Temples of Tiruchirapalli district in Tamil Nadu bears the evidence of the dynasties that ruled the placed through their architecture. Tiruchirapalli district lies at distance of 150 km from Madurai. Tiruchirapalli is located on the banks of the river Cauvery and most of the temples of Tiruchirapalli district have the sea as its backdrop.
During the medieval period, Tiruchirapalli witnessed a strong hold of the Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara rulers who left behind impressions of their designs on the walls of the temples of Tiruchirapalli district. With some marvelous temples and colonial churches, Tiruchirapalli`s popularity rests in as a pilgrimage town. However, Tiruchirapalli is also an industrial hub.
The major Temples of Tiruchirapalli district are the Rock Fort temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruvanaikkaval Jambukeshwara Temple, Pallava Temple, Tirukkozhi Divya Desam, Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple, Samayapuram Mariamman Temple and Vayalur Skanda Temple. Besides temples, the nearby attractions of the district are Vayalur, Narthamalai, Grand Anaicut (Kallanai), Pudukkottai, Mukkombu (the Upper Anaicut), Viralimalai, Sittannavasal, Thanjavur, and Kolli Hills.
Rockfort Tayumanavar Temple, situated on a hill boasts several inscriptions from the Pallava and Imperial Chola period. The presiding deity of this a two storeyed temple is Matrubhooteswarar (Shiva), the Kangaala Moorthy, one of the 64 manifestations of Shiva is also present. The main festival is the annual Bhrammotsavam in Chithirai and other celebrations are Aadi Pooram and the float festival in Panguni. Kailasamudaiyar Temple, one of the major temples of Tiruchirapalli district is set amid green paddy fields and sylvan surroundings on the northern banks of Uyyakondan channel.
Kailasamudaiyar Temple dates back to 11th century and is a treasure house of historic information. The base and walls of this temple boasts several inscriptions belonging to the periods of Raja Raja Chola I. Erumbeeswarar Temple, also known as Tiruverumbeeswarar Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple of Tiruchirapalli district enshrines Erumbeeswarar as the presiding deity along with his consort Saurabhya Kudalaambal.
This Shivasthalam temple, one among the temples of Tiruchirapalli district has two prakarams and a mandapam at the foot of the hill. Historical evidences state that the temple came into existence during the 7th century and bears several inscriptions dating back to the Chola and Pandya period. The annual Brahmotsavam celebrated here draw devotees from far and near. The Archaeological Survey of India declared Erumbeeswarar Temple as a protected monument. Aravayi Amman Temple is one of the most visited temples of Tiruchirapalli district that enshrines a 6 ft tall statue of Buddha. Besides the mentioned ones, the temples of Tiruchirapalli district like Neelivananathar Temple, Bikshandar Kovil, Kadhamba Temple, Malayakkoyil Cave Temple have almost become tourist spots.
