Thiruvelliyankudi Kolavilli Ramar Temple

The Kolavalli temple is said to be constructed by the Medieval Chollas, but later on, expansions took place under the Vijaynagari kings. According to Hindu legends, the shrine was earlier called Parasarum during the Treetha yug, BrahmaPutram during the Kritha Yuga, Bhargavpuram during the Kali yuga and Saintiranagaram during the Dvapara Yuga. The Trivikraman avathar of Vishnu is associated with the temple. According to hindu legends, the devil guru, Sukrachariyar, was against king Mahabali as he had offered land to lord Vishnu in a Brahmin's avatar. He became a bug and locked the lid of the pitcher used by king Mahabali to spill out water during donation. Lord Vishnu came to know about the plan and poked the eye of the bug using a small spike. Sukhracharyar, who had to lose his vision, performed self-punishment at this temple to get back his eyes. It is said, the light sage Sukhracharya obtained is still sparkling in this temple like a lantern called Netra Deepam. One time, the engineers of Vishwakarma, Mayan and Devaloga had a quarrel regardiong whose technique was better. Bramha, the creator, educated Mayan that Vishwakarma was better as he constructed Vaikunta, where Vishnu resided due to his achievements in his earlier birth. Lord also educated Mayan to attain a similar position, and to recognize and construct a dwelling near river Cauveri which is alike Vaikunta. Mayan examined various locations and finally recognized Tiruvelliyangudi, where Markandeya was undergoing penance. He constructed an adorable temple and compound, which is now considered to be a temple. Vishnu came as Sringara Sundaran which means beautiful deity.