The famous Rock Fort temple of South India is located in Tiruchirapalli of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most visited temples of the state. Infact, tourism in Tiruchirapalli revolves round the Rock Fort temple.

Accommodation and Connectivity

Tiruchirapalli is an important railway junction of Southern India. There are direct trains to the place from most major towns and cities of India.

Tiruchirapalli also has an international airport. Apart from domestic carriers, flights from the gulf region and South East Asia also fly to Tiruchirapalli. The road network to the place is also very good.


One of the better developed city of Tamil Nadu with a huge tourism potential, Tiruchirapalli has adequate accommodation facilities for the tourists.

The Rock Fort Temple

History

Legend has it that the three peaks on the hill where the temple stands were occupied by Shiva, Parvati and Vinayaka. The hill is said to be one of three pieces that flew of the Himalayas after a fierce battle between mythical snake Adi Seshan and Wind God Vayu.

The Rock Fort Temple was originally built by the Pallavas as a small cave temple. Later on, the Nayakas took advantage of the naturally fortified position of the rock and developed it to its present position. Contributions made by the Vijaynagar rulers and Nayaks of Madurai must also be acknowledged.

The Position

The majestic Rock Fort temple is actually a collection of three temples - Manikka Vinayakar temple is located at the foot of the hill, Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the very top and Taayumaanavar Koyil Shivastalam at the middle of the hill. The devotee is required to climb a number of steps to reach the temples at the top.

The Deity

Kangaala Moorthy, one of the 64 manifestations of Lord Shiva is worshipped in the Rock Fort Temple.


Architecture

It is probably one of the few temples in India which has so meticulously been carved out from a rock mountain. The Lalitankura Pallaveswaran, a rock cut Pallava temple here has several inscriptions of Mahendravarma Pallavan period. The two storeyed Taayumaanavar temple has a granite chain with nine loops. The view of all the temples from below the ground looks awesome. This rock cut temple has several inscriptions of Chola and Pallava period.

The Temple Services and Festivals

Six worship services are done every day in the temple. The festivals celebrated prominently in the temple are the annual Bhrammotsavam, Aadi Pooram and the float festival. Tourism in Tiruchirapalli revolves round the Rock Fort Temple. The view of all the temples from below the ground looks awesome.