Sthanu Ravi Kulasekhara

Sthanu Ravi (Old Malayalam and Tamil: KoTanu Iravi), known as the Kulasekhara, was the Chera Perumal ruler of Kerala in southern India from 844/45 to c. 870/71 AD. He is the earliest medieval Chera ruler of Kerala known to scholars. Sthanu Ravi notably assisted the Chola ruler Aditya I (c. 871–907 AD) in conquering the Kongu country from the Pandyas around 885 AD.

The famous Quilon Syrian Christian copper plates are dated to the fifth regnal year of king Sthanu Ravi. Two more inscriptions dated in the regnal years of Sthanu Ravi are found at the IrinjalakudaKudalmanikyam Temple and at Thiruvatruvay, Thiruvalla. The Koyil Adhikarikal ("Royal Prince") during his time was his son-in-law (husband of his daughter), Vijayaraga. Sthanu Ravi had a son born around 870 AD. He was succeeded by Rama Rajasekhara (c. 870/71–c. 883/84).

Toward the end of his reign, Sthanu Ravi probably abdicated the throne and became a Vaishnavitealvar saint known as Kulasekhara Alvar (the seventh of the twelve mystic alvars). He is also identified with the playwright Chera king "Kulasekhara Varma".