Vekkali Amman Temple, Woraiyur, Trichy
Vekkali
Amman Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vekkali, a form of Hindu
deity Parvathi. It is located in Woraiyur, a suburb in Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India. The central shrine of the temple houses the image of
Vekkali Amman and the major feature of the temple is the absence of roof over
the sanctum. The temple is known from the period of early Cholas, but there are no historical records. The people of
Woraiyur see Vekkali Amman as their guardian deity. The temple has six daily
rituals in its calendar and celebrates six annual festivals. The north facing
of the idols present in this temple is also one noticeable feature. Special
days of this temple are Tuesdays and Fridays.
The
temple chariot is made of gold and was launched during 2010. Woraiyur also has
other names as Vasapuri, Kozhiyur and Mukkeeswaram. The place was
developed by Sooravaditya Chola. It was the Capital city of ancient Chola Empire.
One of the Azhwars called "Tirupanazhwar" was also born here. Two Chola
Kings, Pugazh Chola Nayanar and Kochengata Cholan were born here. Vekkali Amman
Temple is located at 10°49'47.9"N 78°40'13.1"E or 10.829961,
78.670295. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and
Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.
Legends
For brief
details, please refer below link;
The
Temple
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Pooja
Timings
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Festivals
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Religious
Significance
The roof
over the sanctum was constructed during different times, but is believed to be
burnt by the power of Vekkali Amman. The position of the leg of Vekkali Amman
is different from other Shakti temples without roof where the right leg is
placed over demon. As per Hindu legend, the position requires lot of energy and
while Nataraja, during his dance switched his legs, Vekkali Amman
remained in the position to show her energy levels. The posture is also
believed to signify kindness, love, affection and compassion to her devotees.
Historically, temples facing north are considered to provide victories on endeavors.
The Cholas worshipped the deity before proceeding to military campaign. The
people of Woraiyur see Vekkali Amman as the savior deity during difficult
times.
Religious
Practices
The
temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis.
The temple rituals are performed seven times a day; Viswarupa at
5:15 a.m., morning abishekam at 5:30 a.m., Deepa dharisanam
at 6:15 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Uchikala Deepa at
1:00 p.m, Maazhai Tharisanam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at
9:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises three steps: Alankaram (decoration), neivethanam (food
offering) and Deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Vekkali Amman. The
worship is held amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions in
the Vedas (sacred text) read by priests and prostration by
worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and
fortnightly rituals.
Prayers
People worship
here in a unique way. They write their requests and needs on a piece of paper
and then put them at the feet of Sri Vekkali Amman and then hang them on
trisulam. Devotees also believe that the evil effects of planets do not harm
them once they worship here. People use to submit their problems in writing and
tie it in the trident. They believe that Amman will go through their
petitions and redress their grievances. They light lamps in her shrine for
removal of obstacles in marriage talks and also solve the adverse aspects on
their children. Devotees perform abishek to Amman with vastras.
Contact
Arulmigu
Vekkaliamman Temple
Woraiyur,
Trichy District
Phone: +91 431 2761869 / 2767110
Mobile: +91 9994706452
Connectivity
Woraiyur
is located at about 7 Kms from Trichy Center, 3 kms from Trichy Railway
junction, 2 Kms from Chathram Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand
and 10 Kms from Trichy Airport. Plenty of town buses are available from
Chathram bus stand or the central bus stand. Auto rickshaws charge around Rs 50
to Rs 100 (max). If you drive your car, it is easily accessible. Nearest
Railway Station and Airport are located at Trichy.