Trichy was originally known as Tiruchirapalli, named after the three-headed Asura Tirusiras. According to Puranas he obtained a boon after worshipping Lord Shiva here. The rock is said to have been flown down from Kailash following an altercation between Adi Sesha and Vayu. Hence Trichy is also revered as Dakshina Kailash.
Padal Petra Sthalams: River Cauvery which flows through Trichy and Thanjavur districts, has on its banks as many as 274 Shiva temples along its course. Famous Shaivite saints Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manickavasagar, popularly known as Naalvar, had visited these temples and sung in praise of the Lords. Of these, 160 shrines, including Trichy, Kumbakonam, Thirunageswaram, Thiruvalanchuzhi and others on the southern bank are noteworthy. On the northern bank, 63 Shiva temples have this special significance attached. These include Thiruvanaikaval, Thiruvaiyaru, Chidambaram, Sirkali, Vaitheeswarancoil and others.
Thayumanavar Temple: This ancient rock cut Shiva temple is visited by thousands round the year. The Lord is popularly known as Thayumanavar. According to a legend He disguised Himself as mother to help a poor woman at the time of her delivery.
Rock Fort Temple: The temple on top of this rock enshrines Sri Vinayaka, popularly known as Uchi Pillayar. The temple commands a panoramic view of the entire city below and river Cauvery. Before climbing the hill, pilgrims pay obeisance to Manicka Vinayagar at the foot of the hill.
A local legend connects Uchi Pillayar with the famous Srirangam Temple. When Vibhishana was carrying the Ranga Vimanam to Lanka, Vinayaka intervened in the guise of a Brahmachari boy and placed the Vimanam on the ground which got rooted. Vibhishana got angry and chased the boy. He ran to the summit and transformed himself as Lord Vinayaka.
