Friday, May 5, 2017

Valarmalai Ramar Temple, Kuthukal Valasai, Thirunelveli

Valarmalai Ramar Temple, Kuthukal Valasai, Thirunelveli
Valarmalai Ramar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu located  in Kuthukal Valasai Village near Tenkasi in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. This village has the famous rock and natural environment around and many films and dramas like Papanasam, Seval, Anjala etc. have been shot in Kuthukal Valasai. Unusual Rock formation called Kuthukal (Rock) is located on Kuthukal Valasai to Thirumalaikovil Temple Route.

Legends
Lord Sri Rama came to this place with Mother Sita and beloved brother Sri Lakshmana and rested on these rocks. Lord had also left his bow, arrow in this place, believe the devotees. In memory of the stay of Lord in this place, people had built this temple and named it Valarmalai Ramapiran Temple.
The Temple
Presiding Deity of this Temple is Lord Sri Rama. There is a small spring in this Ilamalai rock that doesn’t dry even in scorching summer. This was the source of drinking water for the population in olden days. Even today, the environment here continues to be green. The rock looks as the two pieces of a broken coconut, between which the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is built. It is believed that Sages are in these rocks. After visiting Kasi, Sivakasi and Tenkasi, Lord Sri Rama finally came to this rocky place.
There is a mutt at the foot of this hill. In olden days, those who seek alms from the people of the place, used to stay here. They were healthy as it had the touch of the feet of Lord Rama. Many people unwell then used to visit this mutt and stayed here for a while. There is a tall lean rock here threatening to fall at any time, rather waiting for the darshan of Lord Rama. 
It also looks as if representing those performing penance standing on one leg. It is indeed a thrilling sight.  This place is called Kuthukal – a planted stone – Valasai. Sri Anjaneya in the temple appears in worshipping form with his hands held together.  He is praised as a powerful deity in the temple. Devotees write the famous line in tradition “Sri Rama Jayam” and offer the paper garland to him for realizing their wishes. The devotee crowd is huge on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 5.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Sri Rama Navami in March-April and Sri Hanuman Jayanthi are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Devotees pray to Sri Anjaneya for realizing their wishes. They perform abishek to Lord Sri Rama and Sri Anjaneya and offer Vadamala – a garland of Vadas a popular dish of Tamilnadu.
Connectivity
Kuthukal Valasai village is on the Tenkasi – Madurai highway at the 4th kilometer in the four road junction. The temple is 1 km north of this junction. Kuthukal Valasai is located at about 4 Kms from Tenkasi, 9 Kms from Courtallam, 4 Kms from Ilanji, 8 Kms from Sengottai, 7 Kms from Ayikudi, 6 Kms from Panpoli, 65 Kms from Thirunelveli, 112 Kms from Thoothukudi, 110 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 160 Kms from Madurai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Tenkasi. Nearest Airport are located Thoothukudi, Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai.