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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
The temple of Uraiyur is closely associated with Srirangam Ranganatha temple in its history. In fact, the utsava deity of Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam is known as Azhagiya manavalan (one of enchanting beauty).
The temple of Uraiyur is closely associated with Srirangam Ranganatha temple in its history. In fact, the utsava (processional) deity of Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam is known as Azhagiya manavalan (one of enchanting beauty).This processional deity at Srirangam is manifested as the presiding deity here, at Uraiyur.
An interesting incident recorded during the period of Nanda Chola is that the Raja once found in his lily pond a heavenly female child floating on a lotus. He took it as a gift from the Almighty and named her Kamalavalli as she was found on the petals of a lotus flower. When she came of age, she met Lord Ranganatha and immediately fell in love with him. The king Nanda Chola consummated her marriage to Ranganatha with great pomp. When the heavenly born daughter was taken inside the sanctum, it is said that she merged with the Lord in a blaze of light. In commemoration of his daughter's marriage, Nanda Chola then constructed two temples, one for Kamalavalli and the other for Azhagiya Manavala at Uraiyur. This is the legendary connection between Srirangam and Uraiyur.<ref name=":0" />
An interesting incident recorded during the period of Nanda Chola is that the Raja once found in his lily pond a heavenly female child floating on a lotus. He took it as a gift from the Almighty and named her Kamalavalli as she was found on the petals of a lotus flower. When she came of age, she met Lord Ranganatha and immediately fell in love with him. The king Nanda Chola consummated her marriage to Ranganatha with great pomp. When the heavenly born daughter was taken inside the sanctum, it is said that she merged with the Lord in a blaze of light. In commemoration of his daughter's marriage, Nanda Chola then constructed two temples, one for Kamalavalli and the other for Azhagiya Manavala at Uraiyur. This is the legendary connection between Srirangam and Uraiyur.<ref name=":0" />
|3 kms from Tiruchirapalli
|3 kms from Tiruchirapalli
|}
|}
== Location ==
Trichirapalli or Srirangam is the most convenient
base to visit this temple.
== History ==
In the earliest authentic record the temple is
named as Nichilapuri and Thirukozhi.
== Structure ==
The nine-tier shikara soaring high in the sky looks like a ballet in stone when viewed in the dancing twilight. The shikara of this holy shrine has series of graded tiers at different heights that bestow on them a unique proportion of rhythmic verticality. The result is one of silent dignity and organic unity.
Medium in size with one prahar and two shrines
A one-time capital of Chola dynasty it depicts the
Dravidian architecture at its best even as it applauds the beauty of the Lord.
The temple is surrounded by high walls, beams and
pillars housing the Lord with penetrating eyes.
Most of these magnificient monuments were created
between the 10th and 11th Centuries when Chola glory was at its acme. Normally
these temples have porch, a mandap, a vestibule, sanctum and an inner
circumambulatory round the sanctum.
== The deity and his consort ==
Rich in divine association and abounding in several
distinctive features Vishnu at this temple is depicted as Manavalaperumal in a
standing posture with a prayoga chakra in his hand. The Lord is facing north in
the everlasting company of Lakshmi manifested here as KamalavalliNachiar. She
is also known as Vasalakshmi and Uraiyurvalli. Since she has taken her
permanent abode in this shrine she is seated by the side of the Lord. The
viman, the super structure is known as Kalyanaviman and the theertha is known
as Surya pushkarni. God appeared before his saintly devotee Dharma Varma, the
king of Chola dynasty and at his request agreed to stay at this holy spot.
There is no separate shrine for Goddess Lakshmi as she is always in the company
of the Lord. The deity is enchantingly
(1-1J-s` beautiful with its imposing figure, lustrous eyes
and captivating smile. Bedecked with ornaments the Lord looks most beautiful in
the company of Sridevi.
== Legend ==
Once the Devas were unable to decide as to who among the Trinity
was the Greatest. Brighu Maharishi in his attempt to find an answer first went
to Kailash. Shiv and Parvati were taking rest. The Dwarapalakas refused entry
to Brighu. The rishi came to the conclusion that Shivji was not that easily
accessible. In his anger the rishi cursed Shivji to be born a beggar and would
never be worshipped in a human form.
In his sojourn the rishi next went to Satyaloka. At
Satyaloka Brahma was deeply engrossed in his Yogamaya. He did not notice
Brighu. As could be expected the rishi lost no time and left Brahmaloka in a
huff.
Finally Brighu knocked at Vaikunth where Vishnu received him
with warmth. The rishi expressed his desire to be with the Lord for some time.
At the same time Lakshmidevi asked the rishi to leave Vaikunth since she wanted
to be with the Lord. As could be expected Brighu got enraged and cursed Lakshmi
that she would be born in Bhoolok as a Jeevathma. Since Vishnu showered love
and warmth the rishi adjudged Vishnu as the Supreme among the Trinity. Because of
the curse of Brighu Maharishi Lakshmi was sad and inconsolable. The Lordassured
her that she would be born on earth and he would soon follow her. He promised
her that when she comes of age, he would marry her.
Several centuries ago King Dharmavarma of.IkshvahuVamsa
lived in Cholanadu. While on a hunting expedition he saw a group of rishis in
deep penance. Lured by their devotion and the peaceful surroundings he built a
small hamlet and named it after the Queen as Nichilapuram. He also provided
sufficient protection to the rishis. The rishis' hearts melted with compassion
for the king and they blessed him with progeny. He was asked to pray to
Lokamatha and assured him that Goddess Lakshmi herself would be born as his
daughter. He took it to be God's will and performed LakshaTantraYagna. Pleased
with his piety Lakshmi manifested herself before the royal couple and promised
to fulfil their wishes. The king and the queen sang and danced repeating the
blessed name of Sridevi in joy that echoed all over the land. In due course, in
the month of Chitra a beautiful child was
born at Nichilapuri on a Friday evening. The king named her
Vasalakshmi. After a while, a boy was born who was named Chandratilakha. With
the march of time, when the girl came of age, King Dharmavarma arranged for a
swayamvar. Several princes from neighbouring kingdoms came for the swayamvar
with love in their eyes and hope in their hearts. Lord Ranganatha disguised as
a Rajakumara was seated in the SabhaMandap along with the other Princes. No sooner
Vasalakshmi entered the Mandap, at a single glance, she identified her Lord and
even from a distance, she realised him within her own heart. Joy permeated and
the king and the queen celebrated the wedding of Vasalakshmi under a
pre-ordained union. Following the dream wedding of Vasalakhsmi, tears of joy
coursed down the king's cheeks in having Goddess Lakshmi as his daughter and
Lord as his son-in-law. The Lord blessed the king and the queen and assured
them that he would always be with them at Uraiyur. This is the birthplace of
the renowned Thirupanalwar.
== References ==