Tiruchirappalli
About the city
Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery;Tiruchirappalli, the fourth largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu was a citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. But the Pallavas never really managed to retain control of this strategic city and lost it to the Pandyas several times. This tug of war finally ended when the Cholas reasserted themselves in the 10th century. The fort of Tiruchy continued to be in their possession until the decline of the empire after which it became a Vijayanagara stronghold.When this empire collapsed in 1565, Tiruchy (also called Trichy) came to be occupied in turn by the Nayaks of Madurai, the Marathas, the Nawabs of Carnatic, the French and finally the British. But it was under Nayaks of Madurai that Tiruchy flourished and prospered in its own right and grew to be the city that it is today. Tiruchy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the fort, there are several churches colleges and missions dating back to the 1760s. With its excellent infrastructure facilities, Tiruchy will serve as a good base to see central Tamilnadu.
Trichy's most famous landmark is an 83m high rock, which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. Atop of the rock is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Trichy. A flight of steps leads to the Mathrubutheswarar or Thayumanaswami temple dedicated to Lord Siva where the lingam is a projection of the rock itself.
This is the foremost of the 108 shrines glorified by the Alwars; all of the Alwars with the exception of Madhurakavi Alwar have sung of its glory. It is the one of the greatest centers of the Sri Vaishnava religion and among the most visited pilgrimage centers in India.
Undoubtedly the largest temple in India, and one among the grandest, it is a treasure house of art freezing various architectural styles over a period of time. It boasts of the tallest temple tower in India. Referred to as heaven on earth it is an ancient center of worship - vibrant with tradition and festivals. The Pancharanga Kshetrams along the course of the Kaveri are Srirangapatnam (Karnataka), Srirangam, Koyiladi (Anbil) and Kumbhakonam and Indalur (Mayiladuturai).
Srirangam is very closely associated with Ramanujacharya, the beacon of the Sri Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. Tiruvanaikka or Jambukeswaram, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams (associated with the primary element water) of Shiva, is located in the vicinity. Srirangam is located near Tiruchirappalli in Tamilnadu.
Offering one of the world's rocks among its abundance of tourist attractions with a marvellous temple at the summit. One among the many monuments of historic significance you can find in Tiruchi. A destination resplendent in ancient India's glory, a legacy proudly show cased in an array of museums.
It was originally known as Tirusirappally, named after the three-headed Asura Tirusiras, who obtained a boon after worshipping Siva here. The rock (of Rock Fort fame) is said to have been flown down from Kailas following an altercation between adi Sesha and Vayu. Hence Tiruchi is also reverd as Dakshina Kailas.
This historic town on the banks of river Kaveri was ruled by chola, Pandya and Pallava king – chanfing hands from time to time. It was also under the reigns of vijayanagar kings, the Nayaks of Madurai, Marathas, Mawabs of Carnatic, and the French and finally came under the rule of the British. The city is studded with temples, churches, mosques and fine monuments.
Trichinoploy, as it was known to the British, is usually sensibly abbreviated to ‘Trichy'. Situated at the head of the fertile Kaveri Delta, this city is named after the fierece three-headed demon (tirusara) who attained salvation after being slain by Shiva.
Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop that rises 83 m above the city is the massive Rock Fort. Constructed by the nauakas, who made this city their second capital in the 16th century, a small Ganesha Temple on the summit provides spectacular vies\ws.
It is from the Rock Fort that you can best judge the scale of the colossal Raghunathaswami Temple at Srirangam, 3.5 km away in a straight line. Set on an island in the Cavery River, the outer walls enclose an area 750m by 870m. The Rajagpouram gateway was stuck for centuries at the 15m mark. Constrictuion resumed in 1980, and 73m-high tower is not the tallest of its kind in Asia. Impressive enough, but artistically not a patch on older efforts.