Sri Ranganatha and Sri Ranganathar Swamy are names of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu in reclining form. A temple dedicated to this deity is situated at Srirangam, in Tamil Nadu, a southern state in the Indian Peninsula. Tamil Nadu is home to numerous architectural marvels with colorful designs, dedicated to various deities of the Hindu pantheon. This temple at Srirangam is an important to many devotees. Great numbers of tourists also visit this temple all throughout the year. This temple is one of the ‘Vaishnava’ temples, rich in culture and legend. It is located on an island of River Kaveri. The Temple complex spread over an area of over 150 acres and has a perimeter of over 4 kms.

Legend

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one element of the most powerful Hindu godly triumvirate. Many legends appear in folklores about the existence of this holy place. Many instances in the legend refer to numerous divine characters of the Hindu pantheon. Other legends also have references of some characters mentioned in the great Hindu epic of ‘Ramayana’.

History

Sangam era spans from 3rd century BC to 4th century AD. Tamil literature from this period contains reference to this temple. However, archaeological inscriptions are available from 10th century AD onwards only. The inscriptions refer to successive dynasties, namely Chola, Pandya, Hoysala and Vijaynagar, who ruled the area around Srirangam, where the temple is situated. All the rulers assisted in upkeep and renovation of this temple. Internal feuds between different power centers did not adversely affect the safety of holy places.

Historical references of 13th century recount the journey of the idol of the deity to various places, including present day Delhi, by invaders and protectors. After nearly six decades, the deity returned to Srirangam.

Architecture

Statistics of the temple complex architecture is simply awe inspiring. The temple is enclosed by seven concentric walls. The total length of the walls is over 10 kms. There are 21 ‘Gopurams’ meaning gateway towers. 39 pavilions also form part of the complex. The temple consists of 50 shrines and several small water bodies. A huge hall named as 1000 pillars is another example of a blend of engineering skills and artistic vision of the creator. This hall actually contains 953 pillars, all made of granite. The pillars carry numerous sculptures, all intricately crafted. Many sculptures figure images of horses and tigers, which easily blend with the surrounding mystic atmosphere.
 The main shrine contains image of Sri Ranganatha reclining on ‘Adishesha’, the coiled serpent. Images of Vibhishana, Brahma, Garuda and Hanumana are also seen in the shrine. Three images of Goddess Ranganayaki can also be seen at the shrine. Numerous forms of Lord Vishnu are found in other shrines, within the complex. Major Saints in “Vaishnava’ tradition can be seen in other shrines here.

A very tall, 73 meters in height, ‘Gopuram’, is one of the main attractions of the visitors. This ‘Gopuram’ is a recent creation. The enormity of this structure can be judged by looking at the base of the structure. The base itself measures over 500 square meters. Other 20 ‘Gopurams’ were constructed between 14th and 17th century. These towers have panels containing numerous images of mythological origins.

Festivals

The temple is having a festival calendar, which covers almost two thirds of the year. During December- January, a twenty day festival of ‘Vaikuntha Ekadashi’ is celebrated. The celebrations during this period include, chanting of hymns and devotional music accompanied by dance. The atmosphere in any festival of Srirangam temple is full of devotion and cheer.

‘Brahmotsavam’ is another festival celebrated in March-April. Processions and carrying the deity in a palanquin are part of the celebrations. Other major celebrations include chariot festival and spring festival. Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated at the deity’s shrines inside the campus.

Temple Rituals

Daily Puja is offered by priests, who follow a strict set of ritualistic rules. The Puja is offered thrice a day, morning, midday and evening.

Best time to Visit

Devotees visit the temple all through the year.

How to Reach

The town of Srirangam is just 10 kms away from district headquarter, Tiruchirappalli or Trichy. The city of Trichy is well connected by road, by railway and by airways to numerous major destinations in India.

By Train

Trichy Railway station has good connectivity to other places in India.

By Air

Trichy International Airport caters to the needs of both international as well as domestic tourists. Daily flights to and from Trichy are available.

By Road

Buses and taxis to and from Trichy are available for benefit of visitors.