Why in news?
The Tamil Nadu government recently told the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that the traditional Karthigai Deepam lamp at Thirupparankundram hill has long been lit at the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple mandapam rather than at the hilltop. The state argues that for more than a century the festival lamp has been placed near the temple, challenging a court order that briefly allowed lighting the lamp at a higher pillar.
Background
The Uchi Pillaiyar Temple, also called the Rockfort Temple, sits atop a massive granite outcrop in the city of Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) in Tamil Nadu. Archaeologists date the rock to over 3.8 billion years, making it one of Earth’s oldest formations. The temple complex includes three shrines: the Manikka Vinayakar Temple at the foot of the rock, the Thayumanaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva halfway up and the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha at the summit. Legend says that after helping Lord Rama’s brother Vibhishana, Lord Ganesha (Pillaiyar) ran up the rock with the idol of Lord Ranganatha and hid at the top, hence the name “Uchi Pillaiyar” (Top Pillaiyar).
Highlights
- Historical layers: The rock was first modified by the Pallavas around the 7th century CE and later fortified by the Nayaks of Madurai during the Vijayanagara era. These rulers built the temples and stairways seen today.
- Pilgrimage site: Devotees climb hundreds of stone steps to reach the small shrine at the summit, which offers panoramic views of Trichy, Srirangam and the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers.
- Festivals: The temple hosts many festivals, including Karthigai Deepam when a large lamp is lit to symbolise the victory of light over darkness. The recent legal dispute centres on whether the lamp should be placed at the temple mandapam or a tall pillar further up the hill.
- Management: The temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu, ensuring the upkeep of its heritage structures.
Conclusion
The Uchi Pillaiyar Temple is not only a sacred site for devotees of Lord Ganesha but also an archaeological treasure perched on ancient rock. While courts resolve disputes over ritual practices like the placement of the Karthigai Deepam lamp, the temple continues to draw visitors with its rich history, architecture and sweeping vistas.
Source: TH
