002. Thirukkozhi - Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple, Trichy

About the Temple &  Location : Urayur, Tiruchirapalli

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.

It is believed that the temple was built during the 7th century in the time of Chola kings.   

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 decor the inner walls. Artistic beauty is one of its main attractions.
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 to this if they could get the suggestion 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 about what's 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 Goddess Parvathi reside. But, in the entrance itself, Brighu muni was stopped by the Dwara Balakaas as the presiding deities are all alone and don't 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 for Sathya Lokam where Lord Brahma and Goddess 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 Goddess Sri Laksmi reside. As Brighu muni entered Vaikuntam, he was greeted in a good manner and this first action made him 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 the seat and did the Paadha Pooja for him. But, this action of Sri Vishnu made Sri Lakshmi think bad and asked Him not to catch hold of his feet. But, this action of Sri Lakshmi made Bighu muni get angry and cursed Her that she would be 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 named Dharma Varman lived in Kumbakonam, Chozha Naadu. Once he went out for hunting and found the rishis were being distressed by some demons and sought 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 some time. 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 sought the help of the rishis to help him out and to get 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 wants to get a child he should pray towards Sri Lakshmi, and as a result, Sri Lakshmi itself 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 gives 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 this 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 gives 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 days

Vasantha Uthsavam - Vaikasi/Aani - 7 days

Navarathri Uthsavam - Purattasi - 9 days

Dolothsavam - Kaarthigai - 7 days

ThiruAdhyayana Uthsavam - Thai/Maasi - 11 days

Theppa Uthsavam - Maasi - 7 days

Sri 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 this 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 performing in a grand manner. Apart from these 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 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).

Thayaar
The 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 the position of a Bride who sits along with the Groom during the marriage. The above positions are called "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 Paasuram

      Thirumangai Alwar - 2 "

Total - 2 "

Pushkarani:

      Sri Kamala Pushkarani

      Kalyana Pushkarani

      Suryapushkarani Pushkarani

Kudamurutinadhi Pushkarani

Vimanam:
The Vimaanam is Kalyana Vimaanam.