Thirupullabhoothangudi Temple

Introduction

Thiru Pullabhoothangudi Temple is a Vishnu shrine. This is dedicated to Rama, the famous Avatar of Lord Vishnu, where he is worshipped as Valvil Ramar and his consort Sita as Potramaraiyal. This temple is located in the Pulla Bhoothangudi village near Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. This has been revered in the sacred Nalayira Divyaprabhadham compositions of the Azhwar saints and is regarded as a Divya Desam, a particularly holy abode of Vishnu. ‘Pull’ in classical Tamil means bird. It is believed that Rama performed the last rites for Jatayu, the eagle king, and the giant bird here, and this is cited as the reason for the name of the place Pulla Bhoothan Gudi. This is perhaps the only temple where Rama, a human incarnation of Vishnu, is seen with 4 hands, holding the discus and conch in 2 of them. This temple is also dedicated to Budha, planet Mercury, where those suffering from the adverse effects of the planet, offer worship for relief.

Temple Legends

The temple legend is connected with the epic Ramayana and has also been mentioned in the texts like Padma Purana and Brahmanda Purana. Rama was in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, when the demon king Ravana tricked the brothers and abducted Sita when she was alone. Ravana was carrying away Sita in his Pushpaka Vimana, the celestial vehicle to his kingdom, when Jatayu stopped him midway, and fought a heroic battle with him, for freeing Sita. But the aged Jatayu could not stand Ravana’s immense might, and is badly injured and fell on the ground. He still sustained his life, narrated the events to Rama, who came that way searching for Sita and then breathed his last. Rama, deeply touched by the great sacrifice of Jatayu, performed the last rites of the giant bird. It is a customary requirement for the wife to be by the side of the performer of such a last rite. But in the absence of Sita, Goddess Bhoomadevi is believed to have performed that role. As Rama could not do the last rites of his own father, he felt very happy to have performed it for Jatayu, whom he also granted salvation. It is also said that Rama became very tired after performing the rites, and hence, has reclined here.

The History and Architecture of Thiru Pullabhoothangudi Temple

This temple is said to have been built by the medieval Cholas, with additions and modifications from other kings, later. The small but ancient temple has a five-tier Rajagopuram, the entrance tower. Valvil Ramar can be worshipped in a reclining posture East-facing, in the sanctum, which has the Sopana Vimana as its roof. Jatayu Theertham is the temple tank, placed to the north of the temple.

Temple Festivals

As in the case of other Vishnu shrines, Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm here in the month of Margazhi (December-January). Other festivals, like Brahmotsavam, are also held here.

Benefits of worshipping the Lord of Thiru Pullabhoothangudi Temple

Since the Lord performed the last rites of Jatayu, treating him as his father, it is believed that worshipping him will help receive the blessings of the ancestors. It is also said that performing rituals in memory of the forefathers here, can ensure ‘Pirtu Sabha Nivarthi,’ that is, remedy from the ancestral curses. It is also a belief that Rama can help his devotees take the righteous path in lives, clear marriage obstacles, and aid them in getting new job opportunities and in career growth. People also believe that praying here can clear the adverse effects of planet Mercury.