This temple among the many that are located in and around Kumbakonam, received high praise from Thirumangai Azhwar. In ten verses, he described Thiru Velliyankudi as a prosperous place with huge mansions, where one constantly heard the sound of gushing waters from the Manni River, felt a cool breeze from the lush fields around and enjoyed the sight of swans swimming in the tanks.
For long, access to this Divya Desam that stands in a remote village, was not an easy. There was just a muddy path ridden with potholes. A narrow 10 ft road now leads to one along the 4 km path from Sholapuram with greenery on both sides; making the visit to Kola Villi Rama temple in Thiru Velliyankudi a pleasant experience.
Samprokshanam took place last month after 15 years. Its antiquity is proved by the legend that is associated with it — Asura preceptor Sukracharya regaining his lost vision. The temple is named after this incident (Tamil name for Sukran is Velliyan). Hence, this is a Sukra Sthalam.
Saddened by the fact that Viswakarma, the sculptor of the devas, got all the glory for construction of temples, Asura sculptor Mayan undertook penance here. Answering his prayers, Lord Vishnu gave away his conch and chakra to Garuda (seen in a chathurbhuja posture in the temple), provided darshan as Rama and directed him to construct the temple.
As part of the renovation, the Perumal, Thayar, Anjaneya and Andal niches, vimanas as well as the Raja Gopuram have been refurbished along with a coat of Pancha Varna (five colours). A special feature at the temple is the 800-year-old Dwarapalaka idols, on the way to the sanctum, made out of daru tree. These idols have been spruced up. The outer walls, which were in a dilapidated condition, have been reconstructed. The damaged roof of the sanctum has been fixed, so have the cracks on the pillars. New gates have been installed at Hanuman and Azhwar sannidhis. The temple complex has got a granite flooring and CCTV cameras have been installed at multiple points .
The most redeeming aspect of the renovation is restoring the original beauty of the moolavar with a fresh coating of varna kala. The process involved mixing of 15 different kinds of sand with herbs and coconut water.
While a major part of the renovation is complete, the installation of the modern electrical system is pending.
Another special feature at this Divya Desam is the presence of four sacred tanks on each side —
Indra Theertham, Brahmma Theertham, Sukra Theertham and Parasara Theertham. These tanks await repair. Plans are afoot to construct compound walls and steps at these tanks.
With the remote location of the temple and lack of support staff to even carry the Lord during processions, there have been none for many years though Garuda and Hanumantha Vahanas are seen at the temple complex. It is hoped that these traditional processions will be undertaken at least during festivals.
The temple is open between 8 a.m.-12 noon and 4p.m.-7 p.m.
How to reach Thiru Velliyankudi
Get down at Sholapuram (12 km from Kumbakonam) on the Chennai NH. Take an auto to the temple (4 km). One can also reach the from Thirupanandal (6 km).
Tale behind the temple
Having understood the intent of the Vamana Avatara and fearing the death of his disciple, King Bali, Sukracharya took the form of an insect and hid inside the sacred bowl in an effort to prevent Bali from giving away the promises to the little Brahmin (Lord Vishnu in his tiny form). Seeing Sukran as the hurdle, Lord Vishnu inserted a stick into the sacred bowl thus blinding an eye of the Acharya. Sukran undertook penance here at Velliyankudi and regained his vision. To this day, in memory of this event a ‘Netra Deepam’ burns inside the sanctum. Offering oil for this lamp and prayers is believed to cure devotees of their eye problems.
Birth place of a scholar
Vaishnavite scholar Periyavaachan Pillai was born in Shenganur, 2 km from Thiru Velliyankudi. Hailed as ‘Vyakyana Chakravarthi’, he is renowned for his comprehensive commentary on Nalayira Divya Prabhandham. He brought an idol of Thiruvengada Mudayan from Tirupathi and installed it in his home town, where there is a separate shrine for him.
