Thayumanaswami Temple, Rockfort – History
The
temple is said to have built during 3rd Century by Pallavas. This temple was
occupied by Jain Saints and later was destroyed by Mahendravarman and Shiva
Temple was re-constructed by him. Tiruchirappalli was a part of the Chola kingdom and it houses a number of exquisitely
sculpted temples and fortresses, the centre of which is the Rockfort
temple. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture; The rock-cut cave temples of the Rockfort, along with
the gateway and the Erumbeeswarar Temple, are listed as monuments
of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The
Rockfort is a fortress which stands atop a 273-foot-high rock. It consists of a
set of monolithic rocks accommodating many rock-cut cave temples. Originally
built by the Pallavas, it was later reconstructed by the Madurai Nayaks and
Vijayanagara rulers. The major complex in the temple are believed to be built
during the 8th century by the Pandyan
Empire. The temple is maintained and
administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.