Srirangam, nestled on an island formed by the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu, is celebrated as the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams, a revered group of Vishnu temples. Home to the magnificent Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, it proudly holds the distinction of being India’s largest temple complex and the world’s largest functioning Hindu temple. A marvel of Dravidian architecture and a center of Vaishnavite tradition, Srirangam is surrounded by lush greenery and imbued with a tranquil atmosphere. This sacred town offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and heritage, attracting pilgrims and history enthusiasts from across the globe.
History of Srirangam temple
According to history, Lord Rama is said to have performed aradhanam (puja) to a deity of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture. Rama granted the idol to Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana from the hindu epic Ramayana, with the instruction that vibhishana take it back to lanka. Howerver, Rama warned him not to place the idol on the ground, as doing so would cause it to become permanently bound to that spot. While traveling toward Lanka, Vibhishana reached the banks of the river Kaveri, where an utsavam (festival) was in progress. He temporarily placed the idol on the riverbanks. After the utsavam ended, the idol refused to move.
According to some versions of the story, Vishnu grew fond of the place and wished to remain there. Despite Vibhishana's requests for the idol to accompany him to Lanka, Vishnu declined, promising instead to bless Vibhishana by facing south, the direction of Lanka. As a result, the idol of Lord Vishnu in Srirangam is believed to face south, symbolizing the deity’s eternal connection to Vibhishana and his home in Lanka
A Rich Spiritual Legacy
Srirangam is considered the foremost of the 108 Divya Desams—sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu as described in the Tamil hymns of the Azhwars. The temple is a symbol of devotion and surrender, epitomizing the Vishishtadvaita philosophy of Ramanuja, the revered saint and philosopher who spent his final years here.
Pilgrims flock to the temple to witness Lord Ranganatha, reclining on the serpent Adishesha, radiating divine energy and serenity. The temple’s rituals and festivals, like the grand Vaikunta Ekadasi, attract devotees from around the globe.
When and Who Built the Srirangam Temple?
The Srirangam Temple, one of the oldest and most significant Vaishnavite temples in South India, has a rich history dating back to the Sangam era (500 BCE to 300 CE). The temple was initially constructed by the Chola ruler Dharmavarma. However, the temple's vimanam (tower) was destroyed by a flood from the Kaveri River. It was later rebuilt by King Killivalavan of the early Cholas, whose contributions helped shape the temple complex we see today.
Archaeological evidence, such as inscriptions from as early as 100 BCE to 100 CE, indicates the temple's long-standing existence. Over the centuries, successive dynasties, including the Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysala, Marathas, and Vijayanagara, made additions to the temple, resulting in a rich and diverse architectural heritage.
Under the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple was restored and flourished, with significant additions like golden roofs and new shrines, ensuring its prominence as a spiritual and cultural center. Nayaka ruler carved hall which is located in the fourth prakaram courtyard. Each dynasty left its indelible mark, making Srirangam a masterpiece of architecture.
Architectural Splendor
The temple is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, sprawling over 156 acres. Its 21 majestic gopurams (towering gateways), including the Raja Gopuram, which is one of the tallest temple towers in Asia at 236 feet, showcase the finest examples of Dravidian architecture.
Thousand Pillar Mandapam:Built during the Vijayanagara period, this granite structure has a central aisle flanked by seven side aisles, with pillars arranged in a square pattern.
Sesharaya Mandapam: Constructed during the Nayaka rule, this intricately carved hall is located in the fourth prakaram courtyard. It features 40 leaping animals with riders, carved from monolithic pillars.
Garuda Mandapam: Named after Vishnu's vahana, Garuda, this mandapam is situated in the third prakaram courtyard. It contains portrait sculptures on its pillars, with a free-standing seated Garuda figure facing the Vishnu shrine.
Kili Mandapam:Found in the innermost (first) prakaram courtyard, next to the Ranganatha sanctum, this hall, dating back to the 17th century, has elephant balustrades and a raised platform with four carved pillars
Festivals of Temple
- Vaikunta Ekadasi: Celebrated in Margali (December–January), this 21-day festival draws over a million visitors. The opening of the Paramapada Vasal, seen as the gateway to heaven, is the main highlight. Srirangam is revered as Bhuloka Vaikuntam (Heaven on Earth) through vibrant performances, including Araiyar Sevai, where araiyars recite the 4000 verses of the Alvars.
- Jyestabishekam: Held in Aani (June–July), this three-day festival features the deities adorned with diamond, pearl, and gold armors over successive days.
- Brahmotsavam: Celebrated in Panguni (March–April), this festival includes rituals, processions, a visit to the temple garden, and a ceremonial journey across the Kaveri River.
- Rathothsavam: The chariot festival in Thai (January–February) features the utsavar deity in a grand procession on the temple chariot.
Best Time to Visit: November to March is ideal, with cool weather and major festivals.
Accessibility: The temple is well-connected by road, rail, and air, with Trichy being the nearest city.
Location: Arulmigu Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam, Srirangam - 620006, Thiruchirappalli District
Timing: 6–7:30 am, 9 am–12 pm, 1:15–6 pm, 6:45–9 pm
Contact Number: 04312432246