Manikka Vinayakar Temple, Rockfort, Trichy
Manikka
Vinayakar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located at the
foothills of Rockfort in Trichy City in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The town
of Thiruchi is dominated by the lofty Rockfort Temple. There are three major
temples on the rock; Manikka Vinayagar Temple, Thayumanavar Temple and Uchi
Pillaiyar Temple. Lord Manikka Vinayakar is the first one to greet visitors and
pilgrims majestically to the upper temples of Lord Thayumanavar and
Ucchipillaiyaar. Manikkam means precious stone in Tamizh and this temple is
truly a gem of a shrine.
The
Temple
The
Manicka Vinayagar Temple is the first temple in the Rockfort Temple complex
located at the base of rocky outcrop. Manikka Vinayagar is believed to be the
Patron deity of the town of Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). The temple structure was
first laid by the Pallavas and then completed by the Nayaks of Madurai. The
spacious hall on the western side contains pictures and carvings of Lord
Vinayaka in his different forms and postures.
The
circular Vimanam (domed roof) on the top of this small temple has been recently
gold plated and adds to the general solemnity and loveliness. Uchi Pillayar is
always associated with Manicka Vinayagar at the foothills. It is a general
worship practice to pray obeisance with Manicka Vinayagar before visiting Uchi
Pillayar. In Manikka Vinayagar Temple, the flag post (kodi-maram or
dwaja-sthambam) is placed behind the shrine. Traditionally it is placed
opposite the Lord’s shrine.
Originally,
the shrine is supposed to have faced the east according to legend. The king of
those times stole the Sevvanthi flowers and disturbed the puja of Sarama
Munivar. The Lord turned west to punish the king and so the shrine now
stands permanently facing west. That is why the flag post is behind the
sanctum. During puja, the musicians and the chanters of the Thevaram songs
stand on the eastern side behind the shrine.
Temple
Opening Time
·
Morning 05.30 A.M To 12.00
P.M
·
Evening 04.00 P.M To 09.00
P.M
Festivals
At
Manikka Vinayagar Temple, the Utsavar Murthi of Ganesha is taken on a
procession around the temple on Chathurthi, the fourth day of the waxing and
waning moon. This is a special day for Vinayaka. Archanais are performed all
through the day. Abhishekams are performed twice a day.
Connectivity
Manikka
Vinayagar Temple is located at the base of Rock Fort Temple Complex. Rockfort
is located at about 5 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Chatiram
Bus Station, 5 Kms from Trichy Railway Station, 4 Kms from Woraiyur, 14 Kms
from Thiruverumbur, 4 Kms from Srirangam, 7 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil, 6 Kms from
Trichy and 10 Kms from Trichy International Airport. Lots of buses ply from
both Central & Chathram bus stands of Trichy. One can get down at Main
Guard Gate or Teppakulam to reach Rockfort.
