Thirupullabhoothangudi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Pullabhoothangudi near Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medievalTamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is counted as one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu is worshiped as Kolavalli Ramar and his consort Lakshmi as Sita. The temple has a small shrine with Vimanam and five-tier rajagopuram. The temple was built by Medieval Cholas with additions from later kings. The temple is located in Pulla Bhoothangudi, a small village, 8 km away from Kumbakonam and 3 km from Swamimalai. The temple tank is located north of the temple. Kolavalli Ramar is believed to have appeared for Sita and the temple is believed to be the place where Rama performed the last rites of the eagle king Jatayu. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar.Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
Legend
Brahmanda Purana and Padma Purana detail the history of the temple. During the Ramayana period, Ravana, the demon king abducted Sita, the wife of Rama who were both in the forest. Jatayu, the eagle king, fought a valiant battle with Ravana who was travelling with Sita in Pushpaka Vimana. Jatayu was severely injured in the battle and fell down to the ground. Jatayu was able to narrate the events to Rama who was in search of Sita. Jatayu died after narrating the events and Rama performed the rites. As per Hindu customs, the wife of the individual performing the final rites has to accompany him. Since Sita was not present, Bhumadevi appeared to accompany Rama from a golden lotus. The same legend is associated with Vijayaraghava Perumal temple in Thiruputkuzhi King Krita is believed to have worshiped Vishnu here.
Architecture
The temple has a small shrine with Vimanam and five-tier rajagopuram. It is located in Pullabhoothangudi, a small village, 8 km away from Kumbakonam and 1 km from Thiru Aadanoor Temple. The temple tank is located north of the temple.
Religious importance
The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Kulasekhara Alvar in one hymn. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. Thirumangai Azhwar has also revered the temple in his verses. The temple is the only place where Rama is sported with four hands, with two of the hands holding conch and Chakra.
Festivals and religious practices
The temple follows Pancharatra Agama and the worship practises are carried out by hereditary priests. The temple priests perform the pooja during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple is currently administered by Sri Ahobila Mutt. The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 6:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:30 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alankaaram, neivedyam and deepa aradanai for both Vijayaraghava Perumal and Maragathavalli. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram and tavil are played, religious instructions in the Vedas are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
