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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Thiru Vellarai is located at a distance of 21 kms from Tiruchirapalli and the temple stands on an isolated rock surrounded by massive walls and strengthened by towers and bastions. It is a famous seat of Vaishnava Sampradaya where Ramanuja is said to have spent as many as 12 years of his life.

Thiru Vellarai is located at a distance of 21 kms from Tiruchirapalli and the temple stands on an isolated rock surrounded by massive walls. It is a famous seat of Vaishnava Sampradaya where Ramanuja is said to have spent as many as 12 years of his life.

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|+Temple at a glance

|+Temple at a glance

== Structure ==

== Structure ==

The temple of Thiru Vellarai with its unique architecture is known for its massiveness and elegance. Situated on a high peak, this temple reveals the constructive genius of several dynasties. Prof S. Narayanan says,<blockquote>''<nowiki/>'The huge temple with its beautiful elevation is an excellent example of synthesized art and architecture of several dynasties'.''</blockquote>The synthesis of various styles ultimately evolving into one local style is one of the remarkable features of this temple's architecture. Infact, the temple projects harmony, simplicity and piety.

The temple of Thiru Vellarai with its unique architecture is known for its massiveness and elegance. Situated on a high peak, this temple reveals the constructive genius of several dynasties. Prof S. Narayanan says,<blockquote>''<nowiki/>'The huge temple with its beautiful elevation is an excellent example of synthesized art and architecture of several dynasties'.''</blockquote>The synthesis of various styles ultimately evolving into one local style is one of the remarkable features of this temple's architecture. This is reflected in its double-walled pillars, cluster of brackets, open expanse, high parapets and pavilions built by masons. This way, the temple is a projection of harmony, simplicity and piety.  

This reputed teertha is spread over 40 acres and is rich in tradition as well as of great antiquity.  

This reputed teertha is spread over 40 acres surrounded by a lofty line of mountains and block of granite hills. It is rich in tradition as well as of great antiquity. Built of chiseled red stone and with very thick and tall walls strengthened at short distances by massive structures and imposing mandaps, the temple resembles an impregnable fortress. It is its proportion, elegance and natural beauty that make this shrine a celebrated temple of ancient India.

 

The temple like an impregnable fortress built of hewn red stone is undoubtedly one of the most impressive temples in India. The lofty line of the mountains and the block of granite hills accentuate the supremacy of the kshetra. Set on a deeply scrapped rock the temple derives its name from the mountains. It owes its beginning to its geological formation and derives its strength from the peculiar nature of the hill rocks. The formidable bastion is unique in shape and one cannot but notice the individuality of its architecture in blending technique with environment, without sacrificing aesthetics. The walls are very thick and tall, strengthened at short distances by massive structures and imposing mandaps. Its double-walled pillars, cluster of brackets, open expanse, high parapets and pavilions built by masons constitute a synthesis of different styles of art. The proportion, elegance of architecture and its natural beauty go to make this shrine a celebrated temple of ancient India.  

The svastik shaped pushkarni behind this Vishnu temple is a unique piece of architecture built by Kamban Arayan. The tank has fifty two steps leading from all the sides. The first 18 steps remind one of the 18 chapters of Bhagvad Gita, the next 4 steps are symbolic of the four Vedas, followed by 5 steps reminding one of the Panchabhutas. After crossing the Bali pitha and Dvaja sthamba, one has to climb 8 steps reminding one of the Ashtakshara mantra. The last 24 steps are symbolic of 24 aksharas of Gayatri mantra. Thus, there are 59 steps leading one to the Garbagriha. In fact, the bathing ghat is so well designed that it gives privacy to the bathing pilgrims.  

 

The swastik shaped pushkarni behind the Vishnu temple is a unique piece of architecture built by Kamban Arayan. The tank has fifty two steps leading

There are two entrances to this temple. One is the Uttarayana gate which is kept open between January and July and the other one is Dakshinayana gate which is kept open between July and January. This is based on the practice at Vaikunta. There is yet another gate known as Nazhi Kettan Vasal. It was at this Nazhi Kettan Vasal that the Lord was questioned by Lakshmi Devi for returning late at night. It is said that, one day the Lord returned late after his customary rounds in the village. Devi in her misgiving queried the Vishnu about his late return. Therefore, the name Nazhi Kettan Vasal (the gate where Vishnu was asked time).

 

from all the sides. The bathing ghat is so well designed that it gives privacy to the bathing pilgrims.

 

The first 18 steps remind one of the 18 chapters of Bhagwat Gita, the next 4 steps are symbolic of the four Vedas to be followed by 5 steps reminding one of the Panchabhootas. After crossing the Bali peeta and Dwaja sthamba, one has to climb 8 steps reminding one of the Astakshara mantra. The last 24 steps are symbolic of 24 aksharas of Gayatri mantra. Thus there are 59 holy steps leading one to the Garbagriha.  

 

There are two entrances to this temple. The one is Uttarayana gate which is kept open between January and July and the other one is Dakshinayana gate kept open between July and January. This is similar to the practice at Vaikunta. There is yet another gate known as Nazhi Kettan Vasal. It was at this Nazhi Kettan Vasal that the Lord was questioned by Lakshmi Devi for returning late at night. One day the Lord returned late after his customary rounds in the village. Devi in her misgiving queried the Lord of his late return. Therefore the name Nazhi Kettan Vasal.

== Deities ==

== Deities ==