Kolavilli Ramar Temple,
Tiruvelliyangudi – Religious Significance
Vaishnava
Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu:
The
temple is considered
as one of the nine
Vaishnava Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the
popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state. This
Temple is associated with the planet Venus (Shukra).
The planets are believed to influence
the horoscope computed based on time of one's birth and subsequently influence
the course of life. Each of the planets are believed to move from a star to
another during a predefined period and thus sway over an individual's fortunes.
The
Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to provide both good and bad
effects for any individual and the bad effects are mitigated by prayers. As in
other Navagraha
temples, the common worship practices of the devotees include
offering of cloth, grains, flowers and jewels specific to the planet deity.
Lighting a set of lamps is also commonly followed in the temple. As per
belief, the energies distributed cyclically by Navagrahas can be channeled
based on remedial measures.
Vaishnava
Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu are;
1.
Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Suryan / Sun)
2.
Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple, Nathan Kovil, Thanjavur (Chandran / Moon)
3.
Thirunaraiyur Nambi Temple, Nachiyar Koil, Thanjavur (Chevvai / Mars)
4.
Valvil Rama Temple, Thirupullabhoothangudi, Thanjavur (Budhan / Mercury)
5.
Andalukkum Aiyan Temple, Adhanur, Thanjavur (Guru / Jupiter)
6.
Kolavilli Ramar Temple, Tiruvelliyangudi, Thanjavur (Sukran / Venus)
7. Uppiliappan Temple, Tirunageswaram, Thanjavur
(Sani / Saturn)
8.
Gajendra Varadha Temple, Thirukkavithalam, Papanasam, Thanjavur (Rahu / North
Node)
9.
Jakath Rakshaka Perumal Temple, Thirukkoodaloor, Thanjavur (Kethu / South Node)
10.
Saranathan Temple, Thirucherai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Mandhi / Kuligan)
Divya Desam:
The
temple is revered
in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th
– 9th century Vaishnava canon, by Thirumangai Alvar in ten
pasurams. The
temple is classified as a Divyadesam,
one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
Thirumangai Azhvaar in his Periya Thirumozhi verse refers Lord Vishnu of this
temple as Kola Villi Rama.
Equivalent to 108 Divya Desams:
It is
said that praying at this
temple would be equal to praying at all the 108
Divyadesams.