Azhagiya Manavalan Perumal Temple also called Thirukozhi or Nachiyar Koil in Uraiyur, a suburb Tiruchirappalli is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture,the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha.It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu,who is worshipped as Azhagiya Manavalan and his consort Lakshmi as Kamalavalli.
Shrine’s History
The temple is believed to be in existence from the 7th century.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.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The god Vishnu was pleased by the worship of the childless Chola king Nanda Chola and blessed the king that Lakshmi, his consort, would be born to the king and at an appropriate age, the god would get married to her. The king found the child in a lotus tank while hunting in a forest. Since the child was born out of the lotus, she was named Kamalvalli by the king. The time came when Kamalavalli fell in love with Vishnu in the form of Ranganathar, the presiding deity of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. The Chola king readily got her married to Ranganathar. He built a temple to commemorate the occasion. The event is celebrated as Serthi Sevai festival every year. Since Vishnu appeared as Azhagiya Manavalan, meaning a beautiful groom, the temple is called Azhagiya Manavalan Temple.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
Temple is believed to be in existence from the 7th century. 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.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By RoadTiruchirappalli is well connected by road to Madurai, Chennai, Pondicherry and Thanjavur/Tanjore.By RailTiruchirappalli is an important Railway junction of the Southern Railways. It connects many important cities and towns of South India such as Chennai, Thanjavur, Madurai and Chidambaram.By AirTrichy/Tiruchirapalli is well connected to cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, and Colombo. The Trichy airport is about 7 km from the city.
Shrine Timings
7 A.M to 8 P.M
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Serthi Sevai March or April
Dolostava March or April
Vasanthothsava or spring festival March or April
Navaratri October
