Srirangam

Sacred Srirangam, one of the most important Vaishnavite pilgrim centre is about 7 km. from Trichy. The island town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami Temple is surrounded by the waters of Kaveri and Kollidam. According to a mythological legend, Vibhishana, the brother of demon king Ravanna was carrying the temple of’ Ranganatha to Lanka. On the way he stopped here to perform his daily prayers, lie was supposed to carry the shrine straight away, as the temple would be firmly rooted as soon as it will be placed on the ground. Thus Vibhisana asked a small boy playing nearby to hold the shrine till he finishes with his prayers. In fact, Lord Ganesha had disguised himself’ as a little boy and kept down the shrine and ran away. Vibhishana was very upset and rapped the boy on the back of his head. It is said that the Ganesha revealed his identity at the Rock Fort bill in Trichy and the Uchchi Pillaiyar temple was established at the same point. While the temple of Sri Ranganatha was permanently located at this point.

The temple covers an area of 600 acres and is the largest temple of India. It was built between 11th and 17th century and several additions were made to the complex by the Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers and the Nayaka of Madurai. The13 storied Rajagopuram at the first wall on the southern side was built in 1987. It rises to a height of 72 meters and is perhaps the tallest in India. Besides Rajagopuram, there are 20 beautifully decorated gopurams in the temple complex.

The main sanctum with a golden Ranga Vimana is set at the center of the inner most prakaram and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Renganatha. Ranganatha, the main deity enshrined in the sanctum is depicted reclining on the serpent Adisesha and flanked by idols of his consorts Bhoodevi and Sridevi and the small utsavar or festival idol.

Other must see sites in the temple complex are Seshagirirayar Mandapam with exquisitely carved pillars and the 17th century Krishnavenugopala temple adorned with sculptures dating back to Vijayanagara period. There is also a small temple museum exhibiting fine sculptures.

Large number of devotees assembles here for the Vaikunta Ekadasi (December to
January) or the Paradise Festival. Au annual Car Festival is held in January. The idol of the deity is kept in a beautifully decorated wooden chariot and is pulled through the streets of Srirangam.

Srirangam Photo
Srirangam Renganathar	Srirangam Renganatha Temple
Srirangam Rajagopuram	Srirangam RenganatharAady Festival
Srirangam Rengananathar(3/10/2006)	Srirangam Rengananathar(3/10/2006)