Woraiyur Vekkaliamman Temple

Introduction to Woraiyur Vekkaliamman Temple

Woraiyur Vekkaliamman Temple is located in Woraiyur (Uraiyur), Trichy, Tamil Nadu. It was the old capital of the Chola dynasty before Thanjavur. The temple is 7 km from Trichy. Thiruppaanalwar, one of the famous Alwars (Vaishnavite saints), was born in Woraiyur. The distinctiveness of the temple is that it faces the north direction. The north direction supposedly contains more magnetic energy and is believed to give us victory. The temple could play an important role in governments and organizations as it faces north. The main deity, Vekkali Amman, is a reincarnation of Kali, and she is worshipped as a guardian deity by Woraiyur's local residents.

Legend of Woraiyur Vekkaliamman Temple

An interesting legend says that the people of Woraiyur village once enraged Thayumanavar (Shiva's form in the Rockfort temple, Trichy), so the village faced a terrible sandstorm. People lost the roofs of their houses in the storm. Hence, they prayed to their village deity, Vekkali Amman. Hearing their plea, she pacified Thayumanavar and thus saved Woraiyur village. Though the sandstorm stopped, the villagers had no shelter after the horrible storm. So, Vekkali Amman decided to live in a temple without a roof until the villagers got a shelter. Even today, the main sanctum of Vekkali Amman is without a roof, open to the sky. Due to divine reasons, they have not been able to construct a roof over the sanctum even after several attempts.

The Architecture of Woraiyur Vekkaliamman Temple

The temple was built by Gochenkan Chola, who was born in Woraiyur. It dates back 500 to 1000 years. In the temple, only one praharam is seen.

In the magnificent temple, the idol of Vekkali Amman is installed at the center. The Woraiyur Vekkaliamman Temple has a decorated golden chariot that is 9.75 ft in height and is made of 10.5 kg of gold and 25 kg of silver.

The Goddess is in a sitting posture (Yoga Pitha posture) facing northwards. The deity holds an Akshaya Patra (holy bowl), trident (three-pronged spear), rope, and an udukkai (portable drum) in her four hands.

Her right leg is slightly bent, which differs from other temples, while her left is resting on an asura. It assures her protection to her devotees and shows her high energy levels. That's why Woraiyur Vekkali is believed to be an embodiment of strength and power with grace, kindness, and compassion. As Woraiyur Vekkaliamman Temple faces the north direction, it is believed to bestow victory.

Kozhiyur, Vasapuri, and Mukkeeswaram are the other names of the temple. Presently, the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu administers the temple.

Festivals of Woraiyur Vekkaliamman Temple

Sarva Chandi Homam is a grand Homam conducted here for the past twenty-three years in the month of Avani (August-September). Chithirai 5-day festival, Panguni Poochoridal, Mango Abishekam on the last Friday of Vaikasi (May-June), Aadi Perukku, and Navaratri are the festivals here. Thai Fridays, Aadi Tuesdays, and Fridays are hugely crowded.

Benefits of Worshipping at Woraiyur Vekkaliamman Temple

Devotees write their wishes on a piece of yellow paper and tie it to her trident. Supposedly, the deity reads all their wishes and fulfills them. Unmarried devotees and infertile couples light ghee lamps here to get married early and be blessed with children. Devotees perform Abishekam and adorn her with vastras (clothes) as thanksgiving.