Back to Results
Temple Image

Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple

Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple, located in Woraiyur, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Vishnu temple dedicated to Lord Azhagiya Manavalan (a form of Lord Ranganatha). It is one of the Divya Desams, celebrated in the hymns of the Azhwars. The temple features Dravidian architecture with a grand gopuram, intricate sculptures, and a sanctum housing the deity in a reclining posture. The consort, Sri Kamalavalli Nachiyar, resides in a separate shrine. The temple is known for its association with Vaishnavite saints and traditions. Annual festivals like Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadashi draw numerous devotees.

Timings

The Temple is open from 6 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM.

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

ORIGIN/HISTORY:



  1. Woriayur Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple is called by several names like Thirukozhi Divyadesam, Woraiyur Nachiyar Kovil, Uraiyur Kamalavalli Nachiyar Temple or simply Nachiyar Kovil.
  2. It is believed that the temple was built during the 7th century in the time of Chola kings. 
  3. This is the 2nd Divya Desam among the 108 Divya Desams to receive Mangalasasana of Perumal.


Temple’s History 1:


  1. There lived a king by the name of Nanda who was childless and hence he worshipped Lord Vishnu day and night keeping deep penance for him.
  2. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him with Goddess Lakshmi as his child. 
  3. The king was advised to walk through the forest and look for a tank.
  4. King Nanda found a baby girl child in between the petals of lotus, floating in a tank amidst the forest. 
  5. The king discovered the divine child in a 1000-petal lotus tank while hunting in a forest. 
  6. He thanked Lord Vishnu and started nurturing her up. She was named Kamalavalli, since she was found with a lotus. 
  7. As and when she grew younger the king fixed her marriage with Ranganathar who was considered to be the main deity of the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. 
  8. Kamalavalli fell in love with him and hence King Nanda decided to hold her marriage with great pomp and grandeur. 
  9. Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Azhagiya Manavalan, which essentially means a beautiful and handsome groom and the marriage rituals were performed. 
  10. Keeping in tune with the form of Lord Vishnu, the king built a huge and magnificent temple to commemorate the marriage ceremony and named it as Uraiyur Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple.


Temples Story 2:


  1. Another legend associated with the place tells of a battle between a fowl (referred to as “kozhi” in Tamil) and an elephant.
  2. In this unique conflict, the fowl emerged as the victor. As a result, the location became known as Kozhiyur.
  3. It is also sometimes referred to as Nichulapuri. 
  4. The temple is believed to be the site where King Ravivarmaraja offered worship to the presiding deity.


Temple's History 3(Sthala Puranam):

  1. There was a time when a number of Hindu sages were talking about the greatness of the Hindu trinity, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. 
  2. The rishis ended up in a dispute about the greatest among the Trimurti. 
  3. When the discussions took place, Maharishi Bhrigu was passing by and the confused sages decided to take the help of the Maharishi Bhrigu to find out who was the greatest among the trinity. 
  4. Upon being committed with the task, Maharishi Bhrigu visited Mount Kailash, the holy abode of Lord Shiva. 
  5. The dwarapalakas (gatekeepers for divinities) denied entry to the Maharishi as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were alone and it was not a good thing to disturb them.
  6. The disappointed Maharishi then decided to visit Brahmaloka. 
  7. On entering the abode of the god of creation, Lord Brahma was engaged in creation and he did not even receive the Maharishi. 
  8. The baffled Maharishi then proceeded to Vaikuntha - the abode of Lord Vishnu. 
  9. Contrary to his two other visits, the Maharishi Bhrigu was well received and hospitality shown by the preserver of the universe was outstanding. 
  10. The pleased Maharishi wanted to have some time alone with Lord Vishnu. 
  11. Everyone else left the place except Sri Lakshmi, who lives in the chest of the lord. 
  12. This enraged the Maharishi who ended up cursing the goddess that she would soon be born as a human being in the material world.
  13. Notwithstanding, Maharishi Bhrigu reached a decision and declared that Lord Vishnu is the greatest among the trinity as he offered much respect and responded with decorum. 
  14. The disheartened (cursed) goddess was pacified by the lord. 
  15. Furthermore, the lord asked the goddess to reach the material world as a daughter of the Chozha king Nanda Chozhan and also assured that he would come after and marry her in a prosperous spot, before long. 
  16. The Chozha king recovered the baby from a lotus tank and named the child as Kamalavalli. 
  17. Later, goddess Kamalavalli fell in love with Srirangam Sri Ranganathar Swamy and joined him in a holy matrimony. 
  18. The Chozha king constructed a temple to mark the auspicious occasion. This far-famed temple is believed to have existed from the 7th century.
  19. As the preserver of the universe, Lord Vishnu came along as a beautiful bridegroom; he is called 'Azhagiya Manavalan' and the historic temple is called 'Azhagiya Manavalan Temple'.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to the Temple.
  2. Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  3. Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
  4. Take a bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  5. Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  6. Do maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantra to yourself inside the temple.
  7. Do observe ancient customs and traditions while in the Temple.
  8. Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
  9. Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.


  1. Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping God and Goddess.
  2. Do not smoke at Temple.
  3. Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
  4. Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  5. Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
  6. Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  7. Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
  8. Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
  9. Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
  10. Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.


Dress Code

Both men and women should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing.


How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

By Road:

  1. Trichy/Tiruchirapalli is well connected to cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, and Colombo. 
  2. Once you reach Trichy the temple is about 15 km from the temple.


By Train:

  1. Tiruchirappalli is an important Railway junction of the Southern Railways which is located at a distance of 4km from the temple. 
  2. It connects many important cities and towns of South India such as Chennai, Thanjavur, Madurai and Chidambaram.


By Air:

Tiruchirappalli International Airport is just 9 kms and Tiruchirappalli is well connected by road to Madurai, Chennai, Pondicherry and Thanjavur/Tanjore.


Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers Near the Temple



Kaveri River: The Kaveri (or Cauvery) River is one of the major rivers in southern India and flows near Tiruchirappalli. The river is of great cultural and religious significance, and several temples are situated along its banks.




Kollidam River: The Kollidam (or Coleroon) River is the northern distributary of the Kaveri River. It flows near Tiruchirappalli and is another important river in the region.



Cities Near the Temple


Tiruchirappalli (Trichy):

The temple is located within the city limits of Tiruchirappalli, one of the major cities in Tamil Nadu.

Trichy is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and educational institutions.

Key landmarks in Trichy include the Rockfort Temple, Srirangam Temple, and St. Joseph's Church.


Srirangam:

Srirangam is an island town located within Tiruchirappalli and is famous for the Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world.

It is situated between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers.


Thanjavur:

Approximately 58 km southeast of Tiruchirappalli.

Known for the Brihadeeswarar Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its contributions to art, architecture, and classical music.


Karur:

Located about 70 km west of Tiruchirappalli.

Known for its textile industry and the Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar Temple.


Namakkal:

Approximately 85 km northwest of Tiruchirappalli.

Famous for the Anjaneya Temple and Namakkal Fort.


Pudukkottai:

Located around 52 km southeast of Tiruchirappalli.

Known for its historical monuments, temples, and archaeological sites.