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Trichy |
Temples & Monuments: |
Rock Fort: |
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The Rock Fort
Temple tops on a 83m high outcrop. This temple was built by the Pallavas as a small cave
temple, but the Nayaks made use of its naturally fortified Position. It is a stiff climb,
up the 437 steps cut into the stone to the top but well worth the view. Non-Hindus are not
allowed into the Vinayaka Temple at the summit and at the bigger Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple
dedicated to Siva, halfway up. The monument is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm. |
Ranganathar: |
This superb temple complex at Srirangam,
about three kms from the Rock Fort is surrounded by seven concentric walls with 21
gopurams and is probably the largest in India. Most of it dates from the 14th to 17th
centuries, and many people have had a hand in its construction, including the Cheras,
Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas and rulers from Vijayanagar. The largest gopuram in the first
wall on the southern side was completed as recently as 1987, and now measures 73m. The
main temple is dedicated to |
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Vishnu. Even muslims are said to
have prayed here after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire. Non-Hindus are not allowed into
the gold - topped sanctum, but they are allowed into the sixth wall. The whole place is
fascinating. Bazaars and Brahmins' houses fill the space between the outer four walls, and
you don't have to take your shoes off or deposit your bicycle until you get to the fourth
wall. Just past the shoe deposit is an information centre, where you buy the ticket to
climb the wall for a panoramic view of the entire complex. A temple guide will unlock the
gates and tell you what's what. It's worth engaging one of these guides as there is much
to see and you could easily spend all day wandering around the complex. There's also a
small museum containing sculptures. An annual Car Festival is held here in January during
which a decorated wooden chariot is pulled through the streets between various walls. In
mid-December, the Vaikunda Ekadasi, or Paradise Festival will be celebrated in the Vishnu
Temple.
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Srirangam (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple): |
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This temple, 6 KMS north of the city, is among the most
revered shrines to Lord Vishnu in South India, and probably, the largest temple complex in
India. Enclosed by seven rectangular walled courtyards, this 13th century temple has 21
gopurams among which Rajagopuram is the largest in south India. The rajagopuram was built
in 1987. The remaining were built between 14 th and 17 th centuries. The town, and the
temple, are set on a 250-hectare island in the Cauvery, connected to the mainland by a
bridge. The temple is very well preserved, with excellent carvings, and numerous shrines
to various Gods, though the main temple is dedicated to Vishnu. |
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Tiruvanaikkaval: |
The Jambukeshwara temple, here is dedicated
to Shiva, and it houses five concentric walls, and seven gopurams. Legend has it, that an
elephant once worshipped the Lord, under the holy Jambu tree, hence the name
Jambukeshwara. The principal deity is the Shiva lingam, almost submerged in water, which
flows from the subterranean spring, in the sanctum sanctorum. |
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St.Lourdu Chruch: |
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Built in 1812, this Church has louvered doors, which when
opened, turns the church into an airy pavilion. Its excellent setting and marvelous
architecture, makes it a site worth visiting.
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Viralimalai (30 km) : |
The temple of Lord Subramanya is situated on a hillock. There is also peacock
sanctuary here. |
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| Other
Temples |
Athmanathaswamy temple (44 km from Pudukkottai) here
contains graceful life-size sculptures and is noted for its zephyr (granite roof) work.
This temple was built in the 10th century A.D.
Avudaiyar kovil (94 km) : This ancient Athmanathaswamy temple (44 km from
Pudukkottai) here contains graceful life-size sculptures and is noted for its zephyr
(granite roof) work. This temple was built in the 10th centruy A.D.
Avur (30 km) : There is an old church which was constructed by Father John
Venantius Bouchet situated here.
Elakurichi (65 km) : This place is famous for its temple for Vishnu, known as
Prasanna Venkateswarar.
Kodumbalur (42 km) : This place is also known as Moovarkoil (36 km from
Pudukkottai). Out of the three shrines here, only two exist now. It was formerly the seat
of the Irukkuvelar. These temples were built by Boodhi Vikramakesari in the 10th century
A.D. with sculptures of Kalarimurthi, Gajasamharamurthi, Ardhanariswara and
Gangadaramurthi which are masterpieces of art. Nearby is the Muchukumdeswarar temple of
the Early Chola period.
Vayalor(8km) : Located on the outskirts or Tiruchi. There is a small Lord Muruga
Temple set in the midst of lush green vegetation.
Samayapuram(20 km) : This is a very important place of pilgrimage, famous for its
temple dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman.
Jumbo: The Sri Jambukeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and has five
concentric walls and seven gopurams. It is built around a Siva lingam partly submerged in
water that comes from a spring in the sanctum sanctorum. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside
the temple. The complex was built at the same time when Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple was
also built. It is open daily between 6 am and 1 pm and between 4pm to 9.30 pm.
Sri Kokarneswarar Temple :
The rock-cut cave temple of Sri Lokarneswarar Brahadambal at Thirukokarnam is of
Mahendravarma Pallava's period.
Uthamar Koil: Uthamar Koil in Karumbanur is one of the most famous shrines in 108
Vaishnavik Padalshtalam. This temple is situated eight kilometres north of Trichy Fort
Station, 4 km north of Srirangam railway station. Here is the temple where the Lord
Creator - Brahma, the lord for the well being of the universe - Vishnu and the destroyer
of universe - Siva take their abode. This place is also known as " Kadambavanam"
or "Trimurthishektram".
Mosque: Nadhirsha Mosque near Teppakulam.
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