About Malaikottai Uchipillayar Temple

A flight of 417 steps, carved on the 273 feet high hillock, leads to the threshold of the Rock Fort complex. This archaic rock dates back a billion years, and still now stands majestically in the core of Trichy.

Architecture:

The Rock Fort complex houses two shrines, one dedicated to Lord Siva and the other to Lord Ganesha. The architecture is purely Dravidian and has a tint of Nayak style. Though the buildings are hoary, they never lose their peculiarity and continue to awe the audience. Red stones and rocks are the major construction materials. The very first entrance is adorned by the colossal Manicka Vinayagar, with his ever-loving face and adorable belly. The auditorium next to it has many intricate paintings of Lord Vinayagar and can accommodate a huge mob. This fort has served many empires during wartime. The panoramic view from the apex of this hillock will chill your spine.

History:

The Pallava king, Mahendra Varma 1, laid the first stone to this temple and completed it in the 7th century AD. This Fort was used by Nayaks, Pallavas and other rulers during wartime.

Timings: The temple is kept open from 6 am to 12.30 am, then from 4 pm to 8.30 pm

Nearby Tourist Places: Trichy has a lot more places to visit, including Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, St. Lourdes Church, Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Kallanai Dam and Samayapuram Mariamman Temple.

How to Reach Malaikottai Uchipillayar Temple?

• Air: Trichy airport is about three kilometres from the central town, and all local and international flights are available.
• Bus: Trichy is a commercial city, and buses are available from all over Tamil Nadu.
• Train: Trichy Railway Station has connectivity to all main cities.