Ucchi Pillayar Temple of Tiruchirappalli: In Trichy in the state of Tamil Nadu is present a popular temple known as lord Ucchi Pillayar temple and Lord Shiva is worshipped here. This Thiruvanaikaval temple was built some 1800 years ago by Kochenga Chola and is visited by numerous devotees and others daily. It must be noted that Lord Ucchi Pillayar is a swayambu murthy. One important piece of information about this temple is an elephant worshipped in this place and it got blessed and hence this place is known as Thiruvanaikaval. This temple has got 5 praharams and it is said that Lord Shiva himself constructed fifth praharam and he built it by appearing in the form of a spider and hence it is called as 'Thiruneettan Thirumathil'.

It is interesting to note that this superb temple of Lord Shiva is one of the five major temples in TN and it represents five great elements. Element water is represented by this amazing temple of Thiruvanaikaval. People visiting this temple would be amazed to see the presence of Chola period inscriptions and the temple is famous for being one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is superb to mention that four nayanars have sung praises of this temple and on the main deity of this temple.

Located along the northern banks of River Cauvery in this temple, panguni brahmotsavam in the month of March- April is celebrated superbly. People visit this temple of Lord Shiva during Aadi Pooram and on Fridays in the months of July, August is also well known. Devotees coming to this temple pray Goddess Akilandeswari in this temple for their education, marriage plus for the sake of child and it is said that their wishes gets granted. This superb temple of Lord Shiva is opened every day for the devotees from morning 5:30 am to 1 pm and from evening 3 pm till 8:30 pm.