Sthanu Ravi Varma
Sthanu Ravi Varma (Early Malayalam and Tamil: Ko Tanu Iravi), known as the Kulasekhara, was the Chera Perumal ruler of Kerala in southern India from 844/45 to 870/71 AD. He is the earliest Chera Perumal ruler known to scholars.
| Sthanu Ravi | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Kulasekhara" Deva | |||||
The art-form known as Kudiyattam is associated Kulasekhara. | |||||
| Ruler of Chera Perumal Kingdom | |||||
| Reign | 844/45 – 870/71 AD | ||||
| Predecessor | N/A | ||||
| Successor | Rama Rajasekhara | ||||
| Issue | Kizhan Atikal Ravi Neeli | ||||
| |||||
| House | Chera Perumal of Makotai | ||||
| Religion | Hinduism | ||||
The Chera Perumal relations with the Chola dynasty were inaugurated during the reign of Sthanu Ravi. The famous Quilon Syrian Christian copper plates are dated in the fifth regnal year of king Sthanu Ravi. Two more inscriptions dated in the regnal years of Sthanu Ravi can be found at Irinjalakuda Kudalmanikyam Temple, and at Thiruvatruvay, Thiruvalla. Koyil Adhikarikal (the Royal Prince) during the time of Sthanu Ravi was his son-in-law (husband of his daughter) Vijayaraga. Sthanu Ravi had a son born to him in or about 870 AD. He was succeeded by Rama Rajasekhara (870/71–c. 883/84).
Sthanu Ravi probably abdicated the throne toward the end of his reign and became a Vaishnavite alvar saint known as Kulasekhara Alvar (seventh of the twelve mystic alvars). He is also identified with playwright Chera king Kulasekhara Varma.