A maiden attempt to write about temples, kshetra histories and few poems on temples that sing the glory of the ksetra or the presiding deities.
In Hindu mythology, elephant faced god is called 'MuzhuMudhar Kadavul' and there is a saying 'Pulliyar pudika koranga poiduchu', which means usually people start any ritual with Lord Ganesha and end a ritual with Lord Anjaneya, Bhajan is one of the best examples for this saying. Also not to have any hurdles in a work undertaken, Lord Ganesha is worshipped. With that, starting to write on temples and the surroundings along with few historical importance that have been heard or taught or caught eyes somewhere. So keeping Lord Ganesha in mind - "Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa".
Going to places in car has it's own advantage. Going by car can take us to few more near by places effortlessly. Similarly, going by bus and walking to places has it's own adventure involved though can cover only few places in a visit. But both are worth in the memories they bound to make. So, to Rock Fort Temple, buses take us to Main Guard Gate entrance either from Lourdes Swamy Pillai bus stand known as central bus stand or from Chatram bus stand.
From Main Guard gate one need to travel across one of the busiest streets of the city, NSB road. Many petty shops, Burma bazzar around the tank and famous textile shops of Trichy keep one engaged through out the small walk to reach 'ManikkaVinayakar' temple which is the first Sannidhi located in the foot hills of Rock Fort Temple.
Opposite to ManikaVinayakar Sannidhi is a small Sannidhi of Lord Ayyappan which is 'Iru Mudi' famous till date. Lord Vinayaka is magestic and shines as ruby as his name. To the north of sanctum is the steps that lead us to Uchi. A road cuts across the steps and in a Mandapam, temple elephant eating sugar cane (sometimes) welcomes devotees. The sight of elephant is never boring at any age.
The steps to the top lead to the presiding deities sanctum, few windows on way shows the view of the city at various altitudes. The presiding deities are Mathrubutheshwarar, in Tamil called 'Thayumanavar'; Sukanthakuthalambal, in Tamil known as 'Mattuvar Kozhal Ammai'. Kshetra history says that Lord Shiva came as Mother to take care of his devotee's daughter who was pregnant. The mother was stuck in the opposite bank of River Cauvery owing to flooding. Lord Shiva took pre and post pregnancy care like a mother. After floods the mother crossed and came to see her daughter to realize lord's love and care. Till date many people pray for normal, complications free deliveries, offer 'Vaazha Thaar' to Thayumanavar after child birth and distribute bananas to devotees. (after offering it to the lord).
Saint Muthuswamy Dikshitar addresses Tiruchirapalli as 'tri-Sira giri' in his Kriti on the presiding deity Thayumanavar - 'SrI mAtR bhUtaM' - one who became mother, in the raga kanada. Famous Poet Thayumanavar has sung numerous poems on Lord Shiva and he lived here in Trichy worshipping Mathrubuteshwarar. There is one awesome painting of Lord Shiva on the ceiling while entering the Thayumanavar Sannidhi. Standing wherever with in the vicinity of the painting of Lord Shiva, his eyes seem to look at us. Goddess Sukanthakuthalambal, one who has hair with sweet fragrance, lovely divinity sets in as one enters the sanctum of divine mother.
Next, the steep steps lead to Uchi pillaiyar. While climbing, to the left has tunnels that are said to lead to Tanjore, Kumbakonam and one leads to Golden rock temple (present in another part of Trichy) but currently closed. Even in 21st century this showcases the brilliance of 7th century. To the right side there is a telescope placed in a Mandapam to view the entire road stretching till Gandhi Market.
Still more steeper steps take devotees to Uchi pillaiyar. Uchi pillaiyar has a history dated to the age of Ramayana when Vibhishana, the Asura king was taking Lord Ranganatha to SriLanka; Lord Ganesha, as a small lad diverted his attention to place Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam itself and Vibhishana had hit Lord Ganesha on his head and is still said to be visible on deity's head.
A clockwise walk around the sanctum of Lord Ganesha gives a breezy awestruck view of the City. Stunning view of River Cauvery, Srirangam temple, Chatram bus stand, in and around areas, make one stay in present without bothering about past or future.
For anyone visiting the temple, sitting on the rock after darshan is delightful and is a total bliss. Someone brought up in Trichy, Rock Fort has numerous memories of childhood days spent sitting on the rocks missing cricket balls, balloons while playing and running behind it to see falling out of the handrails.
In Hindu mythology, elephant faced god is called 'MuzhuMudhar Kadavul' and there is a saying 'Pulliyar pudika koranga poiduchu', which means usually people start any ritual with Lord Ganesha and end a ritual with Lord Anjaneya, Bhajan is one of the best examples for this saying. Also not to have any hurdles in a work undertaken, Lord Ganesha is worshipped. With that, starting to write on temples and the surroundings along with few historical importance that have been heard or taught or caught eyes somewhere. So keeping Lord Ganesha in mind - "Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa".
Going to places in car has it's own advantage. Going by car can take us to few more near by places effortlessly. Similarly, going by bus and walking to places has it's own adventure involved though can cover only few places in a visit. But both are worth in the memories they bound to make. So, to Rock Fort Temple, buses take us to Main Guard Gate entrance either from Lourdes Swamy Pillai bus stand known as central bus stand or from Chatram bus stand.
From Main Guard gate one need to travel across one of the busiest streets of the city, NSB road. Many petty shops, Burma bazzar around the tank and famous textile shops of Trichy keep one engaged through out the small walk to reach 'ManikkaVinayakar' temple which is the first Sannidhi located in the foot hills of Rock Fort Temple.
Opposite to ManikaVinayakar Sannidhi is a small Sannidhi of Lord Ayyappan which is 'Iru Mudi' famous till date. Lord Vinayaka is magestic and shines as ruby as his name. To the north of sanctum is the steps that lead us to Uchi. A road cuts across the steps and in a Mandapam, temple elephant eating sugar cane (sometimes) welcomes devotees. The sight of elephant is never boring at any age.
The steps to the top lead to the presiding deities sanctum, few windows on way shows the view of the city at various altitudes. The presiding deities are Mathrubutheshwarar, in Tamil called 'Thayumanavar'; Sukanthakuthalambal, in Tamil known as 'Mattuvar Kozhal Ammai'. Kshetra history says that Lord Shiva came as Mother to take care of his devotee's daughter who was pregnant. The mother was stuck in the opposite bank of River Cauvery owing to flooding. Lord Shiva took pre and post pregnancy care like a mother. After floods the mother crossed and came to see her daughter to realize lord's love and care. Till date many people pray for normal, complications free deliveries, offer 'Vaazha Thaar' to Thayumanavar after child birth and distribute bananas to devotees. (after offering it to the lord).
Saint Muthuswamy Dikshitar addresses Tiruchirapalli as 'tri-Sira giri' in his Kriti on the presiding deity Thayumanavar - 'SrI mAtR bhUtaM' - one who became mother, in the raga kanada. Famous Poet Thayumanavar has sung numerous poems on Lord Shiva and he lived here in Trichy worshipping Mathrubuteshwarar. There is one awesome painting of Lord Shiva on the ceiling while entering the Thayumanavar Sannidhi. Standing wherever with in the vicinity of the painting of Lord Shiva, his eyes seem to look at us. Goddess Sukanthakuthalambal, one who has hair with sweet fragrance, lovely divinity sets in as one enters the sanctum of divine mother.
Next, the steep steps lead to Uchi pillaiyar. While climbing, to the left has tunnels that are said to lead to Tanjore, Kumbakonam and one leads to Golden rock temple (present in another part of Trichy) but currently closed. Even in 21st century this showcases the brilliance of 7th century. To the right side there is a telescope placed in a Mandapam to view the entire road stretching till Gandhi Market.
A clockwise walk around the sanctum of Lord Ganesha gives a breezy awestruck view of the City. Stunning view of River Cauvery, Srirangam temple, Chatram bus stand, in and around areas, make one stay in present without bothering about past or future.
For anyone visiting the temple, sitting on the rock after darshan is delightful and is a total bliss. Someone brought up in Trichy, Rock Fort has numerous memories of childhood days spent sitting on the rocks missing cricket balls, balloons while playing and running behind it to see falling out of the handrails.
(A view from top)
As in any temple, utsavams are famous here too. Chithira* Utsavam to celebrate - 'vaiSya jAti strI vEsha dharaNaM' (SrI mAtR bhUtaM Kriti); ie Chettipen utsavam for whom Lord Shiva disguised himself as Chettipen and for Ganesh Chaturthi a bigger kozhukattai is offered to the lord.
On top, quest for divine is quenched, climbing down having a chilled rose milk in Chintamani Juice Stall will treat the taste buds and quenches throat. Rock Fort stands as the symbol of the city, a historic fortification, a temple which gives divine vibrations along with trekking experience thrill at the same time.
*Edited later - As Chithirai was stated as Panguni.
*Edited later - As Chithirai was stated as Panguni.
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