Thirukozhi (Woraiyur)

Thirukkozhi - Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple. (uraiyur)

Temple Location :
About the Temple:
Situated in Urayoor, Trichy district in Tamil Nadu. It is located in urayoor which is in between Trichy - Erode railway lane. 2 miles away from Trichy Junction. It is also near to Naachiyar koil. Which is in between Trichy - Main guard Gate.
Sthala Puranam:
Once upon a time, there was a discussion among the great rishis that among Trimuthies, who is the greatest. But in that discussion also, they could not come to a conclusion that who is great amongst the Trinity. Finally, all the rishis thought it would be helpful for them to find the answer for this if they could get the sugesstion from the great muni, Brighu. They all explained about the discussion they had among them and said he is the right person to find a solution for this and clear their doubts whats there in their minds.Brighu muni also accepted their words and told them he would give an answer that would clear all of their doubts.First, he went to Kailasam where Lord Shivan and Godess Parvathi reside. But, in the entrance itself, Brighu muni was stopped by the Dwara Balakaas as the residing deities are all alone and doesnt want them to get disturbed. As he got this kind of answer in Kailash, he thought he could not be the right person who might help his devotees as ha was not easy to talk with. As he was disappointed by this activity, he then left to Sathya Lokam where Lord Brahma and Godess Saraswathi reside.There also he could not meet Brahma devan and he made to think what he thought when he went to Kailasam. Finally, he went to Sri Vaikuntam where Sriman Narayanan and Godess Sri Laksmi reside. As Brighu muni enetered Vaikuntam, he was greeted in a good manner and this first action made him to think that Sriman Narayanan is the right person to whom all persons and rishis can seek help and can have a direct approach towards him. Sriman Narayanan offered him with the seat and did the Paadha Pooja for him. But, this action of Sri Vishnu made Sri Lakshmi to think bad and asked Him not to catch hold if his feet. But, this action of Sri Lakshmi made Bighu muni to get angry and cursed Her that she would born in the world as an ordinary human.But, Sri Lakshmi felt very sad for the sabham she got from Brighu muni but Sriman Narayanan said that all the actions are happening according to their fates only and added that he will follow Her soon towards the earth.At the same time in the earth, a king by named Dharma Varman lived in Kumbakonam, Chozha Naadu. Once he went out for huting and found the rishis were being distressed by some demons and seeked the help from the king. Dharma Varman said that he will help them from the demons by killing them and he stayed in the forest for sometime. The King was happy for all the reason but only one thing made him worry and disappoint and that is he had no children. He seeked the help of the rishis to hep him out and to get a children. So, to help the king, all the rishis did a Yagam to get a child for the king. At that time, an Asareeri stated that if he want to get a child he should pray towards Sri Lakshmi and as a result, Sri Lakshmi itself will born as a child to him. Hearing this, he started to pray towards Sri Lakshmi and finally, a female child was born to him and was kept a name as "Vara Lakshmi".As the days went on, Dharma Varman started to seek a perfect groom for his daughter and announced a Swayamvaram for that. Lots of kings came for this and at the same time, Sriman Narayanan also came there one among the grooms. In that hall, when Sri Lakshmi came, she had a look at all the members in the hall and at the same time, she also noticed Sriman Narayanan came there and went straight towards Him without any delay and Garlanded him.All the persons saw this wedding of Sri Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi and the king raised a temple for Sri Ranganathar in Kalyana Thirukkolam.The Utsavam done here starts in Panguni month lasts for 10 days.On the first day of Panguni Uthiram, Sri Ranganathar comes from Sri Rangam and stay in Urayoor. And on Panguni Uthiram, he marries Kamalavalli Naachiyar and give his Kalyana Kola Seva to his Bhakthas.There is no Utsavar found in this sthalam as Sri Ranganathar of Sri Rangam came here to marry Sri Lakshmi and the Utsavar of Sri Rangam is considered to be the Utsavar of this sthalam too.In this sthalam, Periya Pirattiyar is giving her seva in two different ways. One is Irundha seva and the other one is Kidantha seva. Combining these both sevas, she is giving seva as "Urayum" (from sitting seva to sleeping seva) seva, this temple is called "Thiru Urayoor".The Utsavam done here starts on Aayilya Nakshathiram in Panguni month lasts for 10 days.On the first day of Panguni Uthiram, Sri Ranganathar comes from Sri Rangam and stay in Urayoor. And on Panguni Uthiram, he marries Kamalavalli Naachiyar and give his Kalyana Kola Seva to his Bhakthas.Only Moolavar is found in this sthalam. There is no Utsavar here. Since, Arangan married Kamalavalli Naachiyaar, Utsavar of Srirangam is said to be the Utsavar for this Thirukkozhi sthalam too.There is no Brahmotsavam conducted in this divya desam.Other Uthsavams:Kodai Uthsavam - Vaikasi/Aani - 10 daysVasantha Uthsavam - Vaikasi/Aani - 7 daysNavarathri Uthsavam - Purattasi - 9 daysDolothsavam - Kaarthigai - 7 daysThiruAdhyayana Uthsavam - Thai/Maasi - 11 daysTheppa Uthsavam - Maasi - 7 daysSri Kamalavalli Naachiyar - Sri Azhagiya Manavalan Serthi - Panguni Aayilyam - 1 day.Apart from the above uthsavams thaayar will have purappadau on every friday.In this sthalam, Periya Pirattiyar is giving her seva in two different ways. One is Irundha seva and the other one is Kidantha seva. Combining these both sevas, she is giving seva as "Urayum" (from sitting seva to sleeping seva) seva, this temple is called "Thiru Urayoor".Specials:Avathara Sthalam of Sri Thiruppaanazhwar - Nakshathiram - Kaarthigai - Rohini - 11 days Utsavam is perform in a grand manner. Apart from this 11 days Avathaara Uthsavam for Sri Thiruppaanaazhwar, Sri Azhwar will have Thirumanjanam and Kannadi Arai Sevai on every month rohini.Kalyana Utsavam which is done during Panguni Utthiram.Moolavar:The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Sri Sri Azhagiya Manavaalan. Srirangam Uthsavar Namperumal gets the name Sri Azhagiya Manavalan when he comes to Uraiyur. He is found in Standing (Nindra) thirukkolm (position) facing his thirumugham towards North direction along with "Prayoga Chakkaram". Prakthyaksham for Ravidharman and all Devars. (330 crores).ThayaarThe Thayaar of this Sthalam is Sri Kamalavalli Naachiyaar (Vaasakshmi). Also named as "Uraiyur Valli". She is found in Sitting (Veetrirundha) Kolam facing North direction. The Position of the Thaayar is similar to position of a Bride who sits along with the Groom during marriage. The above positions are called as "Thirukalyana Avasaram".Uthsavar Thaayaar: Sri Kamalavalli Naachiyaar (Sri Vaasa Lakshmi) and Thaayar Thirunakshatram - Aayilyam (Panguni)Sannadhis: Special sannadhi for Thiruppaan Alwar.Mangalasasanam:Kulasekara Alwar - 1 PaasuramThirumangai Alwar - 2 "Total - 2 "Pushkarani:Sri Kamala PushkaraniKalyana PushkaraniSuryapushkarani PushkaraniKudamurutinadhi PushkaraniVimanam:The Vimaanam is Kalyana Vimaanam.

-KrishnaPriya namkrishna94@rediffmail.com -

01. Thiruvarangam

SRIRANGAM

About the Temple:

Situated in Trichy district near Trichy in Tamil Nadu. 3/4 miles away from SriRangam railway station which is in between Vizhupuram - Trichy railway lane. Plenty of buses and lodging facilities.

Appearance of the Sthalam:

Sri Rangam - Raja Gopuram There are 7 big walls found around this temple covering next to next each other. The 7 walls are referred to as the 7 worlds. The 7th wall is the outer wall which can be seen and it is 3072 feet in length and 2521 feet in breadth. For 7 prakaarams, 7 thiruveedhi (streets) are found. 7th thiruveedhi is called "Chitthirai Thiruveedhi" where bigh houses and bunglows are found. Sixth Veedhi, which is found in Sixth prakaaram is called "Thiru vikraman thiruveedhi" fifth veedhi om 5th prakaram is Agalangan Thiru veedhi". Fourth veedhi in 4th prakaram is "Aalinaadan Thiruveedhi". Third veedhi in 3rd prakaram is "Kulasekaran Thiruveedhi". Second veedhi in 2nd prakaram is "Raja Mahendran". And in the first prakaram, Emperumaan Sri Ranganathan in Kidantha Kolam gives seva and this is called "Dharma Varman Thiru chuttru (circle).Total area of this temple is alomost 155 1/2 acres, and 6 miles in area.There are total of 21 gopurams in this temple. The weight of the Gopuram is 24,880 tons and the entrance is 11 3/4 width and height is 24 3/4.Explaination of Raja Gopuram:The Gopuram of Sri Rangam is popularly called as "Raja Gopuram" and it is the biggest gopuram in the Asian Sub - Continent.It took almost 7 years to complete the Gopuram. When coming out of the 7th Veedhi, all the 4 entrances of the Gopura Vaasal.The height of the Gopuram is 236 feet high with 13 Nilays. 12 Kalasams are kept on the top of the Gopuram.Specials:* Biggest gopuram in Asia.* All the 11 Alwars did Mangalasasanam here.* Udayavar (Ramanujar) guru periyanambigal, Buttar Vadakuthiruveethi pillai, Pillai Lokachariyar - Birth Place.* Kula sekara Alwar, Thondaradipodi Alwar, Soodikodutha Naachi Aandal, Thuluka Naachiyaar, Udayavar (Ramanujar) Thirupaan Alwar - Paramapatha Sthalam. Moolavar:Sri Rangam - Sri Ranganathan Sri Ranganathan. Other names of their god is Periya perumal, Nam Perumal, Azagiya Manavalan. Moolavar in Kidantha Kolam facing south direction. Prathyaksham for Dharmavarma, Ravindharman, chandiran and Vibeerhanan.Thayaar Sri Rangam - Sri Ranga NayakiSri Ranga Nayaki (Ranga Nayakiyaar).UtsavarNamperumal.Sannadhis:1. Veli Aandal2. Periyazhvar3. Kanna peruman4. Manavala Mamunigal5. Alwargal6. Naathamunigal7. Aalavanthaar8. Thiruvaranga perumalarayar9. Amirtha kalasa Garudan10. Thondaradipodi Alwar11. Thiru Paan Alwar12. Chakkarathalwar13. Sriranga Naachiyaar14. Ul Aandal15. Metty Azhagiyasinger16. Vedantha Desikar17. Periya Garudan18. Nammazhwar and19. Danvanthari. Mangalasasanam:Except Mathirakavi Alwar, all the other eleven Alwars have done Mangalasasanam here.* Periyalwar - 31 Paasurams* Sri Andal - 10 Paasurams* Kulasekara Alwar - 31 Paasurams* Thirumazhisai Alwar - 14 Paasurams* Thondaradipodi Alwar - 55 Paasurams* Thirupaan Alwar - 10 Paasurams* Thirumangai Alwar - 72 Paasurams* Poigai Alwar - 1 Paasuram* Boothathalwar - 4 Paasurams* Pei Alwar - 2 Paasurams* Nammalwar - 11 PaasuramsTotal - 246 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:
1) chandrapushkarani2) vilva theertham3) naaval theertham4) arasu theertham5) punnai theertham6) magizh theertham7) porasu theertham8) kadamba theertham9) maa theertham.

Vimanam:

Pranavaakruthi. It took almost 7 and half years to build this huge vimanam (Gopuram). It is also called as "Raja Gopuram". Sri Rangam - Raja GopuramThis Raja Gopuram is 236 feet high with 13 Nilais (Partition) and 12 Kalasams at its top.Sthala Puranam:Once on the base of Himalaya, River Ganga, Cauvery, Yamuna and Saraswathi are playing in the sky one ghandharvan (person who belong to Deva logam) saw these rivers playing and worshipped them. Seeing this all the 4 river women started saying themselves that he worshipped them only. They started arguing on whom actually he worshipped. The arguement continued but didnt stop. Yamuna and Saraswathi stopped their quarrel. But to Ganga and Cauvery it continued. Finally, they both went to sriman Narayanan.Sri Rangam - Sri Ranganathan River Ganga told to Narayanan since she was originated from the feet of Narayanan, she is bigger and mightier than cauvery. Sriman Narayanan accepted it. But, cauvery doesnt accept it and she did tapas on Sriman Narayanan. Finally, Narayanan gave seva to her and told him that he will sleep on the bank of Cauvery and at that time, river Cauvery will be the garland (Maalai) in his chest, which will the better position than Ganga, who is found in his feet. This is the sthalapuranam said here.Emperumaan gave the Vimaanam of Srirangam to Brahma Devan. Brahma Devan gave this to "Itsuvaghu" who is one of the King of Sooriya family. From Itsuvaghan to Lord Rama time, this Vimaan was worshipped and belonged to Ayodhya Kings.Sri Ramar who took the avathaar as an ordinary human being, worshipped Sri Ranganathan, the god is also named as "Periya Perumal". After his pattabishekham (crowned as king), he gave the Thiru Aranga Vimaanam to King Vibeeshan, which belongs to Ayodhya Kings and their followers.Coming along with the thiruvaranga temple vimaanam, he kept the vimaanam in the midst of Cauvery river to worship it. During the worship, Chozhan Dharmavarman and lots of Rishis also joined. After finishing all the poojas, tried to take the vimaanam along with him to Lanka, he was unable to take it and he could not even move.At that time, Sri Aranganathan told since he had given varam to River Cauvery and since he has to purify her, he has to be all along the Cauvery River. And told that he will not be in a position to move from there. But on hearing this, King Vibeeshan became sad, for which Sri Aranganathan says that inspite of not coming to Lanka, but he will be facing the south direction of Lanka. This is the history explaination of Sri Rangam.The position which Sri Ranganathar is found in this sthalam is one of the great thing that has to be explained.In this sthalam, Aranganathan is found inside the Aranga Vimaanam, Keeping 5 headed Aadhi seshan as the bed, his legs stretched along the direction of the sun's upcoming side (East) direction from where the moon in the evening rises and Lord Yaman, who is the demon king and cool breeze and wind which are said to be found from the South direction are seen by Aranganathan and he sees Lanka. behind him, is Guberan (North Direction) and Selva Magal (Sri Lakshmi) are found. His right hand is kept under his head as a "Pillow" and the left hand is on his lap and it is pointed to his feet. This position explains to the world that all the Jeevathmas are finally getting terminated only in his feet.Till now, if we stand at the top of Srirangam Temple Gopuram, we can find that the Eyes of Arangan as still seeing the south direction of Sri Lanka. Sri Rangam - ChakrathalwarAs the year go an history is said that Srirangam Gopuram and Sri Ranganathar got into the river and when Dharma Varman came along that side, a parrot came to him and told that the Gopuram is lost in the river and finally it is taken out from it is one of the story said here but not sure, how much true it is and since the parrot helped him to get out the temple, a mandapam for that parrot is build.Srivilliputtur Pattarbiraan periyaalwar's daughter Sri Aandal, who sang Thiruppaavai and called as "Soodi Kodutha Sudar Oli", Kulasekara Alwar's daughter Cherar Vali, Nandha Chozhan's daughter Kamalavalli and Delhi Badhusa's daughter Thullaka Naachiyar all loved Sri Aranganathan and finally they got in to Sri Aranganathan's Body.The temples outer walls are built by Thirumangai Alwar and Nandhavan (Park) was constructed by Thondar Adippodi Alwar.In this sthalam, Mettu Azhagiya singar (Narasimar) Sannadhi is found and in front of it is found the 4 pillared mandapam (Nallu Kaal Mandapam). In this mandapam, Kambar explained for the first time, his great work "Kamba Ramayanam" and in that "Iranya Vadhai Padalam" is also included in that. (Iranyavadhan is the story about the killing of Iranyan by Lord Narasimha). But on hearing the inclusion of it, all the people around the Mandapam protested against it. At that time, a voice that belong to Lord Narasimha arised and it said there should be no Prostestation on that and he accepted the inclusion of it. It is also one of the said story here. No where is found a seperate sannadhi for Sri Dhanvanthri (doctor for god and God of medicine) in this temple.Thiruppaan Alwar got his paramapadha mukthi (left his life and went to paramapadham) here.Arayar seva, which is one of the type was created by Naadha muni in this sthalam. It is the type by which Naalayira Divya Pprabhandham is sung in a musical manner.Krishna saynar, thulasi dhasar, Maadhavar had also sung songs on Sri Ranga nathar. Manavaala Maamuni did Kaalatshebham here. (Kaalatshebham means explaining some good things on the basis of god to everyone).When explaining about Sri Ranganathar and the temple, one more special person has to explained and he is Sri Ramanujar.Sri Ramanujar says that Gnanam is Arangan and Gnana Teacher is Arangan and the follower is also Arangan and the person who follows it as also Arangan. And finally on the command given by Arangan, he left the earth and terminated into Aranganathan. Eventhough his soul was out from the world, his body was still found inside a sannadhi. Inside it, he is sitting and his eyes are opened and he giving his blessings to the world.The temple servers are applying a kind of Oil (thaylam) all along his body to protect it from not being destroyed. Like this same way, in Russia, Lenin's body and in Goa Saint Fransis Saviours bodies are also protected by applying proper oils.Sri Ramanujar is given some names such as Udayavar Ramanujar, Yathirajar, Emperumaanar, when he was in Melkottai, Karnataka district, his bhakthas and relatives kept a statue like him to remember him and because of his memory. Its name is "Thamar Ugandha Thirumeni".And then, he himself wanted to make a statue and ordered for it. Finally after seeing it, he gave the approval for it and its called as "Thaan Ugandha Thirumeni" and it is kept in Sri Perumbhutoor. (Thaney Aana Thirumeni).All the devotees are said to wash their feets when going into the Sannadhi of Sri Ranganathar, because the artistic works on Sri Ramanujar are found in the floors here.Sri Desikar sung a song on Sri Ranganathars Paadhukai (feet) and its called as "Paadhukasahesram". To appreciate this, he was given the name as "Kavitharkkitha simhan" by the God itself and as "Sarvathantira Swathanthar" by pirattiyaar.Sri Rangam is more special than Paarkadal and Vaikundam. It is called as "Bhooloka Vaikundam".

-Krishna Priya-