Tiruchirappalli
Midway through Madras

The Rock Fort towers over the town of Tiruchirappalli and is made with rocks that are believed to be over a billion years old. Standing at a proud height of 275 ft, the fort was constructed by the Nayaks, who ruled between the 14th and 15th centuries. The structure was built with an aim to face up to siege and keep an eye fixed over the approaching enemy. About 344 steps carved into rocks lead the way into the fort. the most attractions are three Hindu temples inside the premises – Manikka Vinayakar Temple, Ucchi Pillaiyar Temple and Thayumanavar Temple. The Manikka Vinayakar Temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha and is found at the bottom of Capitol Hill , while the 7th century Ucchi Pillayar Temple is perched on the hilltop and is additionally dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The Thayumanavar Temple is that the biggest of the three temples and is devoted to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped within the sort of a lingam. This temple is believed to possess been constructed within the 6th century by Mahendra Varman of Pallava dynasty. The fort is additionally referred to as Pillaiyar Kovil and draws huge footfalls during the Chittirai festival , celebrated within the months of April and should for 15 days.

Located within the periphery of Tiruchirappalli, is that the river island town of Srirangam. The town is flanked by the Cauvery river on one side, and its tributary Kollidam on the opposite . The town is widely known for the traditional and grandiose Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Of the 600 acres across which the town is spread, 156 acres house the temple complex. The temple is additionally said to be the foremost important, foremost and first of the 108 main Vishnu temples (divyadesams) also because the primary of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) within the country. The complex has seven prakaras (enclosures), which are formed from huge and thick rampart walls round the sanctum. The annual 21-day festival conducted during the months of December and January attracts up to at least one million visitors who flock to the compound to experience the festivities and pay their respects to Lord Vishnu.

The pilgrim town of Samayapuram is found on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli. The town has developed around Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, which is devoted to Goddess Mariamman. Legend has it that the present-day temple was constructed by King Vijayaraya Chakkaravarthi during the 18th century. Goddess Mariamman is understood to cure diseases and is revered because the Goddess of fertility. many devotees throng the temple on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays to supply their respects to the goddess. Held in April-May per annum at the temple is that the famous Chithirai Car Festival. During the 11-day event, which has been celebrated annually for nearly six-centuries, thousands flock here to witness the procession of the temple’s deity through the town. it’s indeed a spectacular sight!

Also referred to as Thiruvanaikoil, Thiruvanaikaval, a stone’s throw from the town , is home to the Jambukeswarar-Akilandeswari Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is one among the panchabhoota sthalam (shrines representing one among the five elements of nature) and represents water. Legend has it that when an elephant worshipped a shivling under a Jambu tree by cleaning it with water from its trunk and thus got the name of Jambukeswara. The shivling is reportedly submerged in water flowing from a spring into the sanctum. The temple is analogous in architecture to the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple with concentric rectangular enclosures housing various deities. The Jambukeswarar Temple is defined by five enclosures that are surrounded by a 25-ft-high wall, marking the temple’s precinct.

Located on a 50-ft-high hill of white rock, Thiruvellarai is that the place where yogi (saint) Pundarikakshan offered tulsi (holy basil) to the temple’s god and goddess. Pleased together with his prayers, Lord Perumal blessed him. Incidentally, Perumal is additionally referred to as Pundarikakshan. The town is found around 25 km from Tiruchirappalli and is understood for the Perumal Temple that’s said to be older than the favored Srirangam Temple. The temple has three inscriptions in its two rock-cut caves, dating back to the 18th century and a swastika-shaped tank, which was built under the reign of Dantivarman, a Pallava ruler (795-846 AD), during the 9th century. the whole temple has been constructed utilising elements from Hindu mythology just like the 18 steps representing the 18 chapters of the Bhagavat Gita and therefore the entrance to the gopuram supported by four pillars signifying the four Vedas.

The spiritual town of Uraiyur is best known for the Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to possess been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with contributions from the later Pandyas, Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. it’s surrounded by a granite wall enclosing all the shrines. an outsized number of devotees visit the temple for the annual Serthi Sevai festival observed during the months of March-April. Around 3rd century BCE when Mauryan emperor Ashoka ruled, Buddhism was quite popular within the region around Uraiyur. The town was once the capital of early Chola rulers, and among the three main kingdoms of ancient Tamil country. Inscriptions and rock edicts of Ashoka and therefore the Satavahanas describe Uraiyur as “the citadel and centre of the Cholas”.