Tuesday 24 May 2011

Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple, Rock Fort, Tiruchirappalli / Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

24, May 2011.
Tiruchirappalli was earlier known as Thirisirapuram, because a Rakshasa called Thirisiran worshipped Lord Shiva here. Legend has it that since there are three peaks on the Rock Fort hill, occupied by three Gods, Shiva, Parvathi & Vinayagar (Uchi Pillayar), the place was named Thiri-sikarapuram and later called Tirisirapuram. This place was also known as Sirappalli, Rishabachalam & Dakshina Kailasam during ancient days. The Rock Fort hill is believed to be formed hundreds of thousands of years back, according to archeological sources.

According to mythology, once there was a great tussle between Adhiseshan and the wind God Vayu, about who was more powerful. Adhiseshan encircled the Mahameru hill (Himalaya) and challenged Vaayu to take the Himalayas off his powerful grip. Vaayu tried very much to free them, but to no avail, and eventually accepted his defeat. It is said that during the fight, there had been a lot of natural calamities like floods and cyclones. And three pieces of the mountain broke off and landed in different places. Out of the three pieces that broke off is the Rock fort at Trichy. The other two are at Trincomalee (Ceylon) and Srikalahasti (Andhra Pradesh). also ply from both Central & Chatram bus stands of Trichy. One can alight at Main Guard Gate or Teppakulam to reach the temple.

123/ 6. THAYUMANASWAMY TEMPLE,  ROCKFORT, TRICHY 


This is the 123rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the banks of river Kaveri, a Chozha Nattu thenkarai shiva sthalam. Thirugnanasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple

Iraivan : Sri Mathrubootheswarar, Sri Thayumaneswarar, 
             Sri Thayumanavar.
Iraivi    : Sri Mattuvar Kuzhali, Sri Sukunthakundhalambigai.

Some of the important features of this temple are ...
Manikka Vinayagar sannathi at the base of the hill temple. The main shrine is 258 steps from the base. Uchi Pillayar is on the top of the hill. Sannadhi for 63var, Kambthadi Vinayagar, Arumugar, 63var Urchava murtis,  Sevvanthi Vinayagar, Chandikeswarar, Moolavar is of big in size and  facing west.  While climbing up we can see a Pallava period rock cut cave on the left side.

LEGEND & History of the temple.
Arulmigu Thayumanavar Swamy temple (also known as 'Chevvandhinadhar') is situated on the Rock Fort en-route to the Uchi Pillayar. Temple on the hill top, at the heart of the present day city of Trichy. According to legend, there was a woman living on the other side of river Cauvery, who visited this temple everyday. She had been visiting the temple for many years, which she continued to do even during her pregnancy. One day after she finished the Darshan, she found that the river was flooded and impassable. As she waited for the river's flow to subside, she developed a severe labour pain. Since she was in labour, people around stopped her from going back home. But the woman was desperate to go back home to her mother, who was the only person she trusted enough to help her get through the labour pains.

Lord Shiva came to her, disguised as her mother, and helped her deliver the child safely and then disappeared. Later when her actual mother came asking for her, the woman realized that it was Lord Shiva who came to her rescue in disguise. As Lord Shiva himself served her devotee as her mother, here the main deity is called as "Thayumanavar" (God, who is also the "Mother") This incident is also celebrated as a special event called "Chettipen Maruthuvam" on the fifth day of the Chithirai Festival at the temple. The name of the Ambaal is "Mattuvarkuzhali".

After climbing around 200 steps from foot hill of the "Malaikottai", one can reach the Thayumanavar temple. The temple is said to have been built during the 3rd century by Pallavas. This temple was occupied by Jain Saints and later was destroyed by Mahendravarman, who then constructed a Shiva Temple in its place. Pregnant women and their husbands pray to Lord Thayumanavar for a safe delivery and offer plantains to the God after delivering healthy baby. One can see people carrying "Vazhaithar" all the way up to the temple, and after offering to Thayumanavar, they distribute it among other devotees in the temple.

CONTACT DETAILS
Landline numbers are  +91 431 2704621 and  +91 431 2710484 

HOW TO REACH :
Trichy is well connected by ample trains and buses from Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. 
Buses also ply from both Central & Chatram bus stands of Trichy. One can alight at Main Guard Gate or Teppakulam to reach the temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Rock cut caves under the temple
Rajagopuram and moolavar vimanam is above the roof
Ambal sannathi vimanam is partially visible
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

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