Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu state has many temples associated with tradition and heritage. It also mentions about 10 important temples of Tiruchirappalli district. The history and legend of each temple is fundamentally different.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - Srirangam
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Srirangam near Trichy. It is one of the famous temples of South India and one of the most visited places in Tamil Nadu. This temple is also known by other names such as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, and Bhogamandabam. The unique distinction of being foremost among the 108 divine lands dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Built across an area of 156 acres, this temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. This temple lies on an island formed by the twin Rivers Kaveri River and Kollidam River.Though the temple existing since the 2nd century BC, the archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century CE. Built in the Dravidian style of architecture, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the foremost of the eight self-manifested temples of Vishnu and is one of the major pilgrimage centers in Tamil Nadu.
The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by seven enclosures formed by thick and massive walls. Apart from the 7 enclosures with massive walls, the temple complex has 21 very colorful sculpted gopuras, 50 sub-shrines, 9 sacred pools, and a golden Vimana (dome) over the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity.
During Malik Kafur's invasion in 1310-1311, the deity's idol was stolen and taken to Delhi. In a daring exploit, devotees of Sriranga went to Delhi and impressed the emperor with their historiography. Pleased with their skill, the emperor returned the statue of Srirangam. During the second invasion in 1323 AD, the deity was taken away before the invading army reached Srirangam. The shrine was kept in the hills of Tirumala Tirupati for 6 decades until it was restored in 1371. It is believed that 13,000 devotees lost their lives in the fierce battle to protect the temple.
This temple is the biggest functioning Hindu temple in India and among the top places to visit in Trichy. The vimana over the sanctum of the temple is made up of gold and so is protected by an electric fence. At 236 feet, the Rajagopura (tower) is the tallest temple tower in India. It has a royal temple tower with an area of 32500 square feet and a height of 196 feet. The most impressive part of the hall is the intricate sculptures. The hall was built during the Vijayanagara period (1336-1565). In the second enclosure is the deity of Ranganayaki, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.
The annual 21-day festival conducted during the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec / Jan) attracts one million visitors. Jestabishekam (Jun / Jul), Pavithrothsavam (Aug / Sep), Oonjal (Oct / Nov) are other festivals celebrated here.
Location: Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620006, India
Visiting Hours : 7:15 AM, 9 AM - 12 PM, 1:15- 6 PM and 6:45 - 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry, Rs. 250 for Quick Darshan, & Rs. 100 for Viswaroopa Seva
The Rock Fort Temple
Rock Fort Temple also known as Thayumanavar Temple. The Thayumanavar Temple is a temple situated in the Rockfort complex. Shiva is worshiped as Thayumanavar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Mattuvar Kuzhalammai. The temple is located halfway up the Rockfort. The temple has columned structure.
There central shrine of Thayumanaswamy is located a level up to the lower half that houses the shrine of Mattuvar Kuzhalammai. The lower level also houses the niches of Vinayagar, Arumugar, Navagrahas and Veerabadraswami. The walls around the central shrine houses the image of Dakshinamurthy, Somaskandar, Natarajar, Surya, Brahma, and Durga. There were details that the temple layout was found in the Shanmata form. It had two principle shrines, Shiva in the east and Vishnu in the west and central bay. The reliefs of Skanda, Surya, Ganesha, and Durga were found on the central bay.
The temple complex has three shrines, two of which are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one at the foot and the Ucchi Pillayar Temple at the top, and the Thayumanavar Temple between them. The Thayumanavar temple, the largest of the three, houses a shrine for Amman (the Goddess) as well as the main deity. The Rockfort is visible from almost every part of the city's north.[11] The Teppakulam at the foot of the Rockfort is surrounded by bazaars.[14] It has a mandapa at its centre and has facilities for boat riding. All the temple related float festivals are held in the tank.
The temple celebrates dozens of festivals throughout the year. The Chittirai festival during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April - May) is celebrated for fifteen days, portraying the various incidents associated with the temple legend. The Karthigai festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthikai, between November and December, concluding with the celebration of Karthikai Deepam.
The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam
Location: Big Bazaar St, Melachinthamani, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620002, India
Visiting Hours: 5AM–8PM
Entry Fee: Free entry
Malayadipatti Rock-Cut Temples
Malayadipatti Rock-Cut temples are situated on granite hillocks, south of the Malayadipatti village, also known as Thiru Valattur Malai. There are two temples in Malayadipatti, one for Lord Shiva and the other for Lord Vishnu. Both temples are situated on the same hillock. This temple, popularly known as Alathurthali is situated towards the eastern side of the granite hill.
Built in the 8th century by Pallavas, the Shiva temple is older than the Vishnu temple. Constructed by Kuvavan Sathan, the Shiva temple is named Vakeeswarar, according to epigraphic notes. The sanctum is built on the eastern end in a cubical form cut inside the mandapa. In the later period, a compound wall enclosing the cave and the front mandapa were built. The pillared mandapa has statues of Ganesha and Muruganalong with Nandi. The entrance gateway is guarded by figures of dwarapalakas. There is also a Shiva Lingam that is cut from the main rock face. There is a Saptamatrika panel placed between sculptures of Veerabhadra and Ganesha.
The Vishnu temple is popularly known as Olipathivishnu Vishnugraham, located closer to the western end of the hillock. The rock-cut Vishnu temple includes numerous sculptures, painted stucco, and painting on walls and ceiling. The 15 ft Moolavar is a beautifully carved image of Lord Anantha Padmanabha in a reclining posture. The rock-cut temple contains a mukha-mandapa, Ardha-mandapa, and the sanctum. Almost the entire inner surface is adorned with paintings, sculptures, and stucco work.
There is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi. There are forms of Shiva, Narasimha, Brahma and other gods and goddesses. The entire sculpture is painted and covered with stucco. These works of art appear to have been produced in the 16th-17th centuries AD. On the western wall of the mukhamandapa is Vishnu seated with his consort. Another wall shows reclining Vishnu with Brahma seated on a lotus accompanied by Gandharvas. There are figures of demons inside the rock-cut temple as well. On the ceiling are paintings depicting avatars of Vishnu, the Dashavatara. It has a flat-roofed structure decorated with carvings of elephants and birds along with figures of mythological creatures. The Vishnu temple and cave have 10 inscriptions dating back to 960 AD.
There are 3 other caves where Jain monks lived during the 3rd-4th centuries. Many ancient sculptures have been found in 2 caves. Another cave has a white painting of a man and a bird.
Location: MV3W+FGV, Rajapalayam, Malayadipatti, Tamil Nadu 622502, India
Visiting Hours: 7 AM - 11 AM and 5 PM - 6.30 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Thiruvanaikoil / Jambukeshwar Temple
Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval (also Thiruvanaikal, Jambukeswaram) is a famous Shiva temple in Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) district, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Thiruvanaikoil Temple is one of the five major Shiva Temples known as Panchabhoota Sthala representing element of water. The temple was built by Kochengon, one of the Early Cholas around 1800 years ago on Srirangam Island. The sanctum has Shiva Lingam in the form of Appu lingam (water lingam). The sanctum of Lord Jambukeshwara has an underground water stream and one can see water coming out of that stream all the time. The presiding goddess is Devi Akilandeswari Amman.
According to legend, Parvathi performed penance in the form of Akilandeswari in the Jambu forest. She made the lingam out of the water of river Kaveri, installed it under the Venn Naaval tree evolved out of Saint Jambu and commenced her worship. Lord Siva at last gave darshan to Devi Akhilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana.
According to Sthala Purana, there were two Sivaganas namely Mallyavan and Puspadanta. They are always quarreling with each other and fighting over one thing or the other. Above all, in a fight, Mallya cursed Pushpadantha to become an elephant and the latter to become a spider. The elephant and the spider came to Jambukeswaram and continued worshiping Shiva. The elephant collected water from the Kaveri river and performed abhishekam to the lingam under the jambu tree daily. The spider built his web over the lingam to prevent the dry leaves from falling and the sunlight from falling directly on Shiva.
Inside the temple complex, there are 5 enclosures. The first massive outer wall called Vibudi Prakara, is a mile long, 25 feet high and 2 feet thickness. The 4th enclosure has a hall with 796 pillars and a small tank fed by springs. The 3rd enclosure contains the 2 gopuras, one 73 feet tall and the other 100 feet tall. The 2nd enclosure has another gopura with 65 feet height and several small shrines. The sanctum with the Appu lingam is present in the last enclosure. The entrance of the sanctum sanctorum is only 4 feet high and 2.5 feet wide.
As Akhilateshwari Devi worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple, even today at noon the priest dresses like a woman and worships Jambukeshwar. Thiru Kalyanam is not performed in this temple. The main festivals of the temple are Pankuni Brahmotsavam in March-April and Adi Pooram in July-August.
Location: VP34+674, N Car St, Srirangam, Thiruvanaikoil, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620005, India
Visiting Hours: 6AM–8PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Uthamarkoil Temple
Uthamar Temple also known as Purushottamar temple, Thirukkarambanoor or Bhikshandar Kovil, situated in Uthamarkoil village is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. The temple is believed to have been built by the medieval Cholas in the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Vijayanagara kings and the Madurai Naiks. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th-9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu.
According to a legend, Brahma became very arrogant because he was the creator. This made him feel superior to Shiva. Brahma once visited Kailasam to meet Shiva. Parvathi, the wife of Shiva got confused and performed pooja to Brahma instead of Shiva. Lord Shiva plucked off one head of Brahma to avoid the confusion between the two. This resulted in Shiva incurring a Brahmahathya dosha. The skull of Brahma stuck to the hands of Shiva which he could not separate despite all efforts. All the food offered to him was consumed by the skull and it never was filled. Holding the skull, Lord Shiva came down to earth as a Bikshadana with his skull bowl. When Shiva came to this place, Lord Vishnu asked Mother Mahalakshmi to offer food in the bowl. When Mahalakshmi did so, the bowl began to over flow and quenched the hunger of Lord Shiva, hence, she became to be praised as Pooranavalli, one who fulfills the requirements of the needy.
The temple has images and special deities of Purushothamar, Bikshadanar, Brahma and their wives Purnavalli, Soundarya Parvati and Saraswati. It is one of the few temples where the Hindu trinity is worshiped along with their consorts in six separate shrines within the same temple complex. The figure of Vishnu in the form of Purushottama is lying facing east. To the southeast are two temples, each with idols of Purnavalli and Mahalakshmi. The Shiva temple in the form of Bhikshadanar is situated in the sanctum sanctorum behind the Purushothamar temple. Granite images of deities Ganapati, Murugan, Nandi and Navagraham are located in the hall leading to the sanctum sanctorum. The shrine of Brahma and his consort Saraswati is in the southwest corner of the temple complex.
The annual festival of the temple is celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November / December).
Location: FCQ5+XXX, Puthanatham R.F., Tamil Nadu 621310, India
Visiting Hours: 6 AM to 12.30 PM and 4 PM to 8.30 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple - Tirupattur
The Brahmapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple located in Thirupattur near Trichy, Tamilnadu, India. Sri Brahmapurishwar Temple is one of the rare temples of Lord Brahma located in Tiruppattur. Although it is primarily a Shiva temple, it is also closely associated with Brahma. Devotees believed that one could change his fate by seeking blessings at the Brahmapurishwara temple.
The deity of the temple is Sri Brahmapurishwaran in the form of Swayambhu Linga. He is called Brahmapuriswarar because he changed the destiny of Brahma. There are seven enclosures to the shrine. Every year in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April) sunlight falls directly on the presiding deity for three days. It is a miracle that the rays of the sun pass through all the seven entrances and fall directly on the lingam. Goddess Parvati is worshiped as Brahma Sampath Gauri, located adjacent to Sri Brahmapurishwara Temple. There is a special shrine for Brahma sitting on a lotus and meditating. The idol of Brahma is a magnificent 6 feet tall decorated with turmeric. The temple complex also houses the Jiva Samadhi of Yogi Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras.
The 12 small shrines of Lord Shiva situated in the Bramhapureeshwarar temple complex are Sri Bhramapureeswara, Sri Pazamalainathar, Sri Pathalaeswarar, Sri Sudharaneeswarar, Sri Thayumannar, Sri Sabthagereswarar, Sri Kalathinathar, Sri Jambukeswarar, Sri Kailasanathar, Sri Arunachaleeswarar, Sri Ekambreswarar and Sri Manduganathar.
According to mythology, Lord Brahma once became very proud that he is the creator of the universe. He felt he was more powerful than Lord Shiva - since he had the power of creation. Seeing his pride, Lord Shiva got angry and destroyed Brahma's 5th head and also cursed him that he would lose his powers of creation. After losing his fifth head and the duty of creation, Brahma realized his mistake. He worshipped Shiva at various places to be relieved from the curse. Lord Brahma installed 12 lingams around the Bramhapureeshwarar site and worshipped Shiva here for very long time. Pleased by Brahma's affections, Shiva gave him darshan under the Magizha tree and liberated him from his punishment.
Brahmotsavam festival, Maha Shivarathri, Kathigai, Navarathri and Vinayaka Chathurthi are the major festivals celebrated here. Mondays and Thursdays are the most favored days for getting darshan.
Location: 2QQF+758, Thirupattur, Tamil Nadu 621105, India
Visiting Hours: 7 AM - 12 PM and 4 PM - 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Vekkali Amman Temple - Woraiyur
Sri Vekali Amman Temple is a major pilgrimage center for Goddess Parvati. It was the seat of the early Cholas located at Woraiyur. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Vekkali Amman. The major feature of the temple is the absence of roof over the sanctum. The idol of Vekkali Amman is seen in a seated posture. She is seen holding a trident, udukkai, a rope and Akshaya patra in her four hands. The temple has a golden chariot which is 9.75 ft high, made of 10.5 kg of gold and 25 kg of silver.
The temple is conducting the Sarva Chandi Homam for the past 23 years in the month of Avani (August / September), 5 day festival in Chithirai (April-May), Panguni Poochoridal (March-April), Mango abhisheka on the last Friday of Vaikasi (May-June), Navarathri in Purattasi (September-October), Fridays in Thai (January-February) and Fridays and Tuesdays in Aadi (July-August) witness important celebrations in the temple.
The deity in this temple is seen facing north. Ancient kings believed that the gods and goddesses facing north would make the kings victorious in battle. Hence all the ancient kings used to pray to Vekali Amman before setting out on the battlefield. Here devotees write their wishes on a piece of paper and place it at Amman's feet and then tie it to the trident in front of him. Devotees complete the pujas after their wishes are fulfilled.
Location: Vekkaliyamman, 11c, S S Kovil Street, Woraiyur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620003, India
Visiting Hours: 5.30 AM to 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple - Vayalur
Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple in Vayalur is one of the famous temples of Lord Murugan in Tamilnadu. This temple was built by Cholas in 9th Century. Later Thirumuruga Kirupananda Variyar helped a lot to renovate this temple. This temple is also known as Kumara Vayalur, Adi Vayalur, Vanni Vayalur and Agnishwaram. The temple is surrounded by lush green fields called Vayal in Tamil and hence the name Vayalur. In front of the temple there is a beautiful pond called Sakti Tirtham created by Lord Muruga.
In the shrine, Sri Subramanian is seated on a peacock along with his consorts Valli and Devayani. Behind the main shrine is the Shiva temple. Lord Shiva here is said to be Swayambhu Lingam known as Agniswarar. Adjacent to Agniswar is the shrine of Sri Adinayaki, consort of Agniswar, known as Morandai Nayaki. The special feature of Nataraja Vigraha is that both feet are placed on the ground.
According to the legend, Lord Muruga worshipped Lord Shiva here. Lord Muruga created a tank here with his weapon to worship his parents. It is at the place where lord Muruga blessed the saint poet Arunagiri Nathar and also initiated him to compose Thirupugazh.
The 12 days Vaikasi (May / June) attracts a huge number of devotees. The 7 days Skanda Sashti (September / October), 4 days Panguni Uthiram (March-April) and 3 day Thaipoosam (January / February) are major festivals celebrated here.
Location: RJHF+H7W, Vayalur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620021, India
Visiting Hours: 6 AM to 1 PM and 3.30 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Erumbeeswarar Temple / Malai Koil - Thiruverumbur
Sri Erumbeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the group of shrines built by Aditya Chola along the banks of River Cauvery, to commemorate his victory over Pandyas during Tirupurambiyam Battle in 885 CE. The temple has several inscriptions from the Chola period dating back to the 10th century. The temple has been declared à protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Another form of Lord Shiva, Erumpisvara, is enshrined as the presiding deity along with his consort Saurabya Kudalambal. The temple is built on top of a 60 feet high hill called Malai Kovil and is accessible by steps. Lord Shiva is believed to have incarnated himself in this temple. Abhishekam is not performed here as sand is lingam.
The temple has two enclosures inside and a mandapa at the foot of the hill. The Goddess Narunkuzhal Nayaki is found in a separate shrine outside the main shrine. There are several sub-shrines within the temple complex. The temple has four tanks - Brahma Theertham, Madhu Theertham, Kumara Theertham and Padma theertham.
According to the legend, there lived a demon Tharukasura, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, but was against other gods. So he never allowed any one to enter in this temple. Brahma, Indra and all other gods took the form of ants (Erumbu in Tamil) to hide from the demon and worshiped lord at this place. Here we can see that Shiva lingam is slanting to one. We can see the marks of ants creeping on the lingam.
The annual festival in (May or June), Shivrathri (February or March), Aipasi Annabishekam (October or November) and Tirukarthikai (November or December) are major festivals celebrated in this temple.
Location: QQR8+WWV, Malaikoil, Thiruverumbur, Tamil Nadu 620013, India
Visiting Hours: 6.30 AM to 12 PM and 4.30 PM to 8.30 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple - Gunaseelam
Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathi temple is a famous Vishnu temple situated in Gunaseelam. it is located on the banks of River Cauvery. Also known as Abhimana Sthalam. The temple is maintained by a hereditary executive trustee. This temple was designed and built by R. Ranganathan Sthapathy.
Gunaseelam temple is famous for curing mentally challenged people. Devotees bring mentally challenged people to the temple and keep them in the temple premises for 48 days. It is believed that at the end of 48 days their illness was cured by the grace of Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapati. The temple has set up a mental health rehabilitation centre that has the official stamp of the Tamil Nadu Government license, the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu.
According to legend, Gunaseelar Rishi after his darshan at Tirupathi, came here and begged the Lord to come and stay in his ashram on the banks of Cauvery River. The place came to be known as Gunaseelam after his name.
The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the presiding deity Prasanna Venkatachalapathi in standing posture. The image is depicted with four hands, one showing Abhaya mudra other three are carrying Gatha, Conch and Chakra. There are carvings around the sanctum with the images of Narasimha, Navaneetha Krishna, Varaha, Sridevi and Bhudevi. The temple has a shrine of Vikhasana Maharishi, after whom the Vaiganasa Agama of Vaishnavism is followed.
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September - October) for 11 days which attracts thousands of devotees. Chitrai Theppotsavam (March - April) and the Pavitrotsavam during the Tamil month of Aavani are other festivals celebrated here.
Location: State Highway 25, Next to Syndicate Bank & ATM, Gunaseelam, Tamil Nadu 621604, India
Visiting Hours: 6.30 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 8.30 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry