Rock Fort Vinayakar temple, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. panoramio.com
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| Rock Fort Vinayakar temple, Tiruchrapalli,www.breezeresidency.com |
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| Rock Fort Vinayakar temple, Tiruchirapalli,www.www.flickr.com |
The 7th century Vinayagar temple (popularly called Ucchi Pillaiyar Kovil) atop the small hill and the Thaayumanavar temple at lower level dedicated to Lord Shiva are located in the center of the city. They are quite well known landmarks of Tiruchi and attract thousands of of visitors every day. The Pallavas first built part of the cave temple and it was the Nayaks of Madurai, under the Vijayanagara empire, who completed both the temples. In fact this small hillock is made of igneous rocks predominantly belonging to granite and related varieties that are formed way below the earth's surface and are the oldest rocks in the world, almost 3.5 billion years old, even older than the Vindhayan mountains and Himalayan Mountains, the latter being of recent origin made of sedimentary rocks. Quartz and feldspar constitute bulk of granite rocks. They were formed at the time of the formation of the earth. To reach the top, one has to make a stiff climb on the hill, covering 437 steps from the bottom - adivaaram in local parlance. Atop the hillock, you will be amazed by the breath-taking view of Trichy city in all four directions. No body can miss the captivating views of the tall tower (Gopuram) of Srirangam Ranganathar temple, the old railway bridges across the rivers Cauvery and Kollidam (built during the colonial period), the tall beautiful church (Our Lady of Lourdes Church) adjacent to St. Joseph college, etc. At the distance you can see the island of Srirangam in between the Cauvery and Coleroon rivers. In the evening, with the cool, soothing wind blowing across the hill top will you may feel relaxed and composed. Sometime you may feel like going into a trance.
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| Tiruchi rock fort Vinayagar temple. temple.yatradham.org |
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| old photo of rock fort, Tiruchirapalli,1858.oldindianphotos.in |
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| Rock fort Vinayagar temple, Tiruchi, Karthigai Deepam.pinrest.com |
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| Rock Fort Vinayakar temple, Tiruchirapalli Shutterstock |
This region witnessed numerous fierce historical battles among various rulers. The decisive Carnatic War here saw the British power well established in south India. The British troops were led by none other than Robert Clive, the man who later masterminded the take over of the huge Bengal province and adjacent states after the Battle of Buxer. Clive fought against the French forces led by Gov. Dupleix and Nawob Chand Shaib. Clive lived in this city for a brief period. There is a hostel being run by St. Joseph college, Thiruchi and it is a famous land mark in the main market area inside the Main Guard Gate. It was here the British gained a foothold in Tamil Nadu and later other parts of South India. The fort palace was a mute spectator of the transfer of power from Queen Meenakshi of Madurai Nayak dynasty and Regent to Chanda Sahib, whose alley was the Kingdom of France. He lost this command when his uncle, the Nawab of the Carnatic along with the British, fought a tough battle and took control of the fort and the region after the Carnatic wars. Thus the British established their supremacy here.
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| Bell tower, on the rock fort, Tiruchirapall. www.pinterest.com |
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| Tiruchirapalli city, Tamil Nadu.Tiruchian - WordPress.com |
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| Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple,Trichy, TN Flickr |
There are numerous temples in and around this city and the world famous Kallanai - roughly 2000 year old water- diversion dam built by the great Karikala Chola is just nearby. Thousands of people visit Kallanai - Grand Anaicut, oldest dam in the world. During the British rule, Engineer Caldwell strengthened the dam and used it as model for his other projects in the state of Andhra.
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