Tirukkozhi – Uraiyur
Divya Desam 2 of 108 | Region: Chozhanadu
Located just 3 km from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tirukkozhi Divya Desam is nestled in the historic town of Uraiyur, the ancient capital of the Chola dynasty. This sacred site is also the birthplace of Tiruppaan Azhwar, one of the revered 12 Azhwars of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
Sacred Highlights:
- Presiding Deity: Azhagiya Manavalan in a standing posture, holding Sankha and Chakra
- Thayar (Divine Consort): Komalavalli Thayar in a seated posture, holding a lotus
- Theertham (Sacred Tank): Kalyaana Theertham
- Vimanam (Temple Tower): Kalyaana Vimanam
Divine Legend:
The temple gets its name Tirukkozhi (meaning “sacred rooster”) from a local legend in which a courageous rooster is said to have bravely fought off an elephant, symbolizing divine valor.
According to the Sthala Puranam, King Nandha Chola, who ruled from Uraiyur, was a devout worshipper of Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam. Childless, he prayed for a blessing, and during a hunt, discovered a baby girl seated on a lotus in a pond. Naming her Komalavalli, he raised her as his own.
Komalavalli grew up worshipping Lord Ranganatha and deeply wished to marry Him. One night, the Lord appeared in the King’s dream, revealing that Komalavalli was none other than Mahalakshmi and that she was destined to be His consort. Overjoyed, the King arranged for the divine wedding. As Komalavalli approached the sanctum of Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam, she disappeared into the sanctum, signifying her eternal union with the Lord.
To commemorate this divine event, the King built a temple at Uraiyur. This shrine stands today as a symbol of divine love and celestial union.
Festivals & Special Events:
The grand Kalyana Utsavam is celebrated annually during Panguni Pooram (March–April). On this day, the Utsava Murthy of Lord Ranganatha is brought from Srirangam to Tirukkozhi for the celestial wedding celebration. The temple itself does not have an Utsava Murthy, making this event even more special.
Alwars’ Praise:
Tirukkozhi is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham through:
- Kulasekhara Azhwar – Pasuram 667
- Tirumangai Azhwar – Pasuram 1762
Architectural Beauty:
This ancient temple boasts intricately carved sculptures, beautiful mandapams, and finely detailed pillars. There is also a separate sannidhi (shrine) for Tiruppaan Azhwar, situated on the northern side of the temple tank—a fitting tribute to the saint born in this very town.
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