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Rock Fort, the view from the fort is
spectacular. The Vinayaka temple at the top is reached by climbing a tunnel in
rock. Half way up is the Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Siva. It
has a 100-pillar hall and a Vimana covered with gold. On the southern face of
the rock are several beautifully carved rock-cut cave temples of the Pallava
period.
Tiruvanaikkaval:(7
kms.) The temple
here has a Siva lingam almost submerged in water, which flows from a
subterranean spring in the sanctum sanctorum. The Lord's name Jambukeswarar is
derived from a legend that an elephant once worshipped Him under the holy Jambu
tree.
SrirangamThe most important pilgrim
center in the district is located in an island just 5kms from Trichy.
Srirangam, surrounded by the waters of the Cauvery on one side and its
tributary Kollidam on the other, is a 600 acre island-town enclosed within
the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganatha
Temple.
There are not less than 22 gopurams,
one of which is the tallest in India. The 72m high 13-tiered Rajagopuram was
built in 1987 and dominates the landscape for miles around, while the remaining
21 gopurams were built between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Tiruvanaikkaval or
Jambukeswara Temple:Situated 2kms east of Srirangam,
this beautiful Siva temple steals the show from the larger Ranganathaswami
temple due to its excellent architectural design. The temple is named after the
elephant which is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva here. Installed under an
ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially submerged by water and meant to
represent God incarnate as Water.
Gangaikondancholapuram(100kms):The Brahadeeswarar temple at
Gangaikondancholapuram was conceived and constructed by the Chola King Rajendra
-I after his victory over the kingdoms in the region of the river Ganges. Apart
from the huge Nandi, there are some beautiful sculptures including a dancing
Ganesa, a lion-headed well and a stunning piece depicting Rajendra being crowned
by Siva and Parvati.

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