Thiru Pullam Boothangudi

Thiru Pullam Boothangudi is one of the 108 Vaishnava temples situated at a distance of 4kms from Swamimalai.

Introduction

In Thiru Pullam Boothangudi, the main deity is known as Valvil Raman. He is in shayana tirukolam (the reclining posture) facing the east. Sri Lakshmi here, is said to have emerged from the lotus tank and hence, is known as Pottramarayal. She is also known as Hemambhujavalli. The tirtha has taken its name from Jatayu - the one who fought Ravana while he was abducting Sita in the Ramayana. Jatayu tirtha is also known as Kiruthra tirtha. The vimana is identified as Shobhana vimana. It is in this kshetra where Rama is said to have responded to the prayers of Kruta Raja and Thirumangai Alwar.

Temple at a glance

Vishnu in this kshetra is known as	Valvil Rama
Lakshmi in this kshetra is known as	Pottramaraiyal, Hemambujavalli
Vimana is called	Sobhana Vimana
Pushkarini is named as	Jatayu Pushkarini, Kruthva Theertha
Hymns by Alwars on this kshetra	Ten
Location	4 kms from Swamimalai

Structure

Different approaches become necessary to unify the human beings from various religious factions to attain the Supreme. One such pathway is temple worship and the worship of its icon. The nightingale sings, the glow worm glows and together they dispel the darkness of the night ! The famous temple of Thirupullam Boothangudi is one such unique synthesis. The temple is a great monument of Dravidian art glorified by heavenly connections. A five-tiered tower dominates the landscape from an imposing height. The tower conjures up visions of multi-coloured pictures of the distant past. Sanctified by the reclining image of the Lord this theertha occupies a modest dimension on an area of one acre with a single prahara. A five-tiered tower crowned with kalasams perched Over the eastern entrance bears ample testimony to the Dravidian architecture. As we get past the gopura we prostrate before the Dwaja sthamba and the Bali Peeta. We then pass through the next gateway of three tiers before entering the sanctum. There are other shrines in the prahara.

Legends

The historic place is consecrated by the hymns of Alwars. The temple is rich in history and famous in legends and it also occupies a dominant place among the temples of Chola. Brahmanda puran embodies a great deal about the kshetra. This august deity is believed to have liberated many a upasakas as evidenced by Jatayu Moksha. Glorified with many inspiring episodes this kshetra is exudes divinity.

The Lord here is known as Valvil Rama while at Thiruvelliangudi he is known as Kolavilli Rama and at Thiruppullani he is revered as Dharbasayana Rama. The legend of this place is connected with Jatayu, the vulture King. Jatayu saw Sita Devi being abducted by Ravana. His two wings were cut even as he valiantly fought the Asura. The place where he fell down fighting valiantly is now known as Pulla Bhoothangudi. Rama and Lakshmana in their search for Sita saw Jatayu holding on to dear life only to inform them of her plight. Little later the divine bird breathed its last with the following prayer

"Raam is the chime of the clock of time, Roam and Raam alone is the spirit sublime, Raam is my breath, o! mother of mine ! Roam is the rhythm of nature and clime !

Rama, the abode of countless virtues performed the last rites of Jatayu at this spot with great piety like a son. Thus the temple reveres the memory of the holy bird. Thus this is the temple where Jatayu got emancipated from the terrestrial world with the blessings of Sri Rama. Since Rama performed the last rites of Jatayu, Jatayu earned the name of Periya Udayar.

There is one more temple known as Thiruputkuzhi near Kancheepuram where the same legend is reenacted by Mahaveera performing Shraddha ceremony to the bird. But at Pullam Boothangudi, Rama didn't have Sita by his side. He was perplexed about performing the last rites in Sita's absence. He was in two minds, the first mind not knowing what the other mind was up to ! At that time legend goes that Bhoomadevi appeared from Jatayu Pushkarni as Sita. Then Tirumangai Alwar in his turn reached that spot. He saw the two princes Ram and Laksman lying under the tree. He mistook them to be pilgrims. But on divine intuition he came back to the temple where Ram appeared before him with four hands as Lord Vishnu. Thus the king of Ayodhya while in human form blessed the Alwar with a glorious sight as Chathurbuja Rama!

Rama was sad and inconsolable on the death of King Dasaratha. He was also lost and withdrawn on the separation of Sita. Later he regained his poise and vigour, only after giving moksha to Jatayu at this kshetra. Therefore he has rightly earned the name Valvilrama.

Because he gave moksha to a bird and performed the last rites to a bhoota sharira, the place came to be known as Pullamboothangudi.

The temple is located at a distance of 4 Kms from Swamimalai and the Birthplace of Thondaradipodi Alwar is nearby.