Thiruvelliangudi is one of the 108 Divya Desas in Vaishnavite tradition. It is a small hamlet near the temple town of Kumbakonam. Reference about this temple is found in Brahmanda Puranam and Vishnupuranam. Thiruvelliangudi is four yugas old. Sukran of the Navagrahas is connected to this temple. Puranic lore of this temple is intertwined with the Vamana Avatar of Mahavishnu.

Presiding deity----Kolavilli Raman -Moolavar. He is in a reclined posture facing east. Utsavar ------- Sringara Sundaram
Thayar----------- Maragathavalli
Holy waters------Sukra theertham
Parasurama theertham
Indra theertham.
Vimana --------- Pushkala Vanthaka.
This temple is called by different names in different yugas.

In Krita yuga it was called Brahma puthiram

Treta yuga it was called Parasuram

Dwapara yuga it was called Chandra nagara

Kali yuga it is called Bhargava puram.

Sukran is also called Bhargavan. Bhargavan did penance here and was redeemed of his curse. Velliyangudi is the Tamil name for Sukrapuri.



KING MAHABALI King Mahabali ( who belonged to the demonic race ) wished to donate Moondradi mann to Mahavishnu who asked for it. Mahavishnu appeared as Vamana which is his one of the 10 avatars.

Accordingly the King in order to pledge allegiance to the God poured water from his Kamandala so that the lands could be donated. Sukracharya ( sukran) who is the guru of the demon race knew the wily plans of Vamana. At once took the form of an insect and hid the nozzle of the Kamandala of the King so that he can stop the water from flowing. Only if the water flows from the Kamandala can the King perform the rituals in donating the land.

Mahavishnu the Creator atonce poked the nozzle with a small stick. In this celestial game Sukracharya lost one of his eyes. and became One eyed Sukran.

Sukran regained his lost vision after doing penance in this hallowed spot. Thus this shrine is called Thiruvelliangudi.

(To be contd)

Usha Raja