 Rockfort Temple: Almost 2500 years old, the famous Rockfort temple (also called Ucchi Pillayar Koil) is dedicated to two famous Hindu gods – Lord Ganesha as Pillayar and Lord Shiva as Thayumanaswamy. The base of the temple is dedicated to Maanika Vinayakar. These intricately carved temples are situated on the rock, which is over 83 m high and is said to be the oldest in the world. The name ‘rockfort’ is attributed to the fact that it was used as a military fortification by the Vijaynagar kings and later by the British.
Between the two temples, the Shiva Temple is the bigger one and has a massive Shivling, and an inner sanctum for Parvati. This temple is beautifully carved and is two-storeyed, complete with exquisite carvings of Gangadhara (Shiva receiving the Ganges in his locks). In fact, in the month of April, the sun’s rays fall directly on the lingam – an ethereal sight.
The Ganesha Temple is smaller is size and accessible through rock-carved steps, approximately 417 in number. A tough climb, but well worth the stunning views of the city and Srirangam. These temples are worth visiting during
Open from: Maanika Vinayakar Temple - 5.30 am-noon, 4.00 pm-9.00 pm (upto 10.00 pm on Fri);
Thayumanavar Temple: 6.30 am-12.15 pm, 4.00 pm-8.30 pm;
Uchchi Pillaiyar Kovil: 6.00 am-8.00 pm (open in the afternoon)
Note - Visit these temples during the temple car festival (April-May), Aadi Pooram Festival (July-August) and the Theppam Festival (May-June). Auto rickshaws are available to a spot up to the Shiva Temple. Non-Hindus are not allowed in the Ganesha Temple
Ranganathaswamy Temple: Located in Srirangam, this is one of the most revered Vaishanite shrines, dedicated to the reclining Vishnu. Sprawling across an area of almost 156 acres, this is undoubtedly one of the largest temples in India. The temple is bounded by 7 concentric walls, further enclosed by 21 towers. The most striking feature of this temple is the 73 m high and 13-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower), making it one of the largest religious structures in the world. Another marvel of the temple includes the Hall of 1000 Pillars (actually 953 in number). Other than the reclining Vishnu, there are smaller shrines dedicated to other forms of Vishnu, including Sudarshana Chakra, Narasimha and Rama; the Sudarshana Chakra shrine pillars is beautifully carved with sculptures of lions and elephants and it is extremely auspicious to light ghee lamps here. Also housed within in a separate shrine for his consort Ranganayaki. Housed within the third prakaram is a room which has the deity’s palanquins, chariots and jewels.
A particularly not-to-be missed sight is the early morning prayers, when music is played to wake up the lord. Reach the temple by 6.00 am to witness this special activity, when the temple elephant and cow are brought before the lord so he may see them first thing in the morning!
Visit the temple during the Vaikuntha Ekadashi Festival, when the beautifully dressed idol of Lord Ranganatha is taken out in a procession. In fact, it is believed that a sight of this is a sure way to attain heaven! Throughout the day, 4,000 sacred Divya Prabandham are also recited. Also, don’t forget to sample some prasadam, including the Chakra Pongal (made of jaggery, pulses and rice) and Puliyodarai and Thayir Sadam (rice with curd).
Open from: 5.30 am-1.00 pm, 2.00 pm-9.00 pm; Closed for rituals from 8.00 am-9.00 am, 1.00 pm-2.00 pm, 6.00 pm-7.00 pm
Note: Non-Hindus are not allowed into the main sanctums of Lord Ranganathaswamy and Goddess Ranganayaki. Vehicles are allowed only up to the fourth prakaram. Footwear is not allowed beyond the entry to the fourth prakaram.
Jambukeshwara Temple: Located near the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Jambukeshwara is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has colourful carvings adorning its external walls and is housed within five walls and seven towers. The main deity is almost submerged in the water flowing from the spring within the temple. It is believed that this lingam was worshipped by an elephant, hence the name Jambukeshwara.
Open from: 6.00 am-1.00 pm, 3.00 pm-9.00 pm; 6.00 am-8.30 pm on Tue, Fri, Sun, festival days
Note: Non-Hindus are not allowed within the main sanctum
Samayapuram Mariamman Temple:One of the most visited temples of Tamil Nadu, this temple is dedicated to Mariamman, a manifestation of Goddess Shakti, made of clay and sand. The goddess is believed to have miraculous curing powers, and hence a peculiar feature of this temple is that it is mandatory to buy silver or steel replicas of various body parts that need to be cured and placed in the donation box. Devotees also offer a sweet dish made of jaggery, rice flour and ghee and raw salt. The Chariot Festival and Float Festival are celebrated with great pomp.
Open from: 5.30 am-9.00 pm
Brammapuriswarar Temple:This is another popular Shaivite Temple, dedicated to Shiva as Brahmapureeswarar. It derives its name from the legend that Brahma himself sanctified the 12 Shivalingams in this temple. Also located with the patron deity is his consort Goddess Brahmanayaki. Don’t miss the huge monolith of Lord Brahma seated in the lotus position. In fact, the temple tank has blossoms of lotuses and the main tower of the temple is five-tiered.
Open from: 8.00 am-noon, 4.00 pm-8.00 pm
Other attractions:Other than the numerous temples, Trichy is also home to the several churches and museums, located mostly near Rockfort Temple. To begin with, visit the house of Robert Clive, today converted to a hotel. The gothic-like church of Our Lady of Lourdes and the French-style St. John’s Church are other popular attractions. The Trichy Museum houses some of the most striking antiques of this city.
Open from: Our Lady of Lourdes – 8.00 am-5.00 pm
St John’s Church – 9.00 am-5.00 pm
Trichy Museum – 10.00 am-5.00 pm (except Fridays); Entry fee: Rs 5 for adults, Rs 3 for children, Rs 100 for non-Indians
Grand Anaicut: A popular picnic spot and must-see is the engineering marvel – the only stone dam in the world, the 300 m long Kallanai Dam.
Woraiyur: Better known for its Cigar Factory, head out to Woraiyur if you wish to get your hands some of the best varieties of hand-made cigars.
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Tiruchirapalli, fondly called Trichy, is located on the banks of the Kaveri River and has a history that’s possibly as old as it gets. Its most visible feature is of course the mammoth sized, actually 83 m high Rock Fort Temple, which in reality is part of a 3500-million-old hill. Another prominent feature includes the Ranganathaswamy Temple, which with its seven-walled complex is almost a small town in itself. As much for its temples, Trichy is a well-known centre for cigars, so much so that it is believed Winston Churchill himself preferred these cigars over the Cuban ones! In fact some of them come with really quaint names – London Calling, Black Tiger, Java Dawson and Churchill. In fact, these made Trichy so famous, that if you look up the word “Trichinopoly” in the Encyclopedia Britannica, it actually means Tiruchirapalli!
Restaurants and hotels are many and they serve well-priced tasty food. For good South Indian breakfast, head to Hotel Femina – their white pongal is especially good. Sangeetha Restaurant at Hotel Aanand serves top-class vegetarian thalis. Vasantha Bhavan Restaurant, in the Abhirama Hotel, located near the state bus stand, is a popular vegetarian place sworn by tourist and locals alike. Especially worth trying is their filter coffee, hot idlis, dosas and puris! Woodlands Restaurant is moderately priced and serves an excellent selection of vegetarian fare, including South Indian and Chinese food. Banana Leaf, located close to the Rock Fort Temple is an intimate eating place with a varied selection of Indian and Chinese dishes. Rustic, rather than gourmet, the food and service is pleasant. Another great place to head out for a bite would be at the Vincent Gardens Restauarnt which has an outdoor setting. This restaurant is one of the few non-vege serving places. Peaks of Kunlun, in Jenneys Residency, serves good Chinese and Continental food. If you’re craving from some sweets, head out to Hotel Sangam and Hotel Royal Southern.
Trichy is a great place to look around for some trinkets and souvenirs. It is especially famous for its handmade cigars and cheroots, available at the Cigar Factory at Woraiyur. Burma Bazaar (closed on Wednesday), Big Bazaar Road and Chinnar Bazaar are busy markets for handicrafts and electronic gadgets. Get your hands on the famous silk clothing of South India at NSB Road, which sells a range of varieties including Saradas and Thaila. Adjacent to the Big Bazaar Road is the Diamond Bazaar Street, which is the gem cutting and jewellery retail centre. Pick up some of the famous Paavai (girl holding lamp craft) and the brass lamps from the shops that line the temples. For a fragrant gift, what can be a better option that to head to the Saathara Street in Srirangam. This is the local flower market and has possibly the largest range of flowers you’d ever see anywhere! Remember, bargaining is a must to ensure you get the best deal!
The origin of the Ranganatha Temple is steeped in several mythological legends. It is believed that Lord Brahma received the idol while in a state of meditation. It was then passed on to Viraja, Vaiswatha, Manu, Ishwaku and finally to Lord Rama, who worshipped it for a long time. However, on return from Lanka post his victory over Ravana, Lord Rama gifted the idol to Vibhishana for his support against his own brother. However, the gods were unhappy with Vibhishana, an asura carrying the idol to his kingdom; hence a plan was laid to take away that idol from him.
