History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Festivals, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Rockfort Ganpathi Temple, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
Rock Fort, the historic fort and temple complex built on an ancient rock in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. It is said this rock is here from billions of year and there are main three temple constructed along with the fort in 6th century. Two temples inside the Rockfort, The Uchchi Pillaiyar Koil – temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and other one is Thayumanavar Temple dedicated to lord Shiva and third Manikka Vinayakar Temple is at base, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The Rock fort complex has witnessed several wars between Madurai Nayakas and Bijapur, Carnatic and Maratha forces.
Rock fort Ganpathi Temple formerly known as Ucchi Pillayar Temple which is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and located on top of was built by Pallava in 7th century, in Dravidian architecture style. According to our mythology this is the place where Lord Ganesh ran from King Vibhishana after establishing the Ranganathaswamy deity in Srirangam.
This temple holds a very fascinating story. The Vibhishana the younger brother of king Ravan was however on the side of Lord Ram during Ramayana. Ultimately Rama wins the war and as a token of love, he gives Vibhishana a vigaram (idol for worship) of Lord Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu. As he was belonging to Asura, the Devas wanted to stop idols to reach to Lanka. They requested Lord Vinayaka to help them and the Lord accepted the plan. When Vibhishana wanted to take a bath in the river Kaveri while he was going back to his kingdom via Trichy. However, he is perplexed as the deity, once kept in land, can never be removed and has to be in that place forever. So, Vibhishana tries to find someone who can help him and at last he found Lord Vinayaka in the form of cowherd boy. As per the Lord’s plan, when Vibhishana was fully into river, Vinayaka kept deity in sand and the Vibhishana got angry started chasing the boy to punish him and the boy kept running and climbs over the rock near the Kaveri bank. Vibhishana finally reaches the boy and hits him on the fore-head. One can see the pit in the forehead of the idol even today. Then little boy reveals himself to be Lord Ganesh. Vibhishana apologizes immediately and Lord Ganesh gives him his blessing, and reveals that the deity should be in Srirangam and sends him off to Lanka.
The temple is mystic in its nature and very fascinating as it is located on the top of the rock. To reach here you have to climb over 400 steps, though the climb is a bit difficult, the soothing cool breeze gears up our energy to climb without much strain. A panoramic view of the entire Thiruchirappalli and Srirangam Temple from the Uchi Pillayar Ganesh temple is really amazing.
Rock fort Ganesh temple celebrates the annual Brahmotsavam in Chithirai, Aadi Pooram and the float festival in Panguni, 15 days Chithirai car festival, 12 days Teppa Thiruvizha in Panguni, Summer festival on the hills during Vaikasi ,Navarathri, Skanda Sashti in Aipasi,13 day Vinayaka Chaturthi festival and Aadippooram 8 days festival in July August. Along with this, Tamil New year, Deepavali, Pongal days are celebrated with great zeal.
The Thayumanavar Temple, the biggest of the three temples, built by Mahendra Varman of Pallava dynasty in 6th century is a rock-cut temple located in the middle of Rock Fort Hill on the way to Ucchi Pillayar Temple. Then temple was expanded by the Pandyan ruler in 8th century. Lord Shiva is worshiped as Thayumanavar and his consort Parvati is represented as Mattuvar Kuzhalammai. A gold-topped tower raises over its sanctum, which houses a 2m-high Shiva lingam.
How to reach Rockfort Ganesh Temple, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
Rockfort Ganesh Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand, and 5 Kms from Trichy Railway Station, 4 Kms from Srirangam, and 10 Kms from Trichy International Airport. Tiruchy or Tiruchirappalli is one of the major city and tourist destination of Tamil Nadu, thus very well connected all major cities of Tamil Nadu. It is also connected to Chennai the capital city of Tamil Nadu by bus, train as well as by air services. Tiruchirappalli has International Airport just 5 km away from city from where you can get flight to all major cities of India. Tiruchirappalli is an important railway junction in Tamil Nadu and connected to all major cities of India. Via road, Trichy is well connected through a National Highways, state highway and district roads.
