The Name Thiruchirapalli

Tiruchirappalli, was earlier known as Thirisirapuram, as a Rakshasa called Thirisiran (Thrisura) worshipped Lord Shiva here. This Asura was Ravana’s cousin who fought and lost to Rama here in the Ramayana. There are also stories that since there are three peaks on Rock Fort, occupied by three Gods Shiva, Parvathi & Vinayakar (Uchi Pillaiyar), the place was called Thiri-sikarapuram and later called Tirisirapuram.

This place was also known as Sirappalli, Rishabachalam & Dhakshina Kailasam during ancient days. As per the mythology, once there was a great fight between Aadhisesha and the wind God Vaayu, on who is more powerful. Aadhisesha encircled the Maha Meru hill (Himalaya) and challenged Vaayu whether he can take the Himalayas off his clutches. Vaayu tried much and accepted his defeat.

It is said that during the fight, 3 pieces of the mountain broke and flew off to different places. Out of the 3 pieces which flew off, one is this Rock fort at Trichy. The other two are at Triconamalee (Ceylon) and Sri Kalahasthi (AP).