Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Overview

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, located in Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, is one of the most revered Vishnu temples in the world and the largest functioning Hindu temple complex. Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a reclining form of Vishnu), it is the first among the 108 Divya Desams (sacred abodes of Vishnu) and holds immense religious significance in Sri Vaishnavism.

Key Features of the Temple:

1. Architecture & Structure

   • Built in the Dravidian style, the temple spans 156 acres with seven concentric enclosures (prakarams) and 21 gopurams (towering gateways).

   • The Rajagopuram (main tower) is 236 feet tall, making it one of the tallest temple towers in Asia.

   • The sanctum houses the reclining form of Lord Ranganatha on the serpent Adishesha.

2. Religious Significance

   • It is considered the “Bhooloka Vaikuntham” (Heaven on Earth) for devotees.

   • The temple is central to the Sri Vaishnava tradition, associated with saints like Ramanuja and Periyalvar.

   • It follows Thenkalai (Southern) tradition of worship.

3. Festivals & Rituals

   • Vaikunta Ekadasi (Dec-Jan): The most important festival when the Paramapada Vasal (Gates of Heaven) is opened.

   • Panguni Brahmotsavam (Mar-Apr): A 21-day festival with grand processions.

   • Adi Thiruvadi Pooram: Dedicated to Garuda, Vishnu’s mount.

4. Unique Aspects

   • The temple has a Golden Vimana (dome over the sanctum).

   • The Hall of 1000 Pillars (actually 953) is an architectural marvel.

   • The temple town of Srirangam is an island between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers.

Visiting Information

• Location: Srirangam, Trichy, Tamil Nadu (about 10 km from Trichy Railway Station).

• Darshan Timings: Typically 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (varies on festivals).

• Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred; men must remove shirts inside inner sanctums.

Interesting Facts

• The temple was plundered by Malik Kafur (14th century) and later restored by Vijayanagara kings.

• It is one of the few temples where Vishnu’s consorts, Ranganayaki (Lakshmi) and Andal, are also prominently worshipped.

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