Rockfort Temple
History, Architecture, Legends, Festivals, Tourist Attractions, Food, and Shopping in Trichy
Rockfort Temple, also known as Ucchi Pillayar Temple, is a famous Hindu temple located on a hill in the city of Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Pillayar in Tamil. The temple complex consists of two main parts - the lower part is the Taayumaanava Kovil and the upper part is the Uchipillaiyar Kovil.
The temple is situated on a rock that is said to be more than 3 billion years old and is one of the oldest rock formations in the world. The temple has a history of over 1,300 years and is a prominent landmark in the city of Trichy.
To reach the temple, one has to climb 437 steps carved out of the rock. As one climbs the steps, there are several small shrines and mandapams that one can visit. The climb is relatively easy and there are plenty of resting places along the way.
The temple is famous for its intricate carvings, sculptures and architecture. The Uchipillaiyar Kovil at the top of the hill offers a breathtaking view of the city of Trichy. The temple attracts thousands of visitors every day, especially during the annual Brahmotsavam festival, which is celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April).
Overall, the Rockfort Temple is a must-visit place for anyone visiting Trichy or interested in Hindu temples and architecture.
History:
The history of the Rockfort Temple dates back to the 7th century when it was originally built by the Pallavas. Later, it was occupied by the Cholas, who made several additions to the temple. The Nayaks of Madurai also contributed to the temple's development. The temple underwent major renovations in the 17th century, during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Architecture:
The Rockfort Temple is a classic example of Dravidian architecture, with its towering gopurams (gateway towers), intricate carvings, and intricate sculptures. The temple complex has two main shrines - the Taayumaanava Kovil at the base and the Uchipillaiyar Kovil at the top. The lower shrine houses a lingam and the upper shrine houses the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Festivals:
The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Vinayaka Chaturthi, Navaratri, and Kartikai Deepam. However, the most important festival is the Brahmotsavam, which is celebrated for 21 days during the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). The festival involves a grand procession of Lord Ganesha on a chariot, and the temple attracts thousands of visitors during this time.
Visiting:
The Rockfort Temple is open from early morning until late evening, and visitors can climb the 437 steps to reach the top of the hill. There is no entry fee to the temple, but visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their footwear before entering the temple premises. The best time to visit the temple is during the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler, and there are fewer crowds.
Overall, the Rockfort Temple is a unique and beautiful temple that is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Trichy or interested in Indian temple architecture and history.
Legends:
According to legend, the Rockfort Temple is said to have been the site where Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, ran up the hill to escape from King Vibishana. King Vibishana was the brother of the demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped Lord Rama's wife, Sita. Vibishana, who was an ally of Lord Rama, sought Lord Ganesha's help to defeat Ravana. As a token of gratitude, Vibishana wanted to gift the idol of Lord Ranganatha (a form of Lord Vishnu) to Lord Rama. However, Lord Ranganatha was too heavy to be carried, so Lord Ganesha ran up the hill and placed the idol on the hilltop.
Another legend says that the hill on which the Rockfort Temple is located was originally a meteorite that fell to earth. The meteorite was said to be so heavy that it caused the earth to crack, and the hill was formed as a result.
Tourist attractions:
Apart from the Rockfort Temple, there are several other tourist attractions in Trichy that visitors can explore. Some of these include the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, which is one of the largest and most famous Hindu temples in India, the Jambukeshwara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the St. Joseph's Church, which is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
Food:
Trichy is known for its delicious South Indian cuisine, and visitors can enjoy a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes while in the city. Some of the must-try dishes include idli, dosa, sambar, rasam, biryani, and filter coffee.
Shopping:
Trichy is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. Visitors can shop for items such as bronze and brass items, silk sarees, wooden toys, and stone carvings.
Overall, Trichy is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture, and the Rockfort Temple is just one of the many attractions that visitors can explore while in the city.
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