Valvil Ramar Temple, Thiruppullabhoothangudi
Rama (as Valvil Ramar, in reclining posture), with Potramaraiyal temple · Pullabhoothangudi (near Swamimalai), Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
The Valvil Ramar Temple at Thiruppullabhoothangudi (Pullabhoothangudi) is a Vishnu temple in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, near Swamimalai and Kumbakonam. Here Vishnu is worshipped as Rama under the name Valvil Ramar, and the goddess as Potramaraiyal, also called Hemambujavalli.
The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the Vishnu shrines praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. What sets it apart, according to the Dinamalar temple guide, is that Rama is shown here lying down rather than in the standing posture in which he is usually depicted. Local tradition links the site with Rama's funeral rites for Jatayu, the eagle king of the Ramayana.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Valvil Ramar Temple, Thiruppullabhoothangudi
According to the temple legend recorded by Dinamalar and Wikipedia, Jatayu was struck down while trying to stop Ravana from carrying Sita away. Rama and Lakshmana found the dying bird, heard from him what had happened and then performed his last rites. Tradition holds that because Sita was absent, Bhumi Devi appeared to stand beside Rama for the ceremony. The village name is explained from this story: 'pul' means bird in Tamil and 'bhootham' refers to the body, as Tamil Wikipedia notes. Wikipedia points out that the same legend is also associated with the Vijayaraghava Perumal temple at Thiruputkuzhi near Kanchipuram.
The presiding image is in bhujanga sayana, a reclining posture, facing east under a vimana called the Sobhana Vimanam, according to Dinamalar. The TN Temples Project and Wikipedia describe the deity as holding the conch and discus, attributes of Vishnu, rather than Rama's familiar bow. Dinamalar adds that the shrine is associated with Budha (the planet Mercury) and that devotees pray here for departed relatives and for help with obstacles to marriage.
The temple is praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. Dinamalar records that Thirumangai Alvar sang ten verses here and tells the tradition that he first passed the village without recognising the deity, until Rama revealed himself holding the conch and discus.
Heritage
History of Valvil Ramar Temple, Thiruppullabhoothangudi
Wikipedia states that the temple was built by the Medieval Cholas, with additions by later rulers, and the TN Temples Project describes it as a Chola temple of about the 9th century with later additions, including some from Pandya kings. No detailed inscription study of the temple was found in the sources checked, so a precise founding date cannot be given. Dinamalar records an older name for the place, Bhudappuri.
Wikipedia notes that the temple follows the Vadakalai tradition associated with the Ahobila Mutt, and that it is administered by the Sri Ahobila Mutt. Tamil Wikipedia lists it as a temple under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department managed by hereditary trustees. Visitors who need current administrative details should check with the temple office.
Architecture and sacred features
The temple is small. Wikipedia and Tamil Wikipedia describe a five-tier rajagopuram (gateway tower) and a single main shrine with its vimana. Besides the main shrines of Valvil Ramar and Potramaraiyal, Tamil Wikipedia mentions sub-shrines for Yoga Narasimha, the Alvars and Ramanuja. Dinamalar and the TN Temples Project also mention Yoga Narasimha in the prakaram, whom devotees approach with prayers about employment. The temple tank, Jatayu Theertham, lies to the north of the temple, and the sacred tree is the punnai.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
This is a small village temple and the main shrine is closed between the morning and evening worship sessions. Dress modestly, follow the instructions of the priests, and ask before photographing inside. Opening hours listed by different guides do not agree, so confirm current timings with the temple office or the priests before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Sri Ahobila Mutt (per Wikipedia); listed under the HR&CE Department with hereditary trustees (per Tamil Wikipedia) before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Valvil Ramar Temple, Thiruppullabhoothangudi
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Described by Wikipedia as the main festival of the temple; Dinamalar also lists it.
Panguni Uthiram
Tamil Wikipedia lists the Panguni Uthiram festival among the temple's principal celebrations.
Location
How to Reach Valvil Ramar Temple, Thiruppullabhoothangudi
Dinamalar places the temple about 4 km from Swamimalai on the road to Thiruvaikavur; buses between Kumbakonam and Thiruvaiyaru pass through this area. The nearest railway station is Kumbakonam, and the nearest airport given by Dinamalar is Tiruchirappalli (Trichy).
The temple is close to other shrines in the Kumbakonam area, including the Vilvavaneswarar Temple at Thiruvaikavur further along the same road.
Location: Pullabhoothangudi (near Swamimalai), Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli (per Dinamalar)
Nearest railway station: Kumbakonam
More in Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu · Rama (as Valvil Ramar, in reclining posture), with Potramaraiyal temples · Temples in Papanasam Taluk · Temples in Thanjavur District
Questions
Valvil Ramar Temple, Thiruppullabhoothangudi: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rama shown lying down at Thiruppullabhoothangudi?
Tradition links the temple with Rama's funeral rites for the eagle king Jatayu, and the main image shows Rama in a reclining posture. Dinamalar notes that Rama is usually shown standing, which makes this form unusual.
Is Thiruppullabhoothangudi a Divya Desam?
Yes. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, and Thirumangai Alvar sang ten verses on the temple, according to Dinamalar.
What is the story of Jatayu at this temple?
According to legend, Jatayu was struck down while trying to rescue Sita from Ravana. Rama performed his last rites here, and tradition holds that Bhumi Devi appeared to accompany him in Sita's absence.
What does the name Pullabhoothangudi mean?
Tamil Wikipedia explains that 'pul' means bird and 'bhootham' refers to the body, a reference to Jatayu's funeral rites.
Who built the Valvil Ramar Temple?
Wikipedia states that it was built by the Medieval Cholas with additions by later kings. No exact founding date is recorded in the sources checked.
How do I reach the temple?
Dinamalar places it about 4 km from Swamimalai on the road to Thiruvaikavur. Kumbakonam is the nearest railway station and Tiruchirappalli the nearest airport.
Sources and attribution
- Wikipedia — Thirupullabhoothangudi Temple
- Dinamalar (temple guide) — Valvil Raman Temple, Tiruppullampudangudi
- Tamil Wikipedia — புள்ளபூதங்குடி வல்வில் ராமர் கோயில்
- TN Temples Project — Valvil Raman, Tiruppulaboothangudi, Thanjavur
- Wikidata — Wikidata item Q7785442 (Thirupullabhoothangudi Temple)
Further reading: Valvil Ramar Temple, Thiruppullabhoothangudi on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Write to info@hindutone.com — see our editorial policy.
