Tiruchirapalli, formerly known as Trichy, is a small, rapidly growing city in Tamil Nadu. It is a refreshing reprieve from cities that are either entirely religious or are nothing but concrete jungles. It fascinates you with its abundance of temples and cathedrals, as well as the incredible individuality that each of these buildings conveys.
How to reach?Â
By air
The closest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport, which is 5 kilometres away from the city. Regular domestic and international flights are readily available from various cities to Trichy.
By rail
This city has a railway station that connects to several other states, including Delhi, Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and many more. In the city, there are six railway stations, with the Trichy railway junction serving as the primary one.
By roadÂ
The roads are well-connected, providing you with a comfortable drive from Tamil Nadu’s major cities and neighbouring states. You can travel to Trichy by vehicle via five major routes/ highways that run through the city: NH45, NH67, NH227, NH210 and NH45B.
See also: Places to visit in Trichy for a memorable trip
Trichi temples to visit
It is believed that Trichy is the geographical centre of Tamil Nadu. Every religious person should visit one of the various well-known temples in Trichy, popularly known as Rockfort temple, at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the most developed and well-populated states, with its own heritage and culture and a wealth of majestic and historically accurate sites, in addition to Trichy sightseeing and the jungle.Â
Ucchi Pillayar Rockfort Temple
The Rockfort Ganpathi Temple is by far Trichy’s most visited location. It gets its name from its distinctive architecture. The massive granite that makes up the temple’s structure is thought to be the world’s oldest—older than the Himalayan Mountains. The pilgrims arrive at the main temple area after ascending 344 stairs. The Thayumanaswamy, or Lord Shiva, and the Pillayar, or Lord Ganesha, are the two sub-parts of the temple. The temple dates its beginnings to the seventh century. The Lord’s Lingam form is kept in the Shiva temple.
Location: Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort, N Andar St, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620002.
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
Time required: It will take 20 to 30 mins on weekdays, 30 to 45 mins on weekends and 2 to 3 hours during festivals.
How to reach: The Rockfort Ganesh Temple is situated about 5 km from Trichy Central Bus Stand, 5 km from Trichy Railway Station, 4 km from Srirangam, and 10 km from Trichy International Airport. Trichy has good access to district roads, state highways, and national highways via the road network.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year and during festivals.
Source: PinterestÂ
Samayapuram Amman Temple
About 20 miles from Trichy’s centre is where the stunning temple is situated. The goddess Mariamman, who is worshipped here, is thought to be the goddess of vigour. Additionally, Mariamman is thought to bestow health and wealth upon its devotees. There is a fervent belief that this deity can treat both chickenpox and smallpox. Processional images of Mariamman and the moolavar, or main idol, have their own shrines at this temple.
The location is particularly well-known for the Thaipusam festival, which is commemorated annually with great enthusiasm. Since the goddess’s main idol is built of sand and clay, it does not undergo the abhishekams (holy washing) that are performed at nearly all other Hindu temples. As a sign of respect, the abhishekam is instead performed on the tiny stone statue that stands in front of the idol.Â
Another well-known custom entails purchasing miniature metallic replicas of the idol to keep at home whenever a member of the family becomes ill. Once the illness has been treated, the replicas are donated to a donation box.
Location: 13/1, Maruthur Rd, Tiruchirappalli, Maruthur Rd, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 621112.
Timings: 5.30 AM to 9.30 PM (morning), 4 PM to 8 PM (evening)
How to reach: Tiruchirappalli Airport is the one that is closest to the Samayapuram temple. The nearest railway station is located at Tiruchirappalli. There are ample buses leaving from Trichy, which is 15 kilometres from the temple.
Time required: 2 hours
Best time to visit: January to May, as the significant festivals are celebrated in this temple.
Source: PinterestÂ
Vekkali Amman Temple
The Vekkali Amman Temple is devoted to Goddess Vekkali, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple is situated in the village of Woraiyur in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, in southern India. The goddess is regarded as the picture of supreme power, wisdom, harmony, and serenity. The heavenly energy of Vekkali Amman is palpable as soon as one enters the shrine.Â
People who follow the Goddess come to her majestic temple to pray, ask for blessings, and express gratitude for everything she has given them. The goddess’ shrine is a magnificent structure with a magnificent chariot made of gold and silver. One might write their wishes on a piece of paper and put it in a box. Many report that their desires have been granted and that Vekkali Amman’s divine power has only grown stronger with each passing day.
Since the Chola dynasty, the Vekkali Amman Temple has been known to exist in the area. The temple holds great religious significance for the devotees, who believe that Goddess Vekkali is the community’s protector. People who are constantly looking for ways to challenge constricting ideas ought to stop by this shrine at least once.
Location: Vekkaliyamman, 11c, S S Kovil Street, Woraiyur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620003.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Best time to visit: The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is beautiful all day. Additionally, throughout these months, a few significant festivals are celebrated that visitors might see.
How to reach: Within the village of Woraiyur, there are excellent road connections that lead to the Vekkali Amman Temple. Buses frequently travel through the village. For added convenience, visitors can use taxis to travel to the temple from Vadakara Street.
Time required: 2-3 hoursÂ
Source: PinterestÂ
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is located in Trichy’s Srirangam town. Lord Ranganatha, a recumbent version of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped in this temple. The entire area of the temple complex and its surroundings is 156 acre.
It was built in the Dravidian architectural style. The temple is the world’s largest functioning temple. Its exceptional architecture features an exquisite entryway, the tallest “gopuram” in India, and 21 surrounding gopurams. A royal temple tower with a base area of 32,500 square foot and a height of 196 ft is also present there. A hall with almost 1,000 ornate pillars is another feature of the temple.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Srirangam temple on January 20, 2024 ahead of the Ayodhya Pran Prathistan of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024. He is the first serving Prime Minister to visit this temple.Â
Location: Uthra Street, Thirumangalam, Trichy – 621703, Opposite State Bank Of India.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Best time to visit: February to SeptemberÂ
How to reach: Tiruchirapalli International Airport, located around 13 kilometres away from Srirangam, is the closest airport. There are frequent bus services from Trichy to Srirangam, and Tiruchirapalli is well-connected to the country’s major towns and cities by rail and road.
Time required: More than 3 hours
Source: PinterestÂ
Viralimalai Murugan Temple
The Viralimalai Murugan Temple is situated in the heart of Trichy’s Viralimalai town. The temple is one of Tamil Nadu’s most well-known temples. The name of the temple originates from the Viralimalai hill, which is where it is situated.
There are around 207 stairs to climb in order to get to the temple. There are also a few mandapams along the route that offer restrooms for the pilgrims. A variety of trees, primarily Kura trees and orchards, surround the temple. The temple area is also home to a large number of peacocks and squirrels. On the pillars of the temple are various sculptures of Arumugam and Arunagirinathar, as well as statues of Kashyapa and Narad Muni. An image of Lord Muruga, who is perched on a peacock, is kept in the temple. The temple pooja is performed six times a day.
Location: Neathaji Nagar, Viralimalai, Tamil Nadu 621316.
Timings:Â 6 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM
Best time to visit: Throughout the yearÂ
How to reach: The bus route connecting Madurai and Trichy passes via Viralimalai. It is located 40 kilometre northwest of Pudukottai and 25 kilometre from Trichy. Viralimalai is 37 1/2 kilometre away from Azhankudi. In close proximity to the town lies a railway station. Buses that run between Trichy and Madurai and Pudukottai and Illupur pass through Viralimalai.
Time required: 2 hoursÂ
Source: PinterestÂ
Brahmapureeswarar Temple
Brahmapureeswarar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine that was established by Lord Brahmapureeswarar in the form of the Swayambu Lingam because it is thought that he altered Lord Brahma’s destiny. It is situated in the Tirupattur area close to Tiruchi in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a local belief that visiting this temple, which is primarily dedicated to Shiva, might help one change their destiny. In a separate shrine, Lord Brahma can be found sitting in his well-known lotus flower in a meditation position. In the temple, Goddess Parvathi is also revered.
Sri Bhramapureeswara, Sri Pazhamalai Nathar, Sri Pathalaeswarar, Sri Kalathi Nathar, Sri Jambukeswarar, Sri Sudharaneeswarar, Sri Thayumannar, Sri Sabthagiri Eswarar, Sri Kailasanathar, Sri Arunachaleeswarar, Sri Ekambareswarar, and Sri Manduganathar are among the 12 separate shrines of Lord Shiva which are present here. Mondays and Thursdays are very crowded days at the temple. The Brahmotsavam festival, Maha Shivarathri, Kathigai, Navarathri, and Vinayaka Chathurthi are among the most well-known festivals celebrated here.
Location: Thirupattur, Manachanallur Taluk, Tiruchirappalli ,Tamil Nadu 621105.
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM (morning), 4 PM – 8 PM (evening)
How to reach: The temple is 38 kilometres from Tiruchirapalli Airport, which is the closest airport. From Tiruchirapalli Junction, the temple is 35 kilometres away. The distance from Tiruchirapalli’s gate to the shrine by cab is 30 kilometres. For the commute, public buses are also an option.
Time required: 2 hoursÂ
Best time to visit: March-AprilÂ
Source: PinterestÂ
Varahi Amman Temple
The Varahi Amman Temple is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli district near Mangal Nagar, Woraiyur. The temple is devoted to Saptha Matha Varahi Amman, one of the revered Matrika. Saptha Matha is the fifth mother in the Matrikas, a group of seven mothers or goddesses. Sri Varahi Daasar Boopathi Swami, a devoted and staunch devotee of the seven goddesses, founded the temple at Tiruchirapalli.
Location: Kulumani Main Rd, Mangala Nagar, Woraiyur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620120, India.
Timings: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5.30 PM to 8.30 PM
How to reach: The temple can be accessed in a number of ways. The Varahi Amman temple is roughly 5 kilometres from the bus station, 6 kilometres from the major bus stand, and 7 kilometres from the Tiruchirapalli train station. The domestic airport in Tiruchirapalli is 12 kilometres away from the temple.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Best time to visit: Throughout the yearÂ
Source: PinterestÂ
Sri Kungumavalli Sametha Thanthondreeswarar Temple
Varaguna Pandiyan II constructed this masterpiece in the ninth century. The Thanthone Eswarar Temple, with Lord Shiva as the main deity, is a temple that is situated at Wariyar, Tiruchirapalli. Inscriptions from 885 AD can be found in the temple. The temple is said to have been built as a result of the Chola queen Kanthimathi’s fervent devotion, according to mythology.Â
The temple also has idols of the Navagraha, Swarna Akarshana Bhairavar, Muruga, Kali, and Ganesha (9 Celestial Bodies). The temple is renowned for blessing childless women and ensuring safe deliveries to protect women. The temple, which enjoys enormous popularity among the inhabitants, has greatly increased national and international prominence.
Location: Salai Road, Tennur, Sakthi Mariamman Nagar, Woraiyur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620003.
Timing:Â 5:30 AM to 8 PM
How to reach: The temple is located in Tiruchirapalli. The Chathiram bus stand, which is 3 kilometres from this site, and the Central bus stand, which is 8 kilometres away, are the two closest bus stops.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Arulmigu Kamalavalli Nachiyar Koil
This Hindu temple worships Lord Vishnu and is also known as Arulmigu Kamalavalli Nachiyar Koil or Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple. It is also known as the Nachiyar Koil Mandir and is thought to have been built in the Dravidian architectural style in the seventh century.Â
The temple, which is located in Tiruchirapalli, is very significant to worshippers of Vishnu. Thiruppan Alvar, one of the Alvar saints, was born there. It is one of Lord Vishnu’s 108 Desams. Among all the festivals held in the temple, Serthi Sevai, a celebration of homecoming, is especially well-liked. Dolostava, Vasanthothsava, and Navratri are a few other festivals that are commemorated at the temple. Devotees travel from all over the country and world to the temple, a masterpiece of Tamilian architecture with a magnificent five-tier entryway.
Location: 25, Nachiyar Kovil Sannathi St, Woraiyur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620017.
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM
How to reach: The closest bus stop is Chatram Bus Stop, the closest train station is Trichy Fort Railway Station/TP, and the closest airport is Trichy International Airport.
Best time to visit: Throughout the yearÂ
Sri Boologa Nathar Shiva Temple, Trichy
The Sri Boolg Nathar Shiva Temple, which houses Lord Shiva and is known as Boolganathar locally, is situated in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. Arda mandapam, maha mandapam, sanctum, and two surrounding mandapams are all part of this enormous three-tiered structure. Shrines dedicated to numerous different deities, including Ganesh, Surya, Natraja, and Shivakami, can be seen. The temple enthusiastically commemorates numerous festivals all year long. May-June sees Vaikasi Vikasam, July-August sees Aadi Pooram, September-October sees Navarathari, October sees Skanda Sashti, and November sees Tirukarthikai.
Other festivals celebrated here at the start of the year are Thai Poosam and Thirtha Utsav. The five holy trees present in the mandir are well-respected by the followers. Every day, hundreds of devotees visit the temple to worship the Shiva Linga and other deities.
Location: Boologa Nathar Kovil, EB Rd, Tharanallur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620008.
Timing: 6 AM to 12.30 PM and from 4 PM to 8 PM
How to reach: The temple is roughly 500 metre from Trichy fish market bus stop, 4 kilometre from Trichy Railway Station, 3 kilometre from Trichy Fort Railway Station, 2 kilometre from Trichy Town Railway Station, 4 kilometre from Trichy Central bus stand, 4 kilometre from Trichy Chatram bus station, and 10 kilometre from Trichy airport.
Best time to visit: Throughout the yearÂ
Thiruvanaikoil (Jambukeswarar) Temple
Thiruvanaikoil is one of the oldest temples in India, located in Tiruchirappalli, that worship Lord Shiva. The temple was allegedly constructed more than 1800 years ago. During the early Chola period, Kocengannan built the temple.
The Jambukeswarar Temple, one of Tamil Nadu’s five main Shiva temples, known as Pancha Bhoota Stalam, is situated on Srirangam Island. These five temples each represent one of the five principal elements, with the Jambukeswarar Temple standing in for water. In keeping with this belief, the Jambukeswarar Temple’s sanctum features an underground water stream. Despite the water being periodically drained out, it is constantly filled with water. Nine different water sources are connected to this temple in Tiruchirappalli.
The Shiva Lingam is referred to as Appu Lingam in Tamil as a result of the legend that states Lord Shiva manifested himself here as water. Inscriptions from the Chola era are still present in this ancient temple.
Location: N Car St, Srirangam, Thiruvanaikoil, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620005.
Timings: Morning Hours: 6 AM to 1 PM, Evening Hours: 4 PM to 9 PM, Lunch Time: 12 PM to 2 PM
Time required: 15 to 20 mins during weekdays, 30 to 40 mins on the weekends and 2 to 3 hours on the festival days.Â
Best time to visit: September to June 1st week.Â
How to reach: The Chathiram bus stand, which is 3 kilometres away, and the Central bus stand, which is 8 kilometres away, are the closest bus stops to this site in Trichy.
Source: PinterestÂ
What are the must buy things in Trichy?
FAQsÂ
Which is one of the oldest temples in India?
Thiruvanaikoil (Jambukeswarar) Temple is one of the oldest temples in India, located in Tiruchirappalli, that worships Lord Shiva. The temple was allegedly constructed more than 1800 years ago.
Which is a well-known temple in Tamil Nadu that worships Lord Vishnu?
Arulmigu Kamalavalli Nachiyar Koil temple is a Hindu temple that worships Lord Vishnu. It is also known as the Nachiyar Koil Mandir and is thought to have been built in the Dravidian architectural style in the seventh century.
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