30/03/2024
The rock is said to be one of the oldest formations in the world. It is about 3.8 billion years old
Ucchi Pillayar Temple is a 7th-century Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha located a top of Rock Fort, Trichy, Tamil Nadu. This Rock Fort is also called as Malaikottai in Tamil.
How to reach?
This temple is situated around 273 feet high and devotees have to climb nearly 400 steps to seek the Blessings of Lord Vinayaka.
The Rockfort temple complex carved into the hill here features three temples - the Manikka Vinayakar temple at the bottom of the hill, the Uchchi Pillaiyaar temple on top of the hill and the Thayumaanavar temple in middle. This Rockfort Temple gives an aerial view of the entire Trichy City along with Srirangam Temple, River Kaveri & River Kollidam.
Though the Pallava Kings laid the Foundation for this Temple Complex it was the Madhurai Nayakas who developed and completed the construction.
Legend:
Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, was returning to Sri Lanka after witnessing the coronation of Lord Rama at Ayodhya. He was carrying an image of Ranganatha (Vishnu) given to him by Rama for worship, with the caveat that it would get stuck to the earth if placed on the ground.
Vibhishana proceeded southward and for inevitable reasons had to take a break on the banks of the Cauvery where he was met by Ganapati in the guise of a young lad, who promised to take care of the idol, while he performed his morning rituals.
The lad dropped the idol to the ground, enraging Vibhishana and it took root in the soil and is now believed to be the Ranganatha Perumal at Sree Rangam Temple. Ganesha immediately ran from King Vibhishana to this rock top where the Ucchipillayar temple is built. There is a pit on the top of his forehead, believed to have been created when Vibhishana rapped him on the head in anger.