Sri Thayumanavar Shiva Temple Trichy

Sri Thayumanavar Shiva Temple -Trichy

Sri Thayumanavar Temple is a temple situated in the Rockfort complex (Malaikottai) in the city of Tiruchirappalli. Shiva is worshiped as Thayumanavar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Mattuvar Kuzhalammai.

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 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.The temple complex has three shrines, two of which are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one at the foot and the Ucchi Pillayar Temple at the top, and the Thayumanavar Temple between them. The Thayumanavar temple, the largest of the three, houses a shrine for Amman (the Goddess) as well as the main deity.

Legend

According to legend, a pregnant woman named Rathnavathi was an ardent devotee of Shiva.While nearing labor, she requested her mother to come over. Her mother could not reach on account of heavy floods in river Cauvery. As delivery time came closer, Rathnavathi prayed to Lord Shiva. Shiva, moved by the devotion of Rathnavathi, took the form of Rathnavathi’s mother and helped with her smooth delivery. After the delivery, Shiva vanished and Rathnavathi’s mother arrived later. The family learned that it was Lord Shiva who attended to the delivery. Henceforth, Shiva in the temple came to be known as Thayumanaswamy, meaning the Lord who acted like a Mother. The temple obtained the name from the presiding deity, Thayumanaswamy. Shiva disguised himself as a mother for a pregnant lady, leading to the name Thayumanavar, meaning the one who became a mother.

Childless couples are advised to visit this temple for getting good and noble children. Pregnant ladies can visit this temple with their husband and worship the god and goddess for getting safe delivery and for conceiving the child without any difficulty. The deity is also worshipped for getting all other prosperity in our life. Various health related and mental related problems will be relieved by visiting this temple.