History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Festivals, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple is solely dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of the Supreme God, Shri Maha Vishnu is located in island form by the Twin Rivers Cauvery and Coleroon in Srirangam, just 9 km from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. This temple is also well-known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, Srirangam Temple and Bhogamandabam. This temple is considered to be one of the most important temple among the 108 Vishnu Temple and one of the eight self-manifested shrine of Lord Vishnu. This temple is said to be the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. The glory of the temples was sung by the Alwar – great devotee, poet, philosopher saints in their hymns. The temple occupies an area of 156 acres with 81 shrines, 21 towers, 39 pavilions and many water tanks integrated into the complex. Temple has seven prakaras – enclosures built by thick and huge rampart walls surrounding the main sanctum. This temple had been renovated, expanded, rebuilt many times and latest addition was done during 1987 with the outer tower that is around 240 feet tall one of the tallest tower in India.
The temple holds high importance in Vaishnav sect across the world thus huge number of devotee visits here from the world to get blessing of Lord Vishnu.
There is some discrepancy for the exact dates of construction of origin temple but certain evidence found that proves the origin of the temple in 1st century CE during the Sangam period and current temple represents an addition of building activity over centuries during the great dynasty like early Cholas, later Cholas, the Pandyas, the Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire etc. Some other says that temple was built in 817 or 894 by a lady named Hambi and then expanded by various ruler of this region.
The main deity in the garbhagriha is the gigantic image of Lord Vishnu in form of Ranganatha reclining on the coils of adisesha whose widespread seven hoods form a canopy, which is one of the biggest idol of Lord Vishnu in reclining posture. One of the key feature of temple is 1000 pillared hall- mandapam, made from granite during the rule of Vijayanagara Empire in 1336–1565. The another halls Sesharayar Mandapam on the east side of the fourth enclosure was added by the Nayaks. The hall is celebrated for the 40 leaping animals carved on to the piers at its northern end. There are many sub-shrines within the complex dedicate Narasimha, Gopalakrishna, Srinivasa, Hanuman, Garuda, Ranganayaki, Sudersana Chakra and Alwars.
It holds a great history how the deity of the lord Vishnu was here. It is said that during the time of Ala ud Din Khilji period, he raided a “Golden Temple” on river Kanobari destroyed the temple and took the stuff along with the golden deity to Delhi. It was believed to be Ranganathaswamy Temple. After that a young girl had vowed to fast till she had seen the icon. She followed the Muslim army till Delhi. The Sultan daughter after seeing the image was fallen in love with him. The young girl returned to Srirangam and told the priests about what she had seen in Delhi. Then, the priests went with musicians to Delhi, found the icon which was with his daughter, day and night. They sang and danced before the Sultan to return the icon, and he gave it back which upset his daughter. To console the daughter, the Sultan sent his army again to town but this time they failed.
Another interesting story associated with temple is about the famous Orlov Diamond, one of the few most valuable diamonds in the world. There is not such evidence but it is believed that it was once the adorned the eyes of the deity here in Srirangam temple. The diamond was stolen in 1747 by a French man from the temple during the Carnatic war.
This temple has the most mesmerizing view as it has tower which provides unique sight to any visitor. The temple on an islet formed by the Twin Rivers Cauvery and Coleroon. The devotees are been served with free food by the temple trust.
The annual chariot festival called Rathothsavam is celebrated here during January-February. Chithirai Ther also known as Brahmotsavam – nine day long festival held between March and April, Ekadashi, Shri Jayanthi etc. are other festival celebrated here with great zeal.
How to reach Sri Ranganathar Swamy Temple, Srirangam Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
Sri Ranganathar Swamy Temple is very popular and sacred shrine of south India located in Srirangam at just 9 km from Tiruchirappalli. Tiruchy or Tiruchirappalli is one of the major city and tourist destination of Tamil Nadu, thus very well connected all major cities of Tamil Nadu. It is also connected to Chennai the capital city of Tamil Nadu by bus, train as well as by air services. Tiruchirappalli has International Airport just 5 km away from city from where you can get flight to all major cities of India. Tiruchirappalli is an important railway junction in Tamil Nadu and connected to all major cities of India. Via road, Trichy is well connected through a National Highways, state highway and district roads.
