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Rockfort Temple |
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Rockfort Temple is an important monument of located at Tiruchirapalli in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is one of the popular landmarks of the town. The temple has been cut out from a huge rock. The temple is about 3,800 million years old and is about 83 meter in height.The premise of Rockfort Temple has three temples which includes the Manikka Vinayaka temple, Uchhi Pillayar Koyil temple and Thayumanaswamy or Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam) temple. Manikka Vinayaka temple is located at the foot hill. Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam) is situated on the hill and Uchhi Pillayar Koyil temple is located at the top of the hill.
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The Uchhi Pillayar Koyil temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and the Thayumanaswamy or Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam) temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva temple is larger than the Ganesha temple. The temple has a huge image of Shiva which is in the form of Linga. There is a separate spot for Goddess Parvati. The Ganesha temple is much smaller when compared to the Shiva temple. The temple of Ganesha is located at the top of the mountain. It reach there you will have to walk up the steep stairs which are carve out of the rock. While moving up the stairs you can get a wide view and magnificent view of Srirangam, Trichi and the rivers Kaveri and Kollidam.
History of Rockfort Temple :
Rockfort Temple was built during the Pallava reign. The history of the temple is as old as the city of Trichurapalli. During the 12 th Century the Cholas were defeated by the Vijaynagar kings and the Vijay nagar Empire was established. They also defeated the muslims. After than the Nayakas cam einto power and established this extraordinary temple. It is considered as a piece of art.
The temple has an ancient and awe-inspiring architecture. The southern part of the temple has several beautiful rock cut images which was one of the primary highlights of the Pallava art and architecture. The well known temple has 100 pillared hall. It also has a vimana which is veiled with gold. The temple was built by the Nayakas. They also established the city, Tiruchirapalli. So it is very natural that people from all over the world and from all over India visit it.
You can also visit two caves temples which are located beneath the Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam) temple. The caver temples have extraordinary sculpture which dates back to the 6th and 7th Centuries. There is a pavilion at the foot of the temple. The area is used during the float festival. An 18th Century Church is also located near the temple.
Many festivals are celebrated in the Rockfort Temple. Some of the important festivals celebrated at the temple premise include the float festival in Panguni, Brahmotsavam in Chithirai and Aadi Pooram. The festival, Brahmotsavam, is held annually.
Rockfort Temple is maintained by the Archaeological department of India. It remains open from 6 am till 8 pm. It is necessary to leave your shoes before entering the temple.
For further information on Ganesha Temples refer to our website www.ganeshapaintings.com
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