The
Rock Fort temple complex in Tiruchirappalli is an important and famous
monument in Tamilnadu. The Rock fort temple complex comprises of three
temples - the Manikka Vinayaka temple, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil and the
Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill. The Rock Fort Temple at
Tiruchirapalli is the most famous landmark of this town. Outcropped out
of a massive stone rock, which rises abruptly from the plain to tower
over the old city, the rock fort temple is an amazing monument. The Rock
Fort temple rises to a height of 83 m and is older than the rocks of
Greenland and the Himalayas.This temple has a 100-pillared hall and a Vimana covered with gold. The southern side of the rock has several beautifully carved, rock-cut cave temples, belonging to the Pallava period. The Nayaks, who established the city of Tiruchirapalli, built this temple. It is interesting to note that during the British-French struggle for supremacy in South India, the Rock Fort Temple was one of the main centers around which the Carnatic wars were fought in the 18th century.
The shrine of the temple houses Kangaala Moorthy, one of the 64 manifestations of Lord Shiva. A flight of covered stairs leads the way to the temple. As you finish climbing the stairs, you come across the Tayumanavar temple towards the west and the Uchipillayar temple towards the east. Every day six worship services are offered at the temple and the annual Brahmotsavam takes place in Chithirai. Some other festivals of significance are the Aadi Pooram and the float festival in Panguni.
How to Reach Rock Fort Temple at Tiruchirapalli
By Road
Trichy/Tiruchirapalli is well connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu, by private and public bus services.
By Rail
Tiruchirapalli is connected with various parts of India like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Karnataka, Maharastra, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.
By Air
Tiruchirapalli has an international airport, which operates flights to Indian cities and neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore and a few Gulf countries.
