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Sunday, November 19, 2017

Manikka Vinayakar Temple, Rockfort, Trichy

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.