Aragiya Manavalan Perumal temple also called Tirukori or Nachi or Koel in Urayur, Tamil Nadu is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 10 eight Deviadeshams dedicated to Vishnu who is worshipped as Aragia Manavalan and his consort Lakshmi as Kamala. Vali Divyadesham means place of abode of Lord Vishnu. As per Hindu legend, god Vishnu was pleased by the worship of the childless Chola king Nanda Chola and he blessed the king with a child that was an incarnate of Lakshmi, his consort. The king found the child in a thousand petal lotus tank while hunting in a forest.
Since the child was born out of lotus, she was named Kamalawali by the king. Time came when Kamalawaldi fell in love with Vishnu in the form of Ranganadhar, the presiding deity of Sri Rangam Ranganathaswamy Temple the King Nanga Chola readily got her married to Ranganada who appeared here as the groom. Since Vishnu appeared as Aragya Manavalan, meaning a beautiful groom, the temple built here is called Aragya Manavalan temple. The event is celebrated as Turki Sevai festival every year. As per another legend, a fowl called Khori in Tamil and an elephant meant what is this place? With the fall victorious since the fall one, the place came to be known as Koriur. It has another name nicholhapuri.
Since the child was born out of lotus, she was named Kamalawali by the king. Time came when Kamalawaldi fell in love with Vishnu in the form of Ranganadhar, the presiding deity of Sri Rangam Ranganathaswamy Temple the King Nanga Chola readily got her married to Ranganada who appeared here as the groom. Since Vishnu appeared as Aragya Manavalan, meaning a beautiful groom, the temple built here is called Aragya Manavalan temple. The event is celebrated as Turki Sevai festival every year. As per another legend, a fowl called Khori in Tamil and an elephant meant what is this place? With the fall victorious since the fall one, the place came to be known as Koriur. It has another name nicholhapuri.
The Divine Status of Azhagiya Manavalan Temple as a Divyadesham
The Azhagiya Manavalan Temple is prominently recognized as a Divyadesham (divine abode), as one of the 108 Divyadeshams primarily because it finds mention in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, a revered ancient Vaishnavite scripture comprising devotional hymns composed by Alvar saints. This temple holds significant importance due to the fact that it is the subject of eleven hymns composed by Kulasekara Alvar and thirteen hymns by Thirumangai Alvar. Divyadeshams are considered sacred temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and they are mentioned in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham as an integral part of the Vaishnavite tradition. What makes the Azhagiya Manavalan Temple unique is that it places the goddess, Kamalavalli Nachiyar, in a position of prominence ahead of Lord Vishnu, a feature uncommon in most other temples. This distinction underlines the temple’s special significance and enhances its recognition within the context of Divyadeshams and the Vaishnavite faith.
Legend of Nachiyar's Marriage to Azhagiya Manavalar
According to Hindu legend, King Nanda Chola, who was childless, earned the favor of the god Vishnu through his devotion. In response, Vishnu blessed the king with a child who was an incarnation of his consort, Lakshmi. The king discovered the divine child in a 1000-petal lotus tank while hunting in a forest. Because the child was born from a lotus, she was named Kamalavalli by the king.
As time passed, Kamalavalli fell deeply in love with Vishnu, who appeared in the form of Ranganatha, the presiding deity of the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. The Chola king, in recognition of Kamalavalli’s devotion and love, arranged for her to be married to Ranganatha, who manifested as the groom. In this divine union, Vishnu took on the name Azhagiya Manavalan, meaning “beautiful groom.” The temple constructed to commemorate this union came to be known as the Azhagiya Manavalan Temple. This event is celebrated annually as the Serthi Sevai festival.
Another legend associated with the place tells of a battle between a fowl (referred to as “kozhi” in Tamil) and an elephant. In this unique conflict, the fowl emerged as the victor. As a result, the location became known as Kozhiyur. It is also sometimes referred to as Nichulapuri. The temple is believed to be the site where King Ravivarmaraja offered worship to the presiding deity.
As time passed, Kamalavalli fell deeply in love with Vishnu, who appeared in the form of Ranganatha, the presiding deity of the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. The Chola king, in recognition of Kamalavalli’s devotion and love, arranged for her to be married to Ranganatha, who manifested as the groom. In this divine union, Vishnu took on the name Azhagiya Manavalan, meaning “beautiful groom.” The temple constructed to commemorate this union came to be known as the Azhagiya Manavalan Temple. This event is celebrated annually as the Serthi Sevai festival.
Another legend associated with the place tells of a battle between a fowl (referred to as “kozhi” in Tamil) and an elephant. In this unique conflict, the fowl emerged as the victor. As a result, the location became known as Kozhiyur. It is also sometimes referred to as Nichulapuri. The temple is believed to be the site where King Ravivarmaraja offered worship to the presiding deity.
History Of Aragiya Manavala Perumal Temple
The history of the temple indicates its presence well before the 7th century, suggesting its ancient origins and significance in the region. The administration and maintenance of the temple are entrusted to the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. An Executive officer appointed by the Board oversees the management of the temple, along with other temples like the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple at Thiruvellarai, Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, and the Mariamman Temple at Anbil.
The temple also participates in the Annadhanam scheme, which is a noble initiative that provides free meals to devotees. Under this scheme, the temple offers free food to a hundred devotees daily, and the entire expenditure is covered by contributions from devotees. This charitable act demonstrates the temple’s commitment to providing sustenance and nourishment to its visitors as a part of its religious and community service.
The temple also participates in the Annadhanam scheme, which is a noble initiative that provides free meals to devotees. Under this scheme, the temple offers free food to a hundred devotees daily, and the entire expenditure is covered by contributions from devotees. This charitable act demonstrates the temple’s commitment to providing sustenance and nourishment to its visitors as a part of its religious and community service.
Architecture Of Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple
The Azhagiya Manavalan Temple is distinguished by its remarkable architectural features. At its entrance, a grand five-tiered rajagopuram, or gateway tower, extends a warm welcome to all visitors, setting the tone for the divine experience within. The central shrine is graced by a majestic vimana known as the Kamala Vimanam, a towering structure above the sanctum, adorned with intricate sculptural details. Here, the primary deity, Lord Vishnu in the form of Azhagiya Perumal, is seated, serving as the focal point of devotion for all who visit.
Adding to the temple’s uniqueness, a shrine dedicated to the goddess Kamalavalli Nachiyar faces North, a departure from the customary South-facing shrines of presiding goddesses in most other temples. Alongside, separate shrines honor revered saints Ramanuja and Nammalvar, emphasizing their significant role in the Vaishnavite tradition.
Adding to the temple’s uniqueness, a shrine dedicated to the goddess Kamalavalli Nachiyar faces North, a departure from the customary South-facing shrines of presiding goddesses in most other temples. Alongside, separate shrines honor revered saints Ramanuja and Nammalvar, emphasizing their significant role in the Vaishnavite tradition.
A particularly enchanting aspect of the temple’s architecture lies in the intricate paintings that adorn the inner walls of the shrine, particularly within the Nammalvar shrine. These paintings, dating back to the early 1800s, depict various facets of Vaishnavite mythology and culture. Notable images include representations of Vishnu’s Matsya and Narasimha avatars, revered Vaishnava Acharyas or spiritual teachers, Alvar saints, and scenes that convey the principles of justice and dharma, as articulated by Ambarisha.
These artistic and architectural elements collectively enrich the temple’s spiritual and cultural significance, providing a space where devotion, history, and artistic expression harmoniously converge, inviting all to partake in its sacred ambiance.
These artistic and architectural elements collectively enrich the temple’s spiritual and cultural significance, providing a space where devotion, history, and artistic expression harmoniously converge, inviting all to partake in its sacred ambiance.
Devotion and Celebration: Festivals and Rituals
The Azhagiya Manavalan Temple is known for its rich religious practices and vibrant festivals. Here are some of the key festivals and religious rituals observed at the temple:
- Daily Rituals: The temple priests perform daily rituals (pooja) six times a day. These rituals include alangaram (decoration), nivedhanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Azhagiya Manavalan and Kamalavalli deities. During the last step of worship, traditional musical instruments like nagaswaram and tavil are played, Vedic hymns are recited by priests, and devotees prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast.
- Weekly, Monthly, and Fortnightly Rituals: The temple also has specific rituals that are performed on a weekly, monthly, and fortnightly basis, which are an integral part of its religious practices.
- Serthi Sevai: This annual homecoming festival is celebrated during the Ayilyam star in the Tamil month of Panguni. It is part of the Panguni Uthiram festival of the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. During this festival, the idol of Namperumal from Srirangam temple is brought to the Nachiyar temple, and both deities are adorned in the Serthi hall of the temple. Special rituals and celebrations take place during this event.
- Other Major Festivals: The temple celebrates various other major festivals, including Dolostava, Vasanthothsava (spring festival), and Navaratri. These festivals are marked by special ceremonies, processions, and religious observances.
- Thiruppaan Alvar Birth Festival: The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Thiruppaan Alvar, one of the Alvar saints from the 6th-8th centuries. A yearly birth festival is celebrated in Srirangam Ranganthaswamy temple to honor Thiruppaan Alvar. The festive idol of Thiruppaan is taken from the Azhagiya Manavalan Temple to Srirangam. This occasion involves grand honours and various ceremonies, such as tying a silk turban, adorning with garlands, and applying sacred sandal paste to the Alvar. The festival includes chanting of Nalayira Divya Prabandham with the verses from Thiruppaan Alvar’s work, Amalanaathipiraan.
- Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple Festival: In the Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple, a 10-day festival is celebrated in parallel to the Thiruppaan Alvar Birth Festival. This festival includes Araiyar sevai (devotional singing), Veda Paaraayanam (recitation of Vedas), special thirumanjanam (ablution), and a grand procession inside the temple.
These festivals and religious practices play a significant role in the temple’s cultural and spiritual life, attracting devotees from far and wide to participate in the celebrations and seek blessings.
Religious Significance of Azhagiya Manavalan Temple
The Azhagiya Manavalan Temple holds profound religious significance within the Vaishnavite tradition. Mentioned in the sacred Nalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of hymns composed by Alvar saints between the 7th and 9th centuries, the temple is the subject of devotion in eleven hymns by Kulasekara Alvar and thirteen by Thirumangai Alvar. As a classified divyadesam, it ranks among the 108 Vishnu temples of great sanctity described in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, placing it as the second divyadesam after the renowned Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. The temple stands out for its unique feature of female dominance, where the presiding goddess, Kamalavalli Nachiyar, holds prominence over Lord Vishnu, a characteristic shared with a select few other temples like Andal Temple at Srivilliputhur, Nachiyar Koil, and Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple in Thiruvellarai. During all religious festivities, it is Nachiyar who leads the way, with Lord Vishnu following. This emphasis on the goddess highlights her special role and significance in the temple’s religious observances. Additionally, a distinctive culinary tradition is observed in the temple, with the food offered to Nachiyar being prepared with pepper instead of chilies. The Azhagiya Manavalan Temple continues to be a revered place of devotion and cultural heritage, drawing worshippers and pilgrims to its unique spiritual environment.
