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.
Sri Thayumanavar.
Iraivi
: Sri Mattuvar Kuzhali, Sri Sukunthakundhalambigai.
Some of the important features of this temple are ...
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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