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The Rock Fort temple complex in
Tiruchirappalli is a collection
of three temples - the Manikka Vinayaka temple at the foot of the hill,
the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanava Koyil
(Shivastalam) on the hill. This Shivastalam is a rock cut temple on a hill
in the most prominent landmark in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy); reached by a
flight of steps on the way to the famous Ucchi Pillaya temple.
History
Tiruchirappalli
itself has a long history, going back to the centuries before the
Christian era, when it was a Chola citadel. The Pandyas and Pallavas held
sway over the region for short periods. In the 12th century, Cholas were
subverted by the Vijayanagar kings of Hampi, who proudly withstood the
invading Muslims. Less than fifty years later, the Nayaks of Madurai came
to power, constructed the Rock Fort, and firmly established
Tiruchirappalli as the trading
city.
About The Temple
This shrine houses Kangaala Moorthy, one of the 64 manifestations of
Shiva. The approach to the temple is through a flight of covered stairs.
Towards the end of the climb, the Tayumanavar temple is towards the west
and the Uchipillayar temple towards the east.
There is a rock cut Pallava temple - Lalitankura Pallaveswaram in this
hill temple complex, with several inscriptions here attributed to
Mahendravarma Pallavan. In addition the Cholas, the Vijayanagar rulers and
the Nayaks of Madurai have made extensive contributions here. The two
storeyed Taayumaanava temple, built on (in!) a hill is a masterpiece of
construction. The Chittira Mandapam (also spelt as Mandapa) houses a
granite chain with nine loops.
Festivals
Six worship services are offered each day here. This well endowed temple
celebrates the annual Brahmotsavam in Chithirai. Aadi Pooram and the float
festival in Panguni are also of significance here.
Timings: 6.00am to 8.00pm.
Air: Trichy has an airport, 7-km away from the city
and is connected by regular flights with
Chennai,
Madurai, and
Bangalore.
Rail: Trichy is an important junction on the Southern Railway. It
connects Chennai,
Thanjavur,
Madurai, Tuticorin,
Tirupati and Rameswaram on
the metre gauge, and Bangalore,
Coimbatore, Cochin and Mangalore on the
broad gauge.
Road: Trichy is connected by road to
Chennai (320-km),
Madurai (124-km) and to all
major towns in
South
India by regular bus services.
Accommodation is available at the star and moderate class hotels, lodges and hostels in Trichy.