Tiruchi, June 28, 2013: Tiruchirappalli, earlier known as Tirisirapuram, is one of the most famous temple towns in Tamilnadu. There are a number of historical Hindu temples and fortresses. It is believed that the three-headed demon Trishira prayed to the Hindu god Shiva. Because of the  3 peaks on the Rockfort, the city got its name as Tirisirapuram(meaning: 3 peaks).  These 3 peaks are occupied by three Gods- Shiva, Parvathi and Vinayaka (Uchi Pillayar)

 The Uchi Pilliyar temple has the architectural touch of the Dravidian ages and is located at a height of 273ft, with over 400 steps. The initial work of the temple was done by the Pallavas, but the final work was done by the Nayakas of Madurai. This temple takes us back to the time of lord Ram and how he fought for his tradition, culture and his society against the asuras, Ravana and his younger brother Vibhishana. It also reminds us of how he won the war and how he won the respect, and love of millions of followers.

 The story behind this temple goes such as how after lord Ram won the war, he gifted Vibhishana the idol of lord Ranganatha and since Vibhishana was an asura, the other devas did not want him to take the idol to Ceylon with him. Since they did not know how to proceed, they sought to Lord Vinayaka for assistance. When Vibhishana was on his way back to Ceylon through Trichi, he decided to stop at the river Kaveri, to perform his daily rituals. But he had a problem. Once the idol was placed on the ground, it could not be removed. So he needed someone to carry the idol for him, till he finished his rituals. So once he reached the river, he gave the idol to a little boy to hold. When he was done with his work, the boy had disappeared and the idol was on the floor. He tried lifting up several times but all in vain. Furiously, he chased the boy up the mountains and when he found him, he knocked off the boys head in anger. The boy then transformed into Lord Vinayaka and this shocked Vibhishana. He Immediately apologized and Vinayaka sent him off with his blessings. Even today, Lord Vinayaka has a wound on his head.

This temple celebrates the annual Brahmotsavam Chithirai, Aadi Pooram and the float festival in Panguni where you can have a fantastic view of the Srirangam and the rivers Kaveri and Kollidam from the top of this hill.

Source: chennaionline.com, DT. June 28, 2013.