Sthala Puranam: The Lord of the Beautiful Bow
The Penance of Shukra (Velli)
The name Velliangudi originates from Lord Shukra (Venus), the guru of the Asuras (demons), who undertook severe penance at this location. Shukra is revered as one of the brightest and most influential planets, second only to the Sun and Moon.
Kola Valvilli Raman’s Unique Darshan
The main deity is Kola Valvilli Raman (The beautiful Lord with the powerful bow). This form was specially requested by Mayan, the celestial sculptor and architect of the Devalokam (heavenly worlds).
• Mayan, despite being Ravana’s father-in-law, was a true artist whose devotion transcended family ties. He requested Lord Rama to grant him darshan without His usual weapons, the Shankha (Conch) and Chakra (Discus).
• Honoring this request, Lord Rama presented Himself as Kola Valvilli Raman, giving the Shankha and Chakra to His trusted mount, Garudan.
• Special Feature: In this Sthalam, Garudan holds the Shankha and Chakra in his hands—weapons typically held only by Lord Vishnu.
Divine Blessings and Vedic Tradition
• Mass Blessing: Lord Kola Valvilli Raman specially blessed a multitude of divine figures here, including Shukra, Lord Indra, Lord Brahma, Markandeya Maharishi, and Mayan.
• Vedic Agamam: The temple follows the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition, which originated from Viganasa Maharishi, who was born from Sriman Narayanan’s soul. This tradition governs the detailed rules for installing idols, worship, and prayers.
• Stressing Humanity: The Sthala Viruksham (temple tree) is the Plantain Tree, symbolizing that just as the tree bears saplings before it dies, humanity should also strive to cherish and uphold eternal values.
Significance: Visiting Thiruvelliangudi is considered to bestow the punya (merit) equivalent to visiting all 108 Divya Desams combined, due to the unique convergence of blessings received by great saints and deities here.
Temple Deities & Architectural Details
• Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Kola Valvilli Raman (Lord Rama with the Beautiful Bow).
o Posture: Kidantha Thirukkolam (Reclining posture) on Bhujanga Sayanam.
o Direction: Facing East.
o Prathyaksham (Appeared to): Shukra, Brahma, Indra, Markandeya, Parasara, Mayan, and Bhoomi Piratti.
• Utsavar (Processional Deity): Sringara Sundaran (The Beautiful Charmer).
• Thayaar (Consort): Maragadha Valli Thaayar.
• Vimanam (Temple Tower): Pushkalavartha Vimaanam. Named after the Pushkalavartha cloud, which symbolizes the Lord’s heartfelt and blissful blessings.
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