the temple
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
There are regular government and private bus services to Chennai, Thanjavur, Mannargudi, Tiruchirapalli, Chidambaram, Nagapattinam, Coimbatore, Madurai, Pondicherry, and Tirunelveli.
By Rail
Kumbakonam is connected by rail with most important towns and cities in South India. The Mysore- Mayiladuthurai Express connects Kumbakonam with Mysore and Bangalore. There are regular express trains that connect Kumbakonam with all major cities.
By Air
The nearest international airport is at Tiruchirapalli, which is 91 km from Kumbakonam.
Shrine Timings
7 A.M to 10 P.M
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai December or January Chaturdasi of Masi February or March Chittirai Thiruvonam April or May Aani Thirumanjanam June or July Chaturdasi of Aavani August or September Chaturdasi of Puratasi October or November
Extra Information About this Shrine
Nearby Temple
Andalakkum Aiyan Temple
Padikasu Nathar Temple
Gajendra Varadhan Temple
Hara Shaba Vimochana Perumal Temple
Appakudathan Temple
Adhivaraha Perumal Temple
This is the only temple where Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu found holding the conch and Chakra of Lord Vishnu.
Sri Kola Valvill Ramar Temple is glorified in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the great canon and the hymns were sung by Thirumangai Azhwar. The Vimanam of Sri Kola Valvill Ramar Temple is called as Pushkala Varthaga Vimanam.
