Woraiyur Sri Vekkali Amman Temple- Trichy

Address

Woraiyur Sri Vekkali Amman Temple, Woraiyur, Trichy District- 620003. Phone: +91 431 2761869 / 2767110 Mobile: +91 9994706452

Diety

Amman: Sri Vekkali Amman

Introduction

The Vekkali Amman Temple in Woraiyur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, is a place of great historical and religious significance.

Location: The Vekkali Amman Temple is located in Woraiyur, a suburb of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, India.

Deity: The temple is dedicated to Vekkali Amman, a form of Goddess Parvathi.

Historical Significance:

The temple is believed to date back to the period of early Cholas. However, there are no historical records to confirm its exact age.
It is said to be an ancient temple that holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Woraiyur, who consider Vekkali Amman their guardian deity.

Legends:

One legend associated with the temple tells the story of a Chola king who humiliated his guru, Sarama Munivar, and took flowers meant for the deity’s worship for his wife. In response to this, the guru appealed to Lord Shiva, who caused a fire rain that reduced Woraiyur to ashes. The king’s fort was destroyed, and people fled for safety, except for the open ground where Vekkali Amman stayed. The people sought her protection, and she eventually appeased Lord Shiva’s fury, stopping the fire rain.
Another legend narrated by poet Ottakkoothar explains the absence of a roof over the temple’s sanctum. According to this legend, Lord Shiva created a sandstorm, which subsided but left the people homeless. In response, the people prayed to Vekkali Amman. She decided to reside in a temple without a roof until everyone in the city had built a shelter for themselves. Since then, the temple does not have a roof over its sanctum.

Worship and Offerings:

Devotees write their problems and requests on pieces of paper, known as “Prayer papers,” which are sold at the temple. They place these papers at the feet of Vekkali Amman and then hang them on the trident (trisul) in front of the goddess.
People believe that worshipping at the temple prevents the evil effects of planetary influences.

Unique Features of the Deity:

Vekkali Amman faces north, symbolizing blessings for those seeking victory in their endeavors.
The goddess is seated with her right leg folded while the left leg is in a resting position on an asura (demon). This posture is different from the usual depiction of goddesses.
There is no roof over the sanctum sanctorum, as a representation of Vekkali Amman’s vow to live without shelter until the people had homes.

Annual Festival: The temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Sarva Chandi Homam in the month of Avani (August-September), a five-day festival in Chithirai (April-May), Panguni Poochoridal in March-April, and others in the months of Vaikasi (May-June), Purattasi (September-October), Thai (January-February), and Aadi (July-August).

Golden Chariot: The temple has a remarkable golden chariot that is 9.75 feet (2.97 meters) in height, made of 10.5 kg of gold and 25 kg of silver.