South India Temple Tours

A witness of most of the Carnatic wars, which were fought in the 18th century, the Rock Fort boasts of being one of the oldest in the world. This entire 83 metre high Rock Fort is outcropped out of a massive stone rock. One can reach the top of the Rock Fort with a stiff climb of 437 steps. Kangaala Moorthy, one of the 64 manifestations of Lord Shiva, is the chief deity of this amazing structure.

The main beautiful temples in the Rock Fort are:

• The Manikka Vinayaka Temple situated at the foot of the rock.
• The Mathrubutheswara or Thayumanaswami Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which has a holy Lingam projected on the rock.
• The Uchhi Pillayar Koyil Temple, dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, percehed on the top of the rock. It offers panaromic views of the entire city.
• Two Pallava cave temples sit6uated below the Shiva temple. These have beautiful sculptures of the 6th and 7th centuries.

Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the Vinayaka and the Thayumanaswamy Temple. The Archaeological Department Of India has taken up the responsibility of maintaining these temples. Even the Puja (worship ceremony) is performed six times a day.

A few other attractions of the Rock Fort are:

• A tank and a pavilion at the foot of the Rock Fort, which are used during the float festival of the temples.
• Ancient inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century B.C., which can be reached with a flight of 344 steps.
• Ancient sculptures and bronzes of various periods in the museum.
• 100-pillared hall and a Vimana covered with gold.

These temples host the Brahmotsavam festival, Aadi Pooram and the Float Festival every year with full enthusiasm.