Trichy Heritage!!

Trichy, or Tiruchirapalli, is known for having many years of history and temples , and this blog will be listing out and telling the history of the temples of Trichy.

ROCKFORT

1.Arulmigu Thayumanavar Kovil

The Thayumanavar temple is located on the Rockfort (Malaikottai) of Trichy.It is listed as one of the 276-paadal-petra sthalams. It has 4 main idols and Thayumanavar is one of them. The term "Thayumanavar" literally means "A man who has also become a mother" referring to Lord siva disgusing as a pregnant devotee, who's name was Rathnavathi, to ensure safe delivery of the child.

2.Arulmigu Ucchi Pillayar

Ucchi Pillayar is one of the 4 idols in the Rockfort. He is located at the very top of the Rock (hill). The term "Ucchi Pillayar" means "Pillayar at the top". This name is acquired from a story in the Ramayana, In which Vibhishna, the brother of the Lanka king Ravana, carried the Lord Ranganathaswamy idol in Srirangam. Pillayar kept this idol on the ground, thus becoming hard to move and lift. Vibhishna was enraged and started chasing pillayar. Pillayar had run up a rock and got tired, explaining the name Ucchi Pillayar. 

3.Arulmigu Mannicka Vinayagar

The Mannicka Vinayagar sannidhi in Rockfort is located at the beginning of the steps. His idol is famously known for the Vinayagar Chathurthi celebrations, where the famous meal of 150 kozhukattai is sold. The pilgrims will have to start from the very bottom of the steps to see Mannicka Vinayagar.

4.Arulmigu Mattuvar Kuzhalammai

Mattuvar Kuzhalammai sannidhi is under the Thayumanavar sannidhi, which can be reached only after a flight of steps. It is believed that she did not need any flowers or scents to enhance the smell of her hair as her hair already had the scent of fresh honey. 

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SRIRANGAM

1.Sri Ranganathaswamy kovil

The Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam is the oldest temple in trichy, having history from the Ramayana period. It also has an Asia ranking of the 2nd most largest temple complex. It houses many famous shrines and has a very big history. The main shrine has a Golden vimana (roof) above it. There have been many known attacks on the temple by the Delhi Sultanates, Namely Malik Kafur in the periods 1300-1500. The idol of Lord Ranganatha (Vishnu) is believed to be self-manifested (Suyambu). In the north-west corner of the temple , The Shrine of Lord Ranganayaki (Lakshmi) Is present. It is known to be three idols placed vertically, the utsava murti presenting Goddess Durga, the middle idol representing Goddess Lakshmi, and the very last idol representing Goddess Saraswati. This temple is Sri-Vaishnava and is the very first of 108 Divya Desam.

       (Silpi Painting 

depicting Ranganathaswamy)

2.Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari kovil

The Jambukeswarar-Akilandeswari temple is located on the left part of Srirangam. The temple is famously known as one of the most powerful temples, as the goddess (Akilandeswari) of this temple is very powerful. The Jambukeswarar (Shiva) idol is known for the continuous flow of Kaveri water from it. It is believed that Parvathi made this Lingam out of kaveri water. This temple is a list of the 276-paadal- petra sthalam. 

    (A picture 

depicting Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswari)

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URAIYUR

1.Arulmigu Kamalavalli Nachiyar Kovil

The Kamalavalli Nachiyar Temple in Uraiyur is known for the peace and quiet inside. This temple was built by the early cholas around the same time the Srirangam Ranganathar temple was built. Kamalavalli was said to have been the daughter of a Chola king. She was deeply in love with Lord Vishnu, just like Andal. Vishnu came in the form of Azhagiya-Manavalan (Beautiful Groom) to marry kamalavalli. The temple depicts Kamalavalli as the form of Lakshmi, sitting beside Azhagiya-Manavalan.

     (Picture depicting

Kamalavalli and Azhagiya-Manavala)

2.Arulmigu Vekkaliamman kovil

The Vekkaliamman temple in Uraiyur is known for the Goddess Kali known for being fierce. The idol was built originally small by a Chola, but the idol kept miraculously growing larger, till this day. It has a special Ther (Procession Vehicle) which is made of gold, used mostly during special occasions and festivals for carrying the idol.

    (Picture depicting

Vekkaliamman)

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SAMAYAPURAM

Samayapuram has only one famous temple, The Samayapuram Mariamman temple. This temple catches a lot of crowd during vacations. The idol is known for having a shiny, red-colour face and is made of medicinal properties. Pilgrims cure diseases on occasions in this temple, Namely Smallpox and measles. This temples special season is during Feb-Mar month.

    (Silpi Painting 

depicting Mariamman)

Thank you, and visit trichy every chance!!!!.