Thirupullabhoothangudi Temple

The Thirupullabhoothangudi Temple is a small Vishnu shrine in the village of Pullabhoothangudi, about 8 km from Kumbakonam and 3 km from Swamimalai. Vishnu is worshipped here as Valvil Ramar, with Sita as his consort, and the temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, praised by Kulasekhara Alvar and Thirumangai Alvar. The Medieval Cholas built it, and later kings added to it.

The temple's story comes from the Ramayana. After Jatayu, the eagle king, was mortally wounded fighting Ravana, he told Rama what had happened to Sita and died, and Rama is believed to have performed his funeral rites here. Because Sita was absent, Bhumadevi rose from a golden lotus to stand beside him. Rama is shown here with four hands, two holding the conch and discus, a form said to be found nowhere else. A five-tiered gopuram fronts the small shrine, the tank lies to the north, and Sri Ahobila Mutt runs the temple, where Vaikuntha Ekadashi in Margazhi is the main festival.