Trichy Thayumanavar Swamy Temple, located within the Rockfort complex (Malaikottai) in Tiruchirappalli, India, is dedicated to God Shiva, worshipped as Thayumanavar. The temple houses a lingam representing Lord Shiva, while his consort Parvati is depicted as Mattuvar Kuzhalammai. The main deity’s reverence is deeply rooted in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram. This special place is very important spiritually because it is connected to Tamil saint poets called Nayanars. It is also known as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, which makes it even more special.
The self-manifested lingam of Shiva is positioned facing west, showering blessings upon the devotees. For three days in the evenings of the Panguni month (March-April), the Sun’s rays fall directly on the deity.
Lord Thayumanava, as His name implies, is like a caring mother to those in need. People who have lost their mothers come here to seek His blessings, hoping He will provide guidance in their lives. Many devotees pray for a safe childbirth and the well-being of both the mother and child.
Devotees Offer milk Abhishekam to both God and Goddess. Garments and bunches of plantain fruits (Vazhai Thar) are offered.
The temple architecture is in Dravidian style. The Rockfort area includes rock-cut cave temples, a gateway, and the Erumbeeswarar Temple.
The Rockfort temple is at a height of 273 feet. It houses a collection of monolithic rock-cut cave temples. Originally established by the Pallavas, it was later reconstructed by the Madurai Nayaks and Vijayanagara rulers. The primary complex within the temple is thought to have been built in the 8th century by the Pandyan Empire. The temple’s upkeep and administration are managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Thayumanavar Temple Pooja Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM To 12:00 Noon
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Trichy Thayumanavar Swamy Temple Pooja Timings:
| Usakkalam | 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM |
| Kalasandhi | 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM |
| Uchhikaalam (Noon Pooja) | 12:00 Noon |
| Saayarachai Pooja (Evening) | 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| 5th Kalam Pooja | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
| Ardhajama Pooja (Night) | 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
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Trichy Thayumanavar Swamy Temple History:
In an old story, a pregnant woman named Rathnavathi loved God Shiva a lot. When it was time for her baby to be born, she wanted her mother to be there. But because of a big flood in the river Cauvery, her mom couldn’t come. Rathnavathi prayed to Shiva for help. Because she loved him so much, Shiva turned into her mom and helped her have the baby safely. After the baby was born, Shiva disappeared, and Rathnavathi’s real mom came later. Rathnavathi’s family realized that Shiva had helped them. So, the temple’s presiding deity was called Thayumanaswamy, which means “the Lord who acted like a Mother.” The temple got its name from this god, Shiva being like a mom to a pregnant lady gave him the name Thayumanavar, which means “the one who became a mother.”
In Hindu stories, Tiruchirappalli gets its name from a tale connected to the Thayumanaswamy temple. There was a three-headed demon named Trishira who meditated near the city’s location to get help from the god. Another idea is that the name comes from “Trishirapuram,” where “Trishira” means “three-headed,” and “palli” or “puram” means “city.”
In another story, there was a fight between Adisesha (a snake god) and Vayu (the wind god) for control over the Himalayas. Pieces of the mountain fell to different places, including Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, Srikalahasti in Andhra Pradesh, and Rockfort. In this place, there are three peaks in the temple for Shiva, Parvathi, and Ganesha. This is why it became known as Trisikarapuram.
Thayumanavar Temple Festivals:
Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May
Panguni float festival in March-April
Aadi Pooram in July-August
Aipasai Annabishekam in October-November
Tirukarthikai in November-December
Panchamurthy procession on Makar Sankranti(January 14)
Maha Shivrathri
How to Reach Trichy Thayumanavar Swamy Temple :
By Air:
Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the nearest Airport which is 84 km from Thayumanavar Shiva Temple.
By Rain:
Most of the trains stop at Papanasam railway station and the station is 6.5 km from the temple
Kumbakonam Railway Station is the nearest railway station, and it is just 21 km from the temple.
By Bus:
From Thanjavur Town Bus Number 24, 34, 16, 44.
From Kumbakonam Town Bus Number 11 and 29.
Several buses are plying between Papanasam and Saliyamangalam at 30-minute intervals.
Trichy Thayumanavar Swamy Temple Address:
Arulmigu Thayumana Swamy Temple
Malaikottai,
Trichy – 620 002
Phone No: 0431 – 2704621.
Temple Accountant: Aravanayselvan.
Accountant Mobile. No: 99421 63041.
Email: thiruchyrockforttemple@gmail.com