|
|
Tirukkozhi is within the city limits of
Trichy, and is one of the
108-divya desams. It is also known as "Uraiyur" and "Nichulapuri".
Uraiyur town was the capital for Chola nadu and is mentioned in many
puranas.
The temple is about 2 miles from the Trichy and is in walKing distance
from Srirangam across the Kaveri River. Many popular Kings such as Karikal
Cholan, Kuloththunga Cholan, Nalangkili, Killivalavan, etc. ruled their
Kingdoms from this town. It is also Tiruppaan aazhvaar's avvathara
sthalam. Tirukkozhi is also the birthplace Tiruppaanalwar, who wrote
Amalan Athipiran.
The Legend
A valiant rooster believed to have warded off an elephant with its beak,
here and this place got the name "Tirukkozhi" ("Mookkeeswaram")
possibly stems from this legend.
Once upon a time rishis were discussing as to whom among the trinity is
the greatest. At this time Sage Brighu happened to pass by and they
decided to entrust the issue to him for finding a solution. Brighu
accepted and went to Mount Kailash first, where Dwarapalakas (gatekeepers)
interrupted him and he was refused entry, as Lord Shiva and Parvati were
alone and were not to be disturbed.
This upset Brighu, who then decided that since Shiva was not approachable
at any time, he couldn't be the greatest. He then left to Satya Loka to
see Brahma, who was busy in creation that he did not notice Brighu's
presence. So at last the sage went to Vaikunta. When he reached Vaikunta
(also splet as Vaikuntha), Lord Vishnu received him will great respect and
made kind enquiries.
At this time Brighu desired a separate audience with only the Perumal
being present. All present left except Sri Lakshmi, who has her place
permanently on Lord's chest. She, however, requested the rishi to leave as
the other members of retinue. This angered Brighu who cursed that Lakshmi
would be born in the world among the human race. However, Brighu came to
the conclusion that only Lord Vishnu among the trinity is Supreme as He
showed absolute kindness and concern to the rishi when he went to
Vaikuntam.
However, the Lord promised Lakshmi Devi that he would follow her to earth
shortly. During this period a Chola King by name Dharmavarma and his queen
lived in Kumbakonam, the capital for Chola nadu. One day he went for
hunting in a forest known as "Kararanyam", which was a favourite
place for rishis to perform tapas. He was moved by the beauty of the place
and decided to stay. He also built a small town and named it after his
queen as Nichulapuram.
All was fine, except the King was disappointed that he had no progeny. He
was advised by Rishis to pray to Goddess Lakshmi, and she will be born to
them as their daughter. So he performed the Lakshmi Tantra and Lakshmi
Devi appeared in front and assured the King that Thaayaar herself would be
born as his daughter. The baby was named Vasa Lakshmi. Days passed and the
girl attained the age of marriage and King arranged for a swayam varam,
where a lot of hopeful princes were assembled.
Sri Ranganatha also heard about the Swayam varam and was present there as
a Raja kumara. The moment Vasa lakshmi entered the hall, she noticed Sri
Ranganatha, identified Him as Lord Vishnu and went near him and adorned
the garland around the neck of Ranganatha. The King and the queen
celebrated the wedding of Vasa Lakshmi with Sri Ranganatha and King built
a temple for Sri Ranganatha in his Kalyaana Tirukkolam. After some time,
he entrusted the Kingdom to his son and reached Vaikuntam.
About The Temple
After entering the temple, one encounters a large Mandapam with pillars
ornamented with exquisite sculptures. There are several Mandapams with
shrines to the Alwars and the Acharyas in the temple Prakaram. There is a
shrine to Tiruppaanalwar north of the temple tank.
Festivities
During the month of Pankuni (March-April), the image of Ranganathar from
Srirangam is brought in procession to this temple and a grand Kalyana
Utsavam is celebrated on the day preceding Pankuni Uthiram.
Air: Trichy
has an airport (5-km from the city). Various airline services connect
Trichy with Chennai,
Sharjah, Kuwait and Colombo.
Rail: Trichy is an
important junction on the Southern Railway. It is connected with places
like Chennai,
Thanjavur,
Chidambaram,
Madurai,
Tirupati,
Tuticorin, Tenkasi, Quilon,
Rameshwaram,
Bangalore,
Coimbatore,
Mysore, Kochi,
Kanyakumari and Mangalore.
Road: Trichy is well
connected by road with the important places of South India.For local
transport city bus service is available to all places of tourist interest
from Central Bus Stand and from Chinthamani Guard Gate Bus Stand. Tourist
taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are also available for local
transportation.
Accommodation is available at the luxurious and economic class hotels and lodges in Trichy.
){kind=link}