Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple

Last updated

Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple
Nachiyar4.jpg
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Tiruchirapalli
Deity
Location
Location Uraiyur
State Tamil Nadu
Country India
India location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Location in Tamil Nadu
Geographic coordinates 10°49′37″N78°40′24″E / 10.8269°N 78.6734°E / 10.8269; 78.6734
Architecture
Type Dravidian architecture
Creator Cholas

Azhagiya Manavalan Perumal Temple (also called Thirukozhi or Nachiyar Koil) in Uraiyur, a suburb Tiruchirappalli in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha , the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Azhagiya Manavalan and his consort Lakshmi as Kamalavalli.

Contents

The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century CE, with later contributions from later Pandyas, Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. As per Hindu legend, Azhagiya Manavalan appeared to Kamalavalli, the daughter of Chola king Nanda Cholan, in this place to marry her.

A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and bodies of water. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram , the temple's gateway tower. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the chariot festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March–April), is the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legend

Legend of Nachiyar's marriage to Azhagiya Manavalar Nachiyar1.jpg
Legend of Nachiyar's marriage to Azhagiya Manavalar

As per Hindu legend, the god Vishnu was pleased by the worship of the childless Chola king Nanda Chola. He blessed the king with a child that was an incarnate of Lakshmi, his consort. The king found the child in a 1000 petal lotus tank while hunting in a forest. Since the child was born out of lotus, she was named Kamalavalli by the king. Time came when Kamalavalli fell in love with Vishnu in the form of Ranganatha, the presiding deity of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. The Chola king readily got her married to Ranganatha, who appeared here as the groom. Since Vishnu appeared as Azhagiya Manavalan, meaning a beautiful groom, the temple built here is called Azhagiya Manavalan Temple. [1] [2] The event is celebrated as Serthi Sevai festival every year. [3] [4]

As per another legend, a fowl (called kozhi in Tamil) and an elephant fought at this place, with the fowl victorious. Since the fowl won, the place came to be known as Kozhiyur. It has another name Nichulapuri. The temple is also believed to be the place where King Ravivarmaraja worshiped the presiding deity. [5]

History

The temple is believed to be in existence much before the 7th century. [6] The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. An Executive officer appointed by the Board manages the temple along with Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple at Thiruvellarai, Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple and Mariamman Temple at Anbil. Annadhanam scheme, which provides free food to devotees, is implemented in the temple by the Board. Under the scheme, free food is offered to hundred devotees every day in the temple and the expenditure is fully funded by the contributions from devotees. [7]

Architecture

Tirukozhi4.jpg
Nachiyar5.jpg
Pillared halls in the temple

The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower). [1] The vimana, is called Kamala Vimanam. [8] The central shrine has the image of Vishnu as Azhagiya Perumal in sitting posture. The shrine of the goddess Kamalavalli Nachiyar faces North and it is the only divyadesam where the presiding goddess has a north-facing shrine. [3] [1] There are separate shrines for the saints Ramanuja and Nammalvar. There are paintings on the inner walls of the shrine of the Alvar saint Nammalvar. The temples were painted during the early 1800s and has images of Matsya and Narasimha avatars of Vishnu, Vaishnava Acharyas, Alvars, Vaishnavite mythology, the law of justice and dharma as enunciated by Ambarisha. [6]

Festivals and religious practices

Nachiyar8.jpg
Nachiyar9.jpg
Paramapada Vasal and entrance of Tirupanazhwar shrine

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Azhagiya Manavalan and Kamalavalli. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. [8]

Serthi Sevai, the annual home coming festival is celebrated in the temple annually during the Ayilyam star in the Tamil month of Panguni. The festival is a part of the Panguni Uthiram festival of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, when the festival idol of Srirangam temple, Namperumal, is brought to the Nachiyar temple and the images of Nachiyar and Namperumal are adorned in the Serthi hall of the temple. Special rituals are performed during the occasion. [9] The other major festivals celebrated in the temple are Dolostava, Vasanthothsava (spring festival) and Navaratri. [1]

The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Thiruppaan Alvar, one of the Alvar saints belonging to the 6th-8th centuries. In Srirangam Ranganthaswamy temple, a yearly birth festival of Thiruppaan is celebrated with Viswaroopa darshan of Ranganatha at the sanctum on the occasion of his birthday. The festive idol of Thiruppaan is taken from the temple to Srirangam. Thiruppaan is accorded with grand honours called "Keezha Padi Honours". A Parivattam (silk turban) is tied on the Alvar's head, adorned with a garland, a shawl is wrapped around his shoulders and sacred sandal paste is handed to him, all of which are believed to bring a smile on the face of the Alvar. An hour later, the image of the Alvar is taken to Nammalvar shrine and then to the goddess shrine, with the chanting of Nalayira Divya Prabandham with the verses of the Alvar's work Amalanaathipiraan. In the Azhagiya Manavala Perumal temple, a 10-day festival is celebrated in parallel that includes Araiyar sevai, Veda Paaraayanam (reciting of Vedas ), special thirumanjanam (ablution) and procession inside the temple. [10]

Religious significance

Entrance of the sanctum Nachiyar10.jpg
Entrance of the sanctum

The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham , the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Kulasekara alvar in eleven hymns and Thirumangai Alvar in thirteen hymns. The temple is classified as a divyadesam , one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. [11] The temple is counted as the second in the line of divyadesams after Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. [6] The temple is one of the few divyadesams where the goddess has prominence over Vishnu. Some of the other temples where such female dominance is observed are Andal Temple at Srivilliputhur, Nachiyar Koil and Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple in Thiruvellarai. During all festive occasions, the first rights are reserved for Nachiyar, who moves ahead, while the god follows her. The food served to Nachiyar is prepared with pepper instead of chillies. [12] [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nammalvar</span> Hindu poet-saint

Nammalvar was one of the twelve Alvar saints of Tamil Nadu, India, who are known for their affiliation to the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. The verses of the Alvars are compiled as the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, where praises are sung of 108 temples that are classified as divine realms, called the Divya Desams. Nammalvar is considered to be the fifth in the line of the twelve Alvars. He is highly regarded as a great mystic of the Vaishnava tradition. He is also considered to be the foremost among the twelve Alvars, and his contributions amount to 1352 among the 4000 stanzas in the Naalayira Divya Prabandam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uthamar Kovil</span> Vishnu temple in Tiruchirapalli

Uthamar Kovil in Uthamarkoil, a village in the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti of Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Purushothaman Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Poornavalli Thayar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

The Ranganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha and is located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India. Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple is glorified by the Tamil poet-saints called the Alvars in their canon, the Naalayira Divya Prabhandam, and has the unique distinction of being the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to the god Vishnu. The Srirangam temple is the largest temple compound in India and is one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Some of these structures have been renovated, expanded and rebuilt over the centuries as a living temple. The latest addition is the outer tower that is approximately 73 metres (240 ft) tall, it was completed in 1987. Srirangam temple is often listed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, the still larger Angkor Wat being the largest existing temple. The temple is an active Hindu house of worship and follows the Tenkalai tradition of Sri Vaishnavism. The annual 21-day festival conducted during the Tamil month of Margali (December–January) attracts 1 million visitors. The temple complex has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is in UNESCO's tentative list. In 2017 the temple won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award of Merit 2017 for cultural heritage conservation, making it the first temple in Tamil Nadu to receive the award from the UNESCO.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manavala Mamunigal</span> Hindu theologian

Alagiya Manavalan, best known by his epithet Manavala Mamunigallit. 'The great saint, Manavalan' (1370–1450), was a Hindu theologian. He was a major proponent of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition in the 15th century in Tamilakam, disseminating it with the help of his eight disciples. The disciples of Manavalan established places of learning to teach the Vishishtadvaita philosophy in Tamilakam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thondaradippodi Alvar</span> Poet-saint of the Tamil Vaishnava tradition

Thondaradippodi Alwar or Vipra Narayana was one of the twelve Alwar saints of South India, who are known for their affiliation to Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. The verses of Alwars are compiled as Naalayira Divya Prabandham and the 108 temples revered are classified as Divya desam. Thondaripodi is considered the tenth in the line of the twelve Alwars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veeraraghava Swamy Temple</span> Hindu temple of Vishnu in Thiruvallur, India

Veeraraghava Swamy Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, located in Tiruvallur, Chennai Metropolitan City, an area and headquarters in Tiruvallur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is counted as one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu is worshipped as Veeraraghava Perumal, and his consort Lakshmi as Kanakavalli Thayar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple</span> Vishnu temple in Koviladi

Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple or Thirupper Nagar, is a Hindu temple located in Koviladi, a village 10 miles (16 km) from Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Vishnu and is one of the Divya Desams—the 108 temples of Vishnu revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the 12 poet saints or Alvars. This temple is located along the banks of the Cauvery River and is one of the five Pancharanga Kshetrams located on the banks of the Cauvery River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sundararaja Perumal temple</span> Vishnu temple in Tiruchirapalli

Thiru Anbil, or Sundararaja Perumal Temple, in Anbil, a village in the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sundararajan and his consort Lakshmi as Sundaravalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hara Saabha Vimocchana Perumal Temple</span> Hindu temple in Thanjavur

Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal Temple in Thirukandiyur, a village in the outskirts of Thiruvayaru in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Kamalavalli Nachiyar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sarangapani Temple</span> Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam

The Sarangapani Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the 12 poet saints, or Alvars. This temple is along Kaveri and is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, Tirusirupuliyur</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu located near Kollumangudi, Tamil Nadu, India. It is located 2 km away from Kollumangudi, 40 km away from Kumbakonam and 10 km from Karaikal. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sthalasayana Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumagal Nachiyar. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines. There is a four-tiered rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower, in the temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nachiyar Koil</span> Hindu temple in Thanjavur, India

Nachiyar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple is a Hindu temple in Thirunarayur, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi. It is the sub urban region of business city of Kumbakonam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pavalavannam Temple</span> Hindu temple in Kanchipuram

Tirupavalavannam or Pavalavanam temple located in Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Pavalavannar Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Pavalavalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiruchsemponsey</span> Vishnu temple in Thirunagar

Thiruchsemponsey or Perarulaalan Perumal Temple is dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu located in Thirunangur, a village in the outskirts of Sirkazhi in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Peralulalan and his consort Lakshmi as Allimalar Nachiyar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple</span> Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in Thiruvilandur, India

Parimala Ranganathar Perumal Temples or Tiruindaloor is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, located in Thiruvilandur of Mayiladuthurai, a town in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the 12 poet saints, or the Alvars. This temple is along Kaveri and is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neelamegha Perumal Temple</span> Vishnu temple in Nagapattinam

The Neelamegha Perumal Temple or Sowriraja Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple in Thirukannapuram, a village in the outskirts of Nagapattinam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Neelamegha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Thirukannapura Nayagi. As per Hindu legend, the presiding deity is believed to have appeared with a wig to save a devotee, leading to the name Sowriraja Perumal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiru Aadanoor Temple</span> Hindu temple in Thanjavur

The Thiru Aadanoor or the Andalakkum Aiyan Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Aadanoor, Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu, India. Constructed in Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is counted as one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu is worshipped as Andalakkum Aiyan and his consort is worshipped as Ranganayaki, a form of Lakshmi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Tirukulandhai</span> Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple or Sri Mayakoothar Permual Temple is one of the Nava Tirupatis, nine Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located Perungulam along Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the southern bank of Thamiraparani river. It is located 5 km from Alvar Thirunagari. All these 9 temples are classified as Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet-saints of Sri Vaishnavism called the Alvars. The temple is referred to as Shani sthalam, a location for the planet deity, Shani (Saturn). Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Mayakoothar and his consort Lakshmi as Kulandhaivalli Tayar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jagannatha Perumal temple</span> Vishnu temple in Tiruvallur

Jagannatha Perumal Temple (also called TirumazhisaiTemple is dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu located in Tirumazhisai, Chennai City, Tiruvallur district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Jagannatha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumangaivalli. The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Thirumazhisai Alvar, one of the twelve Alvars whose work is compiled as Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. The temple is Classified one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adhirangam Ranganathaswamy temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Adhirangam Ranganathaswamy temple or Ranganatha Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Adhi Thiruvarangam in the Taluk of Sankarapuram, Tamil Nadu, India. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, it is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagar kings. It covers an area of 5 acres (20,000 m2) and has a historical grain storage container. It is classified one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Dasan, Sampathkumar Ramanuja (March 2013). "Krishna Voice" (PDF). 14 (3). Bangalore: Sankirthana Seva Trust: 11–12. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 August 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2013.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. ↑ R., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 486–7r.
  3. 1 2 S., Prabhu (24 April 2011). "Re-enacting the celestial wedding". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  4. ↑ "About the temple". Temple administration, Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Retrieved 5 May 2013.
  5. ↑ Ayyar, P. V. Jagadisa (1982). South Indian Shrines: Illustrated. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. p. 533. ISBN   9788120601512.
  6. 1 2 3 "Trichy Temples". Government of Tamil Nadu. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  7. ↑ J., Sulochana Gandhi; R., Soundarajan (January 2013). "Lord Sri Ranganatha Temple - a study" (PDF). Monthly Multidisciplinary Research Journal. 2 (7): 2–5. ISSN   2231-5063. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  8. 1 2 "Sri Azhagia Manavalar temple". Dinamalar. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  9. ↑ "Devotees throng Nachiyar temple to witness 'Serthi Sevai'". The Hindu . Tiruchi. 3 April 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  10. ↑ S., Prabhu (6 January 2012). "Ranganatha suffered his pain". The Hindu . Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  11. ↑ V., Ganapathy (4 November 2004). "Siva temple of yore". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  12. ↑ S., Prabhu (27 December 2012). "Unique drama unfolds during procession". The Hindu . Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  13. ↑ "Unique drama unfolds during procession". The Hindu . 8 April 2005. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.