Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfortउच्चि पिल्लैयार मंदिर, रॉकफोर्ट

About Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort

The Ucchi Pillayar Temple sits at the very top of the Rockfort, the great rock that rises about 83 metres above the old city of Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). 'Ucchi' means summit and 'Pillayar' is the Tamil name for Ganesha. The small shrine is one of the city's best-known landmarks, and the climb up the rock, past the Thayumanaswamy temple halfway, is a favourite with pilgrims and tourists alike. From the top, visitors see the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers, the towers of Srirangam and the spread of the city below.

According to the Sri Ranga Mahatmya, after the Ramayana war Rama gave Vibhishana an image of Ranganatha, which was not to be placed on the ground. The gods did not want it taken to Lanka, so Ganesha appeared as a boy and offered to hold it while Vibhishana bathed in the Kaveri. The boy set it down, and it took root at Srirangam. When the angry Vibhishana chased the boy up this rock and struck him on the forehead, Ganesha revealed his true form. Tradition says a mark on the forehead of the image recalls this blow. The rock was first cut by the Pallavas, and the temples on it were completed under the Nayaks of Madurai.

The approach starts near the Manicka Vinayagar shrine at the foot of the rock, where devotees pray first. A long flight of steps, much of it cut into the rock and partly covered, leads up through the Thayumanaswamy (Shiva) temple to the summit. The final stretch is steep and open, ending at the compact hilltop shrine of Ganesha. The rock also holds ancient rock-cut cave shrines of the Pallava period. The walk takes about 20–30 minutes at an easy pace.

Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort timings & aarti

Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort

Festivals at Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort

• Vinayaka ChaturthiAug/Sep
• Karthigai DeepamNov/Dec
• Chithirai festival (Thayumanaswamy)Apr/May

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest clothing is recommended. Footwear must be left at the bottom before climbing.

Entry

A small entry ticket is usually charged for the climb; a separate fee may apply for cameras.

• Footwear is not allowed on the steps, which become very hot by midday; go early or late.
• The climb has a few hundred steps; elderly visitors should rest at the Thayumanaswamy temple halfway.
• Carry water and keep a hand free for the railings on the steep top section.
• Sunset views from the summit are especially beautiful.
• Beware of monkeys on the way up.

Places to visit near Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort

• Thayumanaswamy TempleShiva temple on the same rock, halfway up
• Jambukeswarar Temple, ThiruvanaikavalPancha Bhoota temple of water, about 5 km away
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, SrirangamGreat Vishnu temple on a river island, about 6 km away
• Samayapuram Mariamman TemplePopular goddess temple, about 15 km away

Frequently asked questions