Places
To See
Rock Fort
The view from the fort is spectacular. The Vinayaka temple at the top is reached
by climbing a tunnel in rock. Half way up is the Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple,
dedicated to Lord Siva. It has a 100-pillar hall and a Vimana covered with gold.
On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully carved rock-cut cave
temples of the Pallava period.
Tiruvanaikkaval
(7 kms.) The temple here has a Siva lingam almost submerged in water, which
flows from a subterranean spring in the sanctum sanctorum. The Lord's name Jambukeswarar
is derived from a legend that an elephant once worshipped Him under the holy
Jambu tree.
Srirangam
The most important pilgrim center in the district is located in an island just
5kms from Trichy. Srirangam, surrounded by the waters of the Cauvery on one
side and its tributary Kollidam on the other, is a 600 acre island-town enclosed
within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganatha Temple.
There are not less than 22 gopurams, one of which is the tallest in India. The
72m high 13-tiered Rajagopuram was built in 1987 and dominates the landscape
for miles around, while the remaining 21 gopurams were built between the 14th
and 17th centuries.
Tiruvanaikkaval or Jambukeswara Temple
Situated 2kms east of Srirangam, this beautiful Siva temple steals the show
from the larger Ranganathaswami temple due to its excellent architectural
design. The temple is named after the elephant which is believed to have worshipped
Lord Siva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially
submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as Water.
Gangaikondancholapuram (100kms)
The Brahadeeswarar temple at Gangaikondancholapuram was conceived and constructed
by the Chola King Rajendra -I after his victory over the kingdoms in the region
of the river Ganges. Apart from the huge Nandi, there are some beautiful sculptures
including a dancing Ganesa, a lion-headed well and a stunning piece depicting
Rajendra being crowned by Siva and Parvati.
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