Monday, November 20, 2017

Thayumanaswami Temple, Rockfort – History

Thayumanaswami Temple, Rockfort – History
The temple is said to have built during 3rd Century by Pallavas. This temple was occupied by Jain Saints and later was destroyed by Mahendravarman and Shiva Temple was re-constructed by him. Tiruchirappalli was a part of the Chola kingdom and it houses a number of exquisitely sculpted temples and fortresses, the centre of which is the Rockfort temple. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture; The rock-cut cave temples of the Rockfort, along with the gateway and the Erumbeeswarar Temple, are listed as monuments of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
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. 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 temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.