Description
Thirukkozhi Uraiyur Azhagiya Manavala Perumal is an ancient temple which is located in the suburbs of Woraiyur, situated in the outskirts of Trichy. One of the popular religious spots in the state of Tamil Nadu, the temple forms a part of the 108 DivyaDesams, shrines dedicated to lord Vishnu. The presiding deity is Azhagiya Manavala, an avatar of Lord Vishnu along with Goddess Lakshmi in the form of Kamalvalli.
History
It is believed that the temple was built during the 7th century in the time of Chola kings. There lived a king by the name of Nanda who was childless and hence he worshipped Lord Vishnu day and night keeping deep penance for him. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him with Goddess Lakshmi as his child. The king was advised to walk through the forest and look for a tank. King Nanda found a baby girl child in between the petals of lotus, floating in a tank amidst the forest. He thanked Lord Vishnu and started nurturing her up. She was named Kamalvalli, since she was found with a lotus. As and when she grew younger the king fixed her marriage with Ranganathar who was considered to be the main deity of the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. Kamalvalli fell in love with him and hence King Nanda decided to hold her marriage with great pomp and grandeur. Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Azhagiya Manavalan, which essentially means a beautiful and handsome groom and the marriage rituals were performed. Keeping in tune with the form of Lord Vishnu, the king built a huge and magnificent temple to commemorate the marriage ceremony and named it as Uraiyur Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple.
Importance/Significance
The temple holds high religious importance among Vaishnavites. Worshipping the lord here brings forth early marriages. Couples also worship this place to seek lord's blessings for off springs along with a prosperous and happy married life full of health and wealth.
Facts/Mythology
A unique fact about this temple is that it is the only divyadesam where the shrine of the main deity is facing northwards. This is only evident in this temple. Further, apart from idols, the inner sanctum is covered with rich paintings depicting the lifestyle of the God's in those era, all painted with bright hues which décor the inner walls. Artistic beauty is one of its main attractions.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Serthi Sevai is an annual festival celebrated here in the Panguni month as per Tamil Calendar. This is a huge festival which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from far and wide. Some of the other noteworthy festivals are Kodai Uthsavam which is celebrated for 10 days, 11 days Thiru Adhyaayana Utsav, the grand 9 days Navaratri. 7 days of Dolothsavam and Theppa festivals-this is celebrated for seven days. All these festivals follow unique set of procedures and are special in their own little way. Apart from these festivals, special poojas are conducted every Thursday and Friday which is accompanied with aarti, chants and hymns
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