Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. It is the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. The temple is situated on an island, enclosed by the Kaveri river and Kollidam river.

The temple

The temple occupies an area of 156 acres making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls with a total length or over six miles. These walls are enclosed by 21 Gopurams (Towers). Among the marvels of the temple is a "hall of 1000 pillars"

Though the term Kovil is generically used to signify any temple, for many Vaishnavas the term Kovil exclusively refers to this temple, indicating its extreme importance. The presiding deity Lord Ranganathar is praised as "Nam-Perumal", "Azhagiya Manavalan" (The beautiful groom), while His divine wife Ranganayaki is affectionately called "Thayar" (Holy Mother). Apart from the main shrine of Ranganathar, there are shrines of of various Lord Vishnu avatars including Sudarshana Chakra, Narasimha, Rama, Krishna etc and major saints in the Vaishnava tradition, including Ramanuja.

Legend

Sriranga Mahathmiyam details the origins of the temple. Lord Brahma was once in deep meditation and in His supreme trance received the gift of the Lord Vishnu's idol, "Ranga Vimana". He was told by the Supreme Lord that there would be seven other appearances of such idols on earth -- Srirangam, Srimushnam, Venkatadri (Tirumala), Saligram (Muktinath), Naimisaranya, Totadri, Pushkara and Badrinath.

The idol was then passed on by Brahma to Viraja, Vaiswatha, Manu, Ishwaku and finally to Rama. Lord Rama, himself an avatar of Vishnu, worshipped the idol for a long time. When he returned victoriously from Sri Lanka after destroying Ravana, he gave it to King Vibhishana as a gift.

Vibhishana, while on the way back to his Kingdom, passed through Trichy, and wanted to do his daily Karma [Sandhyavandhanam] in the river Kaveri. In order to do this without placing the idol on the ground, Vibishana found Lord Vinayaka, disguised as a cowherd boy and asked him to hold the idol in his hands.

Just when Vibhishana was fully into the water, Vinayaka placed the idol on the banks of the Kaveri. Seeing this, the angry Vibhishana sought to punish him before the boy revealed himself to be Lord Vinayaka.

The location where the Ranganathan idol was placed was later covered by an overgrowth of deep forests, due to disuse. After a very long time, a Chola king, chasing a parrot, accidentally found the idol. He then established the Ranganathaswamy temple as one of the largest temple complexes in the world.

According to historians, most dynasties that ruled the South -- Cholas, Pandiyas, Hoysalas, Nayakkas -- assisted with renovation and assisted in the observance of the traditional customs. Even during periods of internal conflicts, utter importance was given to the safety and maintenance of these temples.

The temple amazes us with its astounding architecture and sculptural beauty. The "hall of 1000 pillars" is a fine example of a planned theatre-like structure and "Sesha Mandap", with its intricacy in sculpture, is a delight. The Rajagopuram, the main gopuram is one of the tallest religious structures in the world at a height of 73 m.

Composers

Srirangam cannot be discussed without mentioning the great Vaishnavite scholar of Ramanujacharya who attained divinity here. His "Swayam Thirumeni" (the symbolic body) is preserved and offered prayers even today, after 8 centuries.

Thondaradippodi Alvar and Thiruppaana Alvar are sung exclusively on Ranganatha. Andal attained Sri Ranganatha on completion of her Thiruppavai (a composition of 30 verses) in Srirangam.

Prasadam

On most days, the devotees are treated to Chakra pongal (a type of sweet made with jaggery, pulses and rice), Puliyodarai and thayir sadam (rice with yogurt/curd) prasadam (offering).

Darshan, Sevas and Festivals

There are Festivals throughout the year. Vaikunta Ekadesi is the most important festival in Sri Rangam. ThiruKalyana festival during Tamil month of Panguni is celebrated with pomp and glory.

This temple is rightly called the "Bhoologa Vaikuntam" (heaven on earth).

It is said that if Srirangam is to live in prosperity, then all other Divya Desams(108) would thrive with religious fervour.