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Uraiyur, a one-time capital of Chola dynasty depicts the Dravidian architecture at its best. Most of these magnificient monuments are considered a result of the 10th and 11th Century when Chola dynasty was at the peak of its glory. The temples of this time-period generally have a mandapa (porch-like structure), an antarala (like a vestibule), sanctum (garbhagrha) and an inner circumambulatory round the sanctum (Prahara). The Uraiyur temple is surrounded by high walls, beams and pillars housing the Lord Manavalan known for his penetrating eyes. Though temple itself is medium in size with one prahar and two shrines (sannidhis), the shikara (gopuram) of this holy shrine is known for its series of nine graded tiers at different heights that bestow on them a unique proportion of rhythmic verticality. The result of which is one of silent dignity and organic unity.<ref name=":02" />

Uraiyur, a one-time capital of Chola dynasty depicts the Dravidian architecture at its best. Most of these magnificient monuments are considered a result of the 10th and 11th Century when Chola dynasty was at the peak of its glory. The temples of this time-period generally have a mandapa (porch-like structure), an antarala (like a vestibule), sanctum (garbhagrha) and an inner circumambulatory round the sanctum (Prahara). The Uraiyur temple is surrounded by high walls, beams and pillars housing the Lord Manavalan known for his penetrating eyes. Though temple itself is medium in size with one prahar and two shrines (sannidhis), the shikara (gopuram) of this holy shrine is known for its series of nine graded tiers at different heights that bestow on them a unique proportion of rhythmic verticality. The result of which is one of silent dignity and organic unity.<ref name=":02" />

== The deity and his consort ==

== The deity and his consort ==

Rich in divine association and abounding in several distinctive features, Vishnu at this temple is depicted as Manavala perumal in a standing posture (Nindra tirukkolam) with a prayoga chakra in his hand. The Almighty is facing north and is  always accompanied by Lakshmi manifested here as Kamalavalli Nachiar. She is also known as Vasalakshmi and Uraiyurvalli. As oppposed to other Vaishnava temples where Lakshmi has a separate shrine within the temple, she is seated by the side of the Lord here since it is believed that goddess has taken her permanent abode in this temple. In fact it is said that Mahavishnu appeared before his devotee Dharma Varma, the king of Chola dynasty and at his request agreed to stay at this holy spot. Prof S. Narayanan says, ''"The deity is enchantingly beautiful with its imposing figure, lustrous eyes and captivating smile. Bedecked with ornaments the Lord looks most beautiful in the company of Sridevi."''<ref name=":02" />

Rich in divine association and abounding in several distinctive features, Vishnu at this temple is depicted as Manavala perumal in a standing posture (Nindra tirukkolam) with a prayoga chakra in his hand. The Almighty is facing north and is  always accompanied by Lakshmi manifested here as Kamalavalli Nachiar. She is also known as Vasalakshmi and Uraiyurvalli. As oppposed to other Vaishnava temples where Lakshmi has a separate shrine within the temple, she is seated by the side of the Lord here since it is believed that goddess has taken her permanent abode in this temple. In fact it is said that Mahavishnu appeared before his devotee Dharma Varma, the king of Chola dynasty and at his request agreed to stay at this holy spot. Prof S. Narayanan says,<blockquote>''"The deity is enchantingly beautiful with its imposing figure, lustrous eyes and captivating smile. Bedecked with ornaments the Lord looks most beautiful in the company of Sridevi."<ref name=":02" />''</blockquote>

 

== Legend ==

== Legend ==

The story about how Mahavishnu came to reside here in Uraiyur is very interesting. It is said that,

The story about how Mahavishnu came to reside here in Uraiyur is very interesting. It is said that,