Tiruvellarai – Aadi Vellarai
Divya Desam 4 of 108 | Region: Chozhanadu
Located 27 km from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) on the road to Turaiyur, Tiruvellarai is one of the oldest and most revered Divya Desams. The region derives its name Swetagiri (White Hill) from the distinctive white rock hillocks nearby. This temple is also called Aadi Vellarai, emphasizing its ancient heritage—many believe it predates even the great Srirangam temple.
Divine Highlights:
- Presiding Deity: Lord Pundareekakshan in standing posture
- Thayar: Shenpakavalli and Pankajavalli, with a separate shrine for Thayar
- Theertham: Divya Pushkarani
- Vimanam: Vimalakriti Vimanam
Sacred Legends:
This temple is steeped in divine lore. It is believed that Garuda, the celestial vehicle of Lord Vishnu, and Markandeya Maharishi, the eternal youth and devotee of Lord Shiva, both offered worship to the deity here.
A unique architectural feature of this temple is its dual main entrances—
- The Uttarayana Vaayil is used from Thai (January) to Aadi (July)
- The Dakshinayana Vaayil is used during the other half of the year
Additionally, the temple has a third entrance called Naazhi Kettan Vaayil. According to legend, Goddess Mahalakshmi once intercepted and questioned Lord Vishnu at this doorway when He returned late, emphasizing divine love and playful intimacy between the divine couple.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam:
This Divya Desam has been extolled in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham by several Azhwars:
- Periyazhwar – Pasurams 71, 192–201
- Tirumangai Azhwar – Pasurams 1368–1377, 1851, 2673 (70), 2774 (117)
The temple also holds the distinction of being praised in hymns by Manavala Mamuni and Vedanta Desikar, two of the most revered acharyas in the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
Architectural Marvel:
Tiruvellarai is a sprawling complex that houses additional shrines for Sri Devi, Bhu Devi, Surya, Chandra, and Adishesha inside the sanctum. There are seven sacred theerthams within the premises, enriching its spiritual atmosphere.
It is believed that Sri Ramanujacharya, the great Vaishnava philosopher and reformer, resided here for a time. The unfinished Raja Gopuram on the northern entrance bears historical inscriptions from the Hoysala dynasty, reflecting their contributions to the temple.
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