Thirupullaboothangudi Kovil Murtis: The Rare Reclining Rama of Sri Valvil Ramar Temple
Thirupullaboothangudi Temple, also known as Sri Valvil Ramar
Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu. It is located in
Pullaboothangudi near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This temple is counted among
the 108 Divya Desams and is praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the Tamil
collection of the Alvar saints who lived between 6th and 9th centuries CE. The
temple is built in South Indian style of architecture. What makes this temple
special is its idols, because each idol carries a teaching from Hindu
scriptures.
The Mulavar: Rama in Reclining Posture
The main deity, called Mulavar, is a stucco or stone image
of Bhagavan Vishnu as Valvil Ramar. He is shown in Bhujanga Shayana, which
means resting on the serpent bed. He has two arms only. Brahma is seen seated
on a lotus that comes out of his navel. This is a rare form, because Rama is
mostly worshipped in standing or seated posture, and here he is seen in repose.
The meaning is deep. In Hindu belief, Rama is an avatar of
Vishnu, and here the two identities are shown together. The reclining posture
and the lotus with Brahma remind the devotee that Vishnu is the source of
creation. The two arms show the human form of Rama, who lived among people as
an ideal king and son.
Other Idols in the Sanctum
Inside the sanctum there are also images of Bhudevi,
Lakshmana, Hanuman and Jatayu. Each one has a purpose in the story of the
Ramayana, which is a part of Hindu history and religious tradition.
- Bhudevi
represents the Earth, which Vishnu protects and sustains.
- Lakshmana
represents loyalty and service without expectation.
- Hanuman
represents devotion and strength used for a righteous cause.
- Jatayu
represents sacrifice, as he gave his life trying to protect Sita.
When these figures are seen together with Rama, the devotee
learns that dharma is not followed alone. It needs faithful companions,
sacrifice and humility.
Thayar Hemambujavalli
The Thayar, Hemambujavalli, who is also called
Patramaraiyal, is enshrined in a separate shrine in seated posture. In Sri
Vaishnava tradition, Thayar is the divine mother who recommends the devotee to
Bhagavan. The seated posture shows calmness and readiness to listen to the
prayers of devotees. Her separate shrine also shows her importance as an equal
partner in worship.
The Utsava Murti
The Utsava Murti is also called Valvil Ramar. It is a
standing bronze image of Bhagavan Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi. In this form
he is Chaturbhuja, with four arms. The upper hands hold the Chakra and the
Shanka. The lower hands show Abhaya Hasta and Kati Hasta.
- Chakra
stands for the power of time and the destruction of evil.
- Shanka
stands for the sacred sound of Om and the call to dharma.
- Abhaya
Hasta, the palm raised, tells the devotee not to fear.
- Kati
Hasta, the hand resting on the waist, shows that the ocean of worldly life
is only as deep as the waist for one who surrenders to Bhagavan.
Why Bronze and Stone Are Used
According to the Agama Shastras and Shilpa Shastras, the
making of a deity image follows strict rules of proportion, called Tala. The
sculptor is not free to make the image by his own imagination. The stone or
stucco image is fixed in the sanctum and does not move, and the bronze Utsava
Murti is carried out in procession so that Bhagavan can meet the devotees. Both
are needed in Hindu worship.
Teachings of Hindu Sculpture and Iconography
Hindu sculpture and painting are not made only for decoration. They are a way of worship and a way of teaching, especially for people who cannot read scriptures. Every posture, object and hand gesture has a meaning. Through darshan, the devotee sees the deity and the deity sees the devotee. The idol becomes a support for the mind to concentrate on the Supreme.
Thirupullaboothangudi shows how one temple can teach many things through its idols: the human side of Rama, the divine side of Vishnu, the value of devotion, and the promise of protection. A visit to this Divya Desam is not only a pilgrimage, but also a lesson in Hindu philosophy.