Ucchi Pillayar Koil, Rockfort,Trichirapalli, Tamil Nadu

The Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort is a historic fort and temple complex built on an ancient rock. It is located in the city of Tiruchirapalli, which is in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is constructed on a 273-foot high rock.There are two Hindu temples inside the Rockfort, The Uchchi Pillaiyar Koil and The Siva Temple. Geologically the 83 m high rock may date to over one billion years ago. Other local tourist attractions include the famous Pallava-era Ganesa temple and the Nayaka-era fort. The fort complex has witnessed fierce battles between Madurai Nayakas and Bijapur, Carnatic and Maratha forces. The fort played an important part during the Carnatic wars, helping lay the foundations of the British Empire in India.

The Thayumanavar Temple is a temple situated in the Rockfort complex in the city of Tiruchirappalli, India. The temple is situated close to the base of the Rockfort and was constructed by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I in the 6th century AD. Shiva is worshiped as Thayumanavar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Mattuvar Kuzhalammai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Ucchi Pillayar koil,is a 7th-century Hindu temple, one dedicated to Lord Ganesh located a top of Rockfort, Trichy, Tamilnadu, India. Mythologically this rock is the place where Lord Ganesh ran from King Vibishana, after establishing the Ranganathaswamy deity in Srirangam.

The Story

When Lord Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya after rescuing Mother Sita from the captivity of Ravana, Sri Sugriva, Sri Hanuman and Sri Vibishana accompanied the Lord to participate in the coronation function of the Lord. While returning back with the gift of Sri Ranganatha idol from Sri Rama, Vibishana came south. Seeing the beauty of River Cauvery and the scenic environment, he wanted to relax for a while. Lord Vinayaka was there in the guise of a little boy. Vibishana asked the boy to take care of the gift idol of Lord Ranganatha. After waiting for Vibishana, the boy placed the idol on the ground and hid Himself in the hill.

Vibhishana was shocked to see the boy missing. He applied all his energy to move the idol but failed. Thus Lord Ranganatha, bound to Sri Lanka, cut short His journey and chose Sri Rangam as His abode. Seeing the boy at the top of hill, Vibishana hit Him on the head, the scar of which is still visible on the Vinayaka idol. Thus, Lord Vinayaka along with Lord Ranganatha nearby is ruling us gracefully.

A furious contest arose between Adisesha and Vayu to decide the supremacy of their prowess. The condition was to shake violently Mount Kailash. Defeating Adisesha, when Vayu broke the mount, a part of it fell in this place. Demon Tirishira (demon with three heads) was on penance on Lord Shiva. Though many years passed, Lord Shiva delayed His darshan to test his purity.

He threw two of his heads in fire and was about to throw the third, Lord appeared before him and restored his two heads. As requested by him, Lord Shiva agreed to stay here in the name of Thirisira Nathar (based on demon Tirishira story). The place came to be known as Tirishiramalai, now changed as Tiruchy.

Temple Timings

Uchchippillaiyaar Temple

Morning 6.00AM to Evening 8.00PM

Thayumana Swamy Temple

Morning 6.00AM to 12.00 noon | Evening 04.00 P.M To 08.00 P.M

Manikka Vinayagar Temple

Morning 05.30 A.M To 12.00 P.M | Evening 04.00 P.M To 09.00 P.M

Official Website: http://www.trichyrockfort.tnhrce.in/

Address: Arulmigu Thayumana Swamy Temple, Malaikottai, Trichy – 620 002, Tamil Nadu

Phone No : 0431 – 2704621