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Rock Fort Temple: The temple is manifested on a rock that is 83 metres tall. There are 437 steep steps to reach the temple. Enroute to the temple is the Sri Thayumanaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a 100-pillared hall, and a vimana covered with gold. On the southern facade of the rock, many beautifully carved rock-cut temples of the Pallava period are found. Non Hindus are not allowed into the Sanctum. The Nayaks who built this temple also developed the town. Tiruvanaikkaval:
The Jambukeshwara temple, here, is dedicated to Shiva, and it houses five concentric walls, and seven gopurams. Once an elephant worshipped Lord Shiva under the holy Jambu tree and
hence the name Jambukeshwar. Shiva Lingam is partially submerged in water which flows from an underground
spring. Srirangam (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple):
This magnificent temple complex is situated at 3 km from Rock Fort. This is one of the finest temples in South India dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is probably the largest temple complex in the whole of India. This 13th century temple is surrounded by 7 concrete walls with 21 gopurams. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the gold topped Sanctum but can visit as far as the sixth wall. The whole place is very fascinating and there is a small museum containing sculptures within, the temple precincts.
Uttamar Koil (Bhikshandar Koil) near
Tiruchi:
Tirukkarambanur is located in Uttamar Koyil - also known as Bhikshaandaar Koyil, a village located on the railroad between
Tiruchi and Villuppuram. This shrine is also known as Nepakshetram or Adimapuram. Tirumangai Alwar refers to 'Karambanur Uthaman' in a lone verse, where he states that Uthaman of Karambanur, Perumal of Kurunkudi and Tiruttankaal, are none other than Ranganathar of Srirangam - in a decade of verses praising Srirangam. It is believed Tirumangaialwar lived here, supervising the renovation of the Srirangam temple.
Shiva's shrine is situated south of Vishnu's shrine, facing west. There is also a shrine to Dasaratha Lingam and Soundara
Parvati. There are also shrines to Andal, Varadarajaperumaal,
Venugopalan, Rama, Vinayakar, Natarajar, Subramaniyar, Saneeswaran and
Anjaneyar. The Bhikshatanar form of Shiva is considered to be of great significance.
Tiruvellarai near
Tiruchi:
This divya desam is located at a distance of 27 km from Tiruchi, enroute to Turaiyur. This is a vast temple, with imposing walls. The main shrine has two entrances, referred to as the Uttarayana Vaayil and the Dakshinayana Vaayil as in the Sarangapani temple at Kumbhakonam. As implied by their names, the Uttarayana Vaayil is open from the Tamil month of Thai (Capricorn) onwards, until the month of Aadi (Cancer) from when on, the Dakshinayana Vaayil is used.
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In addition, the temple has another entrance referred to as the 'Naazhi Kettaan Vaayil' where it is believed that Vishnu was intercepted and questioned by his consort, upon his returning home later, after his sojourn. Images of Sree Devi, Bhu Devi, Surya, Chandra and Aadiseshan (in human form) are seen in the sanctum. There are as many as
seven theerthams within the temple complex. Ramanujacharyar is said to have lived here, and Manavalamaamuni and Desikacharyar have also sung of this shrine.
Uraiyur near Tiruchi:
This divya desam is situated in
Uraiyur, the ancient Chola capital, now a part of Tiruchi; the Shivastalam enshrining Panchavarneswarar is also located in
Uraiyur. Tirukkozhi is the birthplace of Tiruppaanalwar the author of Amalanadipiran (the celebrated paasuram describing the glory of the image of
Ranganathar, at Srirangam). Azhagiya Manavalar (in a standing posture) facing north, with his consort Kamalavalli in the same sanctum in a seated posture are the presiding deities here. There is no festival image for
Perumal and the festival image of Ranganathar is brought in a procession from Srirangam to commemorate his marriage with
Senkamalavalli. A valiant rooster, believed to have warded off an elephant with its beak, at Uraiyur; the name Tirukkozhi (Mookkeeswaram) possibly stems from this legend. Kamalavalli Naachiyaar, daughter of the local Chola King is said to have meditated upon Vishnu, and married him after which the Chola King built this temple, with its door facing North towards Srirangam. Upon entering the temple, one encounters a large mandapam with pillars ornamented with exquisite sculptures. There are several mandapams in the temple prakaram, with shrines to Alwars and Acharyas. There is a shrine to Tiruppaanalwar north of the temple tank. In the month of Pankuni, the image of Ranganathar from Srirangam is brought in a procession to this temple and a grand Kalyana Utsavam is celebrated on the day preceding Pankuni Uthiram. The Tiruppanalwar festival is held in the month of Kartikai.
Koyiladi
near Lalgudi: This divya desam is located at a distance of about 10 km from Lalgudi near
Tiruchi. Vishnu is referred to as Appakkudattaan or Appalaa Ranganathar; the sanctum enshrining Vishnu in a reclining posture, faces west. The image of Appakkudattaan, blessing Upamanya Muni, holds a pot. Legend has it that Upamanyu Muni and Paraasarar were blessed by Vishnu here.
This is a temple built at an elevation on a hill by name Indragiri. With two prakarams, it covers an area of about 2.5 acres, and has a rajagopuram of great workmanship.
Vayaloor:
Vayaloor is located on the outskirts of Tiruchirapalli. There is a small Muruga temple, set amidst the lush green vegetation.
St. John's Church:
Built in 1812, this Church has doors, which when opened, turns the church into an airy pavilion. The brilliant architecture of the church is a treat to the eyes.
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