Weekend Gateaway
Trip from Chennai to Tirchy:
When you have
friends who are like extended family, your trip become all the more
enjoyable! We had multiple purposes on this trip to Tirchy in Feb
2019.
To spend a weekend
with my best friends Manasi and Uday and meet up with Siddharth who is invited
as Chief Guest to Jamal Mohammed College in Tirchy and also make use of this
opportunity to visit the temples in and around Tirchy.
Chennai - Tirchy -
Jamal Mohammed College - Sri Ayyappan Temple - Sri Nachiar Temple
- Vakkaliamman Temple - Uttamar Kovil - Samayapuram Mariamman
Temple - Tirupattur Brahma Temple - Sri Rangam Ranganathar
Tirukovil - Chennai - 2 Days - 600+ Kilometers - 7 beautiful temples
and 1 temple of learning - Happy Times with Close Friends!
1. Sri Ayyappan
Temple
The Ayyappan
Temple is located at Cantonment,Tiruchirappalli. Sri Ayyappan
statue is 50 feet tall and magnificence appearance located towards the east.
2. Periya Nachiar
Temple
Azhagiya
Manavalan Perumal Temple (also called Thirukozhi or Nachiyar Koil) in Woraiyur,
a suburb Tiruchirappalli.
3.
Vakkaliamman Temple
At
a distance of 5 km from Trichy Railway Junction, Sri Vekkali Amman Temple is an
important pilgrimage centre dedicated to of Goddess Parvathi. It was the seat
of early Cholas situated in Woraiyur.
The presiding deity in this temple is found facing towards north. It was believed by the ancient kings that Gods and Goddess facing north will bless the kings with victory in the battle. Hence all the ancient kings used to pray Vekkali Amman before leaving to the battle field.
The sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Vekkali Amman. The major feature of the temple is the absence of roof over the sanctum. The idol of Vekkali Amman is seen in a seated posture. She is seen holding a trident, udukkai, a rope and Akshaya patra in her four hands. The temple has a golden chariot which is 9.75 ft high, made of 10.5 kg of gold and 25 kg of silver.
The temple is conducting the Sarva Chandi Homam for the past 23 years in the month of Avani (August / September), 5 day festival in Chithirai (April-May), Panguni Poochoridal (March-April), Mango abhisheka on the last Friday of Vaikasi (May-June), Navarathri in Purattasi (September-October), Fridays in Thai (January-February) and Fridays and Tuesdays in Aadi (July-August) witness important celebrations in the temple.
Here devotees write their wishes on a sheet of paper, place it at the feet of Amman and then tie it at a trident at the Sannidhi. Devotees complete their worship after their wishes are fulfilled.
The presiding deity in this temple is found facing towards north. It was believed by the ancient kings that Gods and Goddess facing north will bless the kings with victory in the battle. Hence all the ancient kings used to pray Vekkali Amman before leaving to the battle field.
The sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Vekkali Amman. The major feature of the temple is the absence of roof over the sanctum. The idol of Vekkali Amman is seen in a seated posture. She is seen holding a trident, udukkai, a rope and Akshaya patra in her four hands. The temple has a golden chariot which is 9.75 ft high, made of 10.5 kg of gold and 25 kg of silver.
The temple is conducting the Sarva Chandi Homam for the past 23 years in the month of Avani (August / September), 5 day festival in Chithirai (April-May), Panguni Poochoridal (March-April), Mango abhisheka on the last Friday of Vaikasi (May-June), Navarathri in Purattasi (September-October), Fridays in Thai (January-February) and Fridays and Tuesdays in Aadi (July-August) witness important celebrations in the temple.
Here devotees write their wishes on a sheet of paper, place it at the feet of Amman and then tie it at a trident at the Sannidhi. Devotees complete their worship after their wishes are fulfilled.
4. Uttamar
Kovil
Lord
Vishnu emerged as a Kadambha tree at this place, giving the name
"Kathambanur", which later became "Karambanur". The name
Karambanur is mentioned by Thirumangai Azhwar in Nalayira Divya Prabandam, in
which he refers the presiding deity as "Karambanur Uthaman". The
temple is commonly called "Uthamar Kovil" after the name of the
presiding deity. The temple is also called Bhikshandar Kovil as the Hindu god
Shiva is present in the form of Bhishadanar (a mendicant) and believed to have
attained cure by worshiping Vishnu at this place. As per history, once Lord
Vishnu wanted to test the devotion of Brahma. He raised as a Kadhamba tree in
the place and Brahma, knowing this, started his worship practise with
Thirumanjanam (ablution). The water from the ablution filled a tank nearby,
which came to be known as "Kathamba Theertham". Vishnu was satisfied
with the devotion of Brahma and gave a boon to Brahma to have a shrine in this
place. Shiva wanted to get rid off the sin holding the cut head of Brahma and
went on a sacred trip. While coming to this place, Vishnu requested his consort
Lakshmi to give alms to Shiva. Shiva's grail was filled by the alms and Lakshmi
came to be known as "Poornavalli" (the one who filled the grail).
5.
Samayapuram Marriamman Kovil
At
a distance of 1 km from Samayapuram Bus Stand, 11 km from Srirangam, 19 km from
Trichy, 66 km from Thanjavur & 317 km from Chennai, Sri Mariamman Temple
situated at Samayapuram on NH-45 is one of the popular temples in the state of
Tamil Nadu.
Sri Mariyamman Temple is dedicated to Samayapurathal or Mariamman, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The main deity in the sanctum is made of sand and clay and hence there are no abhishekams conducted to the main deity, but instead the abishekam is done to the small stone statue in front of it.
According to legend, the present deity was at the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam, and one of chief priests of the temple believed that the idol caused him illness and hence asked it to be removed from the temple. It is a common belief that such local deities have immense powers and they must always be satisfied by proper offerings and sacrifices.
According to history, King Vijayaraya Chakaravarthi built the present day temple in 17th century. The Goddess Mariamman has enormous powers over curing illnesses and hence, it is a ritual to buy small metallic replicas made with silver or steel of various body parts that need to be cured, and these are deposited in the donation box. Devotees also offer mavilakku, a sweet dish made of jaggery, rice flour and ghee. Persons affected by Chickenpox and Smallpox come to this place, stay here and pray the Goddess for speedy recovery. Abisheka Theertham is sprinkled on them after Pooja.
Sri Mariyamman Temple is dedicated to Samayapurathal or Mariamman, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The main deity in the sanctum is made of sand and clay and hence there are no abhishekams conducted to the main deity, but instead the abishekam is done to the small stone statue in front of it.
According to legend, the present deity was at the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam, and one of chief priests of the temple believed that the idol caused him illness and hence asked it to be removed from the temple. It is a common belief that such local deities have immense powers and they must always be satisfied by proper offerings and sacrifices.
According to history, King Vijayaraya Chakaravarthi built the present day temple in 17th century. The Goddess Mariamman has enormous powers over curing illnesses and hence, it is a ritual to buy small metallic replicas made with silver or steel of various body parts that need to be cured, and these are deposited in the donation box. Devotees also offer mavilakku, a sweet dish made of jaggery, rice flour and ghee. Persons affected by Chickenpox and Smallpox come to this place, stay here and pray the Goddess for speedy recovery. Abisheka Theertham is sprinkled on them after Pooja.
6. Tirupattur
Brahma Temple
At
a distance of 35 km from Trichy, Sri Brahmapureeswar Temple is one of the rare
temples dedicated to Lord Brahma situated at Thirupattur. While this is
predominantly a Shiva temple, it is very closely associated with Lord Brahma.
Devotees believed that a person can change his fate by seeking blessings at
Brahmapureeswarar Temple.
The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Brahmapureeswarar in the form of a Swayambu Lingam. He is called Brahmapureeswarar since he changed the destiny of Brahma. There are seven enclosures leading to the sanctum. Every year in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April) for three days, the sunlight falls directly on the presiding deity. It is a miracle that the sun rays cross the seven entrances and fall directly on the lingam.
Goddess Parvathi is worshipped as Brahma Sampath Gowri, situated adjacent to Sri Brahmapureeswarar shrine. There is a separate shrine for Lord Brahma in meditative pose sitting on a lotus. The idol of Lord Brahma is magnificent 6 feet high decorated with Turmeric. The temple complex also has the Jeeva Samadhi of Yogi Patanjali, the author of Yoga Sutras.
According to mythology, Lord Brahma once became very proud that he is the creator of the universe. He felt he was more powerful than Lord Shiva - since he had the power of creation. Seeing his pride, Lord Shiva got angry and destroyed Brahma's 5th head and also cursed him that he would lose his powers of creation. After losing his fifth head and the duty of creation, Brahma realized his mistake. He worshipped Shiva at various places to be relieved from the curse. Lord Brahma installed 12 lingams around the Bramhapureeshwarar site and worshipped Shiva here for very long time. Pleased by Brahma's affections, Shiva gave him darshan under the Magizha tree and liberated him from his punishment.
The 12 small shrines of Lord Shiva situated in the Bramhapureeshwarar temple complex are Sri Bhramapureeswara, Sri Pazamalainathar, Sri Pathalaeswarar, Sri Sudharaneeswarar, Sri Thayumannar, Sri Sabthagereswarar, Sri Kalathinathar, Sri Jambukeswarar, Sri Kailasanathar, Sri Arunachaleeswarar, Sri Ekambreswarar and Sri Manduganathar.
Brahmotsavam festival, Maha Shivarathri, Kathigai, Navarathri and Vinayaka Chathurthi are the major festivals celebrated here. Mondays and Thursdays are the most favored days for getting darshan.
The Kailasanathar temple is another temple located in Thirupattur, which is around 1 km from Brahmapureeswarar temple. This temple contains the jeeva samaadhi of sage Vyagrapadha.
The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Brahmapureeswarar in the form of a Swayambu Lingam. He is called Brahmapureeswarar since he changed the destiny of Brahma. There are seven enclosures leading to the sanctum. Every year in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April) for three days, the sunlight falls directly on the presiding deity. It is a miracle that the sun rays cross the seven entrances and fall directly on the lingam.
Goddess Parvathi is worshipped as Brahma Sampath Gowri, situated adjacent to Sri Brahmapureeswarar shrine. There is a separate shrine for Lord Brahma in meditative pose sitting on a lotus. The idol of Lord Brahma is magnificent 6 feet high decorated with Turmeric. The temple complex also has the Jeeva Samadhi of Yogi Patanjali, the author of Yoga Sutras.
According to mythology, Lord Brahma once became very proud that he is the creator of the universe. He felt he was more powerful than Lord Shiva - since he had the power of creation. Seeing his pride, Lord Shiva got angry and destroyed Brahma's 5th head and also cursed him that he would lose his powers of creation. After losing his fifth head and the duty of creation, Brahma realized his mistake. He worshipped Shiva at various places to be relieved from the curse. Lord Brahma installed 12 lingams around the Bramhapureeshwarar site and worshipped Shiva here for very long time. Pleased by Brahma's affections, Shiva gave him darshan under the Magizha tree and liberated him from his punishment.
The 12 small shrines of Lord Shiva situated in the Bramhapureeshwarar temple complex are Sri Bhramapureeswara, Sri Pazamalainathar, Sri Pathalaeswarar, Sri Sudharaneeswarar, Sri Thayumannar, Sri Sabthagereswarar, Sri Kalathinathar, Sri Jambukeswarar, Sri Kailasanathar, Sri Arunachaleeswarar, Sri Ekambreswarar and Sri Manduganathar.
Brahmotsavam festival, Maha Shivarathri, Kathigai, Navarathri and Vinayaka Chathurthi are the major festivals celebrated here. Mondays and Thursdays are the most favored days for getting darshan.
The Kailasanathar temple is another temple located in Thirupattur, which is around 1 km from Brahmapureeswarar temple. This temple contains the jeeva samaadhi of sage Vyagrapadha.
7. Srirangam
Ranganathamswamy Tirukovil
At
a distance of 1 km from Srirangam Railway Station, 9 km from Trichy Railway
Junction, 62 km from Thanjavur, 145 km from Madurai & 327 km from Chennai,
Srirangam is well known for Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple which is the foremost of
the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu. The temple is considered the
first among 108 prominent Vishnu temples and also one of the popular Tamilnadu
tourist places.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most famous temples in South India, constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. Built across an area of 156 acres, this temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. This temple lies on an island formed by the twin Rivers Cauvery and Kollidam. Though the temple existing since 2nd century BC, the archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century CE.
This temple is also known by other names such as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam and Bhogamandabam. It has seven enclosures formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run around the sanctum. Apart from the 7 enclosures with massive walls, the temple complex has 21 very colorful sculpted gopuras, 50 sub shrines, 9 sacred pools and a golden Vimana (dome) over the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most famous temples in South India, constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. Built across an area of 156 acres, this temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. This temple lies on an island formed by the twin Rivers Cauvery and Kollidam. Though the temple existing since 2nd century BC, the archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century CE.
This temple is also known by other names such as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam and Bhogamandabam. It has seven enclosures formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run around the sanctum. Apart from the 7 enclosures with massive walls, the temple complex has 21 very colorful sculpted gopuras, 50 sub shrines, 9 sacred pools and a golden Vimana (dome) over the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity.
This temple is the biggest functioning Hindu temple in India. The vimana over the sanctum of the temple is made up of gold and so is protected by an electric fence. The 236-feet Rajagopura (tower) is the tallest temple tower in India. There is also a royal temple tower, which covers a base area of 32500 sq. ft and has a height of 196 ft. It also comprises a hall containing 1000 pillars. Intricate sculptures are the most attractive part of the hall. The Hall was built during the Vijayanagara period (1336-1565). The second enclosure contains the shrine of Ranganayaki, an incarnation of Goddess of Lakshmi.
Jamal Mohammed
College
Best Place for
Vegetarian Food in Tirchy for Lunch :
Chellammal
Manpaanai Samayal
28 Officers Colony
Renganathapuram | Opposite to Goverment Hospital, Puthur,, Tiruchirappalli
620017, India
+91 98653 56896
Thanks
to Google maps we managed to reach Manpaanai samayal and after entering there
we realized it is worth of such a Struggle. Traditional food which will not be
available in normal hotels are available here and everything is served in Clay
Pot – And everything is more tastier than we expect. The secret is everything
is not only served in Clay Pot, but also ‘Cooked’ in Clay pot.
