Uchi Pillayar temple

The Uchi Pillayar (High Ganesha) temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is located in Tamilnadu’s Tiruchirapalli state.

 

The Uchi Pillayar Temple shines like a crown of Tiruchirapalli town of Tamilnadu. Amidst the thickly populated town, the temple is situated on top of rocky mountains. This temple has a high blend of history attached to it. The majority of the history relates it to the Ramayana period.

 

During the period of Lord Ram, after Ravan has been killed and Lord Ram had returned to Ayodhya. Vibeeshan, Sugreev had also accompanied Lord Ram on his way back to Ayodhya for the ceremony in which Lord Ram would be made the king of Ayodhya.

 

While departing, Lord Ram presented an idol of Lord Ranganath to Vibeeshan. Vibeeshan accepted the gift with gratitude and continued his journey south-wards. While travelling, Vibeeshan saw the beautiful Kaveri river and decided to take bath in it. He saw a young boy playing there in the banks of the river. Without knowing that the boy was Lord Ganesha, asked the boy to handle the idol till the time he finishes his bath. The boy agreed and waited for Vibeeshan for long time. The boy then placed the idol on the banks of the river and went on for meditation on top of rocks.

 

On returning, Vibeeshan saw the idol lying on the bare land on the banks of the river. He tried hard to take the idol but in vain. He saw the boy on the mountain and he was very angry upon the boy. He straight away went top the mountain and hit hard on the boys head. Later on understanding that the boy was Lord Ganesha, Vibeeshan apologized for his behaviour. Lord Ganesha blessed Vibeeshan and his country men. It is said that only with the blessings of Lord Ganesha at Tiruchirapalli, Sri Lanka was becoming a mans abode.

 

Lord Ganesha also told Vibeeshan that the idol of Lord Ranganath could not be moved from that place and will continue to stay in the banks of the river. Vibeeshan returned to Lanka and he started his rule there.

 

The place where the boy was meditating is where today’s Uchi Pillayar temple stands. It is even told that the idol of Lord Ganesha still bears the mark made by Vibeeshan’s knock.

 

The temple is also called as Malai Kottai [Mountain Fort] by the local people. The temple of Lord Ranganath also can be seen on the banks of Kaveri River. The temple lies 275 feet above sea level. It is accessible from the ground by means of 417 steps. Also there is temple for Lord Shiva and Lordess Parvathy on the middle of the mountain.

 

The temple has not only been a favourite among devotees but also among art lovers and other enthusiasts.

 

The temple is a must visit.