According to Hindu mythology, the Ucchi Pillayar Temple, also known as the Rockfort Temple, is believed to be one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is situated on a rock in the center of Trichy and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
The temple is associated with an interesting legend that goes like this: Once, Lord Ganesha was traveling on his mount, the mouse, when he saw a beautiful rock formation in Trichy. He decided to rest there and transformed himself into a small boy and played with the local children. The children were delighted to have a new friend and they shared their food and games with him.
One day, when the boy was playing with the children, a local sage named Narada came by and recognized the boy as Lord Ganesha. He told the children and the boy to offer him some food. The boy was hesitant and told Narada that he had eaten too much and could not eat anymore. Narada insisted that he should eat something and gave him a blade of grass to eat.
To Narada’s surprise, the boy consumed the blade of grass and revealed his true form as Lord Ganesha. He told Narada that he had transformed himself into a boy to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and that he had chosen the rock as his resting place.
The sage was impressed by Lord Ganesha’s wisdom and devotion and asked him to stay on the rock as a guardian of the city. The temple was built around the rock in honor of Lord Ganesha’s presence and it is believed that those who visit the temple and climb the 344 steps to reach the top will be blessed with good fortune and success.
The temple is famous for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, and it remains a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike.
Ucchi Pillayar Temple, also known as the Rockfort Temple, is a popular Hindu temple located on a rock in Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), Tamil Nadu, India. Here are the ways to reach the temple:
- By Road: Trichy is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu by road. One can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
- By Train: Trichy Junction is the nearest railway station to the temple. From the railway station, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
- By Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the airport, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
The temple is located on a hill and can be accessed by climbing a flight of stairs. The climb can be challenging, so it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear and carry water. The temple offers a panoramic view of Trichy and the surrounding areas, making the climb worthwhile.
