Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Thiruputkuzhi

Introduction

Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple is a Vishnu shrine dedicated to the Rama Avatar of the Lord. The presiding deity is housed in the name Vijaya Raghava, where Raghava is one of Rama's names. Maragathavalli Thayar is his consort. This temple is located in Thiruputkuzhi village, a few kilometers from the ancient town of Kanchipuram, in Tamil Nadu. This temple is classified as a Divya Desam, a sacred place of worship of Vishnu that has been revered by the Azhwar saints in their Divyaprabhandham hymns. The temple is believed to be where Rama performed the last rites for the eagle Jatayu and hence is closely associated with the Ramayana epic.

Temple Legends

This temple legend is based on the Ramayana story. Rama was living in exile in the forest with wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, when demon Ravana, tricked the brothers and abducted Sita. When Ravana was carrying away a hapless Sita in his celestial vehicle, the eagle Jatayu, in spite of his advanced age, took on the might of the demon king Ravana, and fought a heroic battle with him, for protecting Sita. But the heavily armed Ravana proved too much for the aged bird, and Jatayu fell down fighting and badly wounded. But he managed to remain alive till Rama came that way looking for Sita, narrated the events, and then breathed his last. Rama was deeply moved by the great sacrifice of Jatayu and performed the last rites for the bird. This is said to have happened here, and this gave this place its name. 'Pul' in Tamil means the bird, and 'Kuzhi' is the pit. As Rama performed the final rites for the bird in a pit here, this place came to be called Thiru Pul Kuzhi, that is, Thiruputkuzhi. And Rama, who performed this noble act, is housed in this temple as Vijayaraghava Perumal. The same Ramayana story is associated with Thirupullabhoothangudi temple, too.

The History and Architecture of Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Thiruputkuzhi

This is quite an ancient temple, whose construction was believed to have been initiated by the Pandyas, with the Cholas and Nayaks adding to its development, later. The temple complex with a five-tier Rajagopuram is enclosed inside a granite compound wall. The presiding deity Vijayaraghava Perumal is housed in the sanctum. He is with 4 hands, and his posture reveals that he is holding Jatayu's remains and performing the final rites for the bird. Vishnu's consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi are there with him, with their faces downcast, due to sorrow. Maragathavalli Thayar is in a separate shrine. This is the birthplace of saint Ramanuja's Guru Yadava Prakaasa, in whose school Ramanuja studied initially. And Ramanuja is also housed in a separate shrine. The temple tank Jataayu Theertham is outside the complex.

Temple Festivals

The Brahmotsavam of Masi (February-March), Pavithrotsavam of Avani (August-September), Vaikunta Ekadasi of Margazhi (December-January) and Theppotsavam, the float festival of Thai (January-February) remain the important festivals of this temple. Srisukta Homam, the sacred fire ritual, is performed here using 108 lotus leaves, on full Moon days.

Benefits of worshipping Thiruputkuzhi Vijayaraghava Perumal

This being the place where Rama did the final rites for Jatayu and ensured that he went to heaven, many people perform ancestral worships like Tarpanam here, for the salvation of their forefathers. People also pray to this Lord and seek progeny blessings.