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๐ Lord Vishnu | ๐ Thiruvelliyangudi, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Sri Kola Valvilli Ramar Temple in Thiruvelliyangudi is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered in Vaishnavism, glorified in 10 hymns (Pasurams) of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Azhwar. The temple is renowned for two exceptionally unique theological and iconographic features. First, it is the only temple among all 108 Divya Desams where Garuda (Garudalwar) is depicted with four hands holding Lord Vishnu's divine conch (Shankha) and discus (Sudarshana Chakra). According to tradition, Lord Vishnu handed his celestial weapons to Garuda when he manifested in the divine form of Sri Rama before Mayan, the celestial architect of the Danavas. Second, it is a prominent Vaishnava Shukra Sthalam (shrine dedicated to propitiating the planet Venus). Traditional accounts state that Shukracharya (Velli), the guru of the Asuras, lost his eyesight when Lord Vamana pierced the spout of King Mahabali's water vessel; Shukracharya then performed severe penance at this sanctum and regained his sight by the grace of the presiding deity. A sacred lamp, revered as 'Nethra Deepam', is kept burning to commemorate the restoration of his vision. Hence, the Lord is worshipped here as 'Nethra Murthy', and pilgrims flock to this kshetra seeking remedies for ophthalmological issues and Shukra-related astrological afflictions. Devotional tradition holds that offering prayers at Thiruvelliyangudi confers the spiritual merit equivalent to visiting all 108 Divya Desams. The temple also possesses a unique botanical miracle in the form of a sacred red plantain tree growing directly over a granite base.
The history of the Thiruvelliyangudi Kolavilli Ramar Temple encompasses verifiable epigraphical and architectural records alongside deep-rooted puranic traditions. From an archaeological and historical viewpoint, the core sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) is constructed of granite masonry and belongs to the Medieval Chola era (circa 10thโ12th centuries CE). Later architectural additions, including the brick-built sub-shrines, surrounding mandapams, the outer enclosing granite walls, and the three-tiered Rajagopuram, were expanded during the Vijayanagara and Thanjavur Nayak periods. The temple vimanam is celebrated as Pushkalavartha Vimanam. In the 20th century, the temple underwent comprehensive renovation under the personal stay and guidance of the 68th Jagadguru of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal. Today, the temple is protected, administered, and maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. In theological tradition, the sthala puranam relates that the site existed across all four cosmic epochs under distinct names: Brahma Putram in Krita Yuga, Parasuramam in Treta Yuga, Saindhiranagaram in Dvapara Yuga, and Bhargavapuram (Thiruvelliyangudi) in Kali Yuga. Puranic belief recounts a theological contest between the celestial architect Vishwakarma and the Danava architect Mayan; on the counsel of Lord Brahma, Mayan chose this riverside spot where Sage Markandeya performed austerities and built a magnificent temple for Vishnu resembling Vaikuntha. Pleased, Vishnu appeared before Mayan, Sukran, Parasara, and Markandeya as Ksheerabdhi Nathan / Kola Valvilli Ramar in a reclining posture (Bhujanga Sayanam) facing east.
Pilgrims hold a devout traditional belief that praying before the presiding deity (Nethra Murthy) and offering ghee for the sacred Nethra Deepam alleviates sight defects and eye ailments, commemorating Shukracharya's restoration of vision.
As this kshetra is venerated as a primary Vaishnava Sukra Parihara Sthalam, devotees traditionally worship here on Fridays to neutralize unfavorable astrological influences of the planet Venus, praying for wealth, artistic success, and comfort.
According to devout local lore, offering sincere worship at Thiruvelliyangudi bestows the complete spiritual benefit equivalent to having undertaken pilgrimages to all 108 sacred Divya Desams.
Devotees facing delays in marriage or seeking child boon perform archana and vastra offerings, believing that Lord Vishnu's Kalyana Kolam darshan grants domestic bliss and familial well-being.
Praying to the unique Chathurbhuja Garuda carrying the divine Shankha and Chakra is traditionally believed to dispel fear, eradicate evil influences, and bestow courage upon worshippers.
Devotional lighting of pure cow ghee lamps before the sanctum to invoke the blessings of Nethra Murthy for clarity of vision and healing of eye illnesses.
Special Friday floral services and archana performed particularly to alleviate astrological afflictions associated with the planet Shukra (Venus).
Ceremonial holy bath conducted with milk, curd, honey, and sacred waters specifically for the Utsava murthy known as Sri Thirumanjana Perar.
Annual festival observed in Margazhi month featuring special purappadu (procession) through the Paramapada Vasal and extensive recitations of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
No festivals available.
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