Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple, Woraiyur – Religious
Significance
The
temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by
Kulasekaraazhvaar in eleven hymns and Thirumangai
Azhwar in thirteen hymns.
The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in
the book. The temple is counted as the second in the line of Divyadesam after
Srirangam Ranganathaswamy
temple. The temple is one
of the few Divyadesams where the goddess has prominence over Vishnu.
Some of
the other temples where the female dominance is observed are Andal Temple at Srivilliputtur, Nachiyar
Koil & Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple in
Thiruvellarai. During all festive occasions, the first rights are reserved for
Nachiyar, who moves ahead, while Azhagiya Manavalar follows her. The food
served to Nachiyar is prepared with pepper instead of chillies.
