Talk:Woraiyur Sri Vekkali Amman

By Saravanan Iyer

Located just seven kilometers from Trichy, Woraiyur houses a beautiful and prominent temple called Sri Vekkaliamman. Since ages, Woraiyur has been an important city around Trichy. It was the capital city of the ancient Chola empire. One of the Azhwars called "Thiruppaanaazhwar" was also born here. Two chola Kings, Pugazh Chola Nayanar and Gochenkan Cholan were born here.

The Temple

Sri Vekkaliamman Temple is situated in Woraiyur. The Amman is facing north. It was believed by the ancient kings that Gods and Goddess who personify valour would bless the kings with victory in battle. Hence all the ancient kings used to pray Vekkali Amman before leaving for the battle field. Gochenkan Chola who was born in Woraiyur, built this temple of Goddess Shakthi.

Mythology

An ancient saint, Sarama Rishi, who lived in Woraiyur had a wonderful garden with rare flowers in it. He used to worship Thayumanavar Swamy of Trichy everyday, offering garlands made of flowers from his garden, to Lord Shiva. A local florist, Pranthakan, saw the beauty of the flowers from his garden started taking flowers from Sarama Rishi's garden, and started supplying them to the King in the palace, to keep himself in the good books of the king. The king was very pleased with the flowers, and so Pranthakan started stealing flowers regularly. Eventually, Rishi noticed that everyday, there were some flowers missing from his garden.

One day, the sage found that Pranthakan was the culprit and complained to the King, saying that the flowers were meant exclusively for Lord Thayumanavar. The king didn't give an ear to it, as he liked receiving those flowers. With much grief, the sage went straight to Lord Thayumanavar praying to him to put an end to Pranthakan's activity. The Lord turned angry after hearing this. The deity, hitherto facing east, turned west (towards Woraiyur), and with his powerful eyes open, created a huge sand storm that ruined the entire city of Woraiyur. Sand was filled everywhere, burying the city completely. People were helpless and didn't know the reason for the sudden sandstorm on Woraiyur. They went and surrendered to Vekkali Amman, praying to save them.

The Goddess went to Lord Thayumanavar and prayed, asking him to reduce his anger. Thayumanavar subsided his anger and the sand storm came to a halt. People thanked the Goddess for saving them. Though the sand storm stopped, the people of the city had lost their homes in the storm and now had no shelter. Hence, the Goddess also decided to live in a temple without a roof, until everyone in the city had built a shelter for themselves. From then till today, Vekkaliamman temple doesn't have a roof. The Moolavar is open to the sky, be it rain or shine. It is said that, many attempts have been made to build a roof for this temple at various times, which ended in vain. Even today, the main diety "Vekkaliamman" does not have a roof for herself. This story has been narrated by renowned Tamil poet Ottakkoothar.

How to reach

This small but beautiful temple is just 7 km from Trichy City. Many buses and taxis are available from Trichy city.

Temple Contact

Uraiyur Vekkali Amman Temple (Trichy) - 6260003. Tel : 91-431-2761669