Ucchi Pillayar Temple alias Rock Fort temple at Rockfort near Trichy in Tamilnadu is a seventh ccentury temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha ran away from King Vibishana, after establishing the Ranganathaswamy deity at Srirangam. King Vibishana is the brother of the King Ravana who reigned Lanka in Ramayana, the great Hindu epic.
Arulmigu Uchi Pillaiyar Temple is 83 metres tall, on top of a rock. Hence, it is known as Malaikottai. Mala or malai, in some of the south Indian languages means hill and kottai means fort. Acess to the temple is though steep steps carved on the rocks. Trichy and Srirangam Towns can be viewed from the temple premises. Kaveri and Kollidam rivers can also be seen from here.
Arulmigu Uchi Pillaiyar Temple or Rockfort was built by the Pallavas who reigned from A.D. 275 to A.D. 897. this temple is currently under the maintanance of the Archaeological department of India. It is administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu State Goverment.
Manicka Vinayagar at the foothills of Ucchi Pillayar Temple is generally worshipped first, before going atop, as a mark of reverence to Ucchi Pillayar.
Pilgrims and tourists alike find the climb to Ucchi Pillayar Temple both spiritual and rewarding. The ascent through narrow steps carved into the ancient rock offers a glimpse into the architectural skills of the Pallavas. The temple, though modest in size, carries immense cultural and religious significance, attracting thousands during festivals like Vinayaka Chaturthi. The panoramic view from the top is especially captivating at sunrise and sunset, when the golden rays light up the twin rivers and the bustling town below. For devotees, the temple is not just a monument, but a sacred symbol of faith, endurance, and divine blessings.
How Do I Go to Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple?
Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple is 5.4 kilometers from Tiruchirappalli alias Trichy railway station. Trichy is well connected by buses. There is also a small airport at Trichy, which is conencted to Chennai and some other nearby cities in Tamilnadu.
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