- Deity
- Vekkali Amman (Shakti)
- Timings
- 6–11 am and 4–8 pm
- Location
- Woraiyur, Tiruchirappalli
- Nearest railway station
- Tiruchirappalli Junction
- Distance from Madurai
- About 130 km
History
Woraiyur, also known in old texts as Kozhiyur, was an early Chola capital. Tradition credits the Chola king Kochenganan, said to have been born here, with building a shrine for the goddess. Because she faces north, a direction believed to grant victory, kings are said to have worshipped her before setting out to war.
Why the shrine has no roof
The story goes that a sage named Sarama Rishi grew rare flowers to offer to Lord Thayumanavar at the Rockfort temple. A flower seller kept stealing them for the king, who ignored the sage's complaint. Angered, Shiva turned to face Woraiyur, and a sandstorm buried the town. The people begged Vekkali Amman for help, and she calmed the Lord's anger. Since the townspeople had lost their homes, she vowed to stay without a roof until all of them had shelter. Attempts to roof the sanctum are said never to have succeeded.
What to see and customs
The goddess is shown in a rare pose, with her left foot on the demon and her right leg folded. Devotees write their problems on paper and tie them to the trident in front of the shrine, trusting her to read and resolve them. Lamps are lit here for obstacles in marriage talks and for children's welfare.
Festivals
- Chithirai festival (April–May), five days
- Panguni Poochoridal (March–April), when the goddess is covered in flowers
- Mango abhishekam in Vaikasi (May–June), held on the month's final Friday
- Fridays and Tuesdays of Aadi (July–August) and Fridays of Thai (January–February)
- Sarva Chandi Homam in Avani (August–September) and Navaratri in Purattasi
Timings and how to reach
The temple is open 6–11 am and 4–8 pm. Modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended. Woraiyur is a short auto or bus ride from Tiruchirappalli's central bus stand and railway junction, and Tiruchirappalli airport serves the city. Madurai is about 130 km away. From Virudhachalam, Trichy makes an easy day trip, which we can arrange.
Also nearby
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