Srirangam Temple or Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple of Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu in South India is the biggest temple devoted to Vishnu Bhagwan. It is a major Hindu pilgrimage which is visited by lakhs of devotees every day.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu), located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India. Constructed in the Hindu architectural style, the temple is glorified by Alvars in their Naalayira Divya Prabhandam and has the unique distinction of being the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to the god Vishnu.
Srirangam Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Sri Ranganathar located in the Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most important temples for worshipping Lord Vishnu. The Srirangam Temple is also known by other names like Ranganathaswamy Temple, Ranganathar Temple, and Sri Ranganatha Temple. Sri Ranganathar is known by many other names: Ranganathar, Rangan, Aranganathar, Ranga and Thenarangathan.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Srirangam Temple is India’s largest temple compound and one of the world’s greatest religious complexes. The Ranganathaswamy Temple is constructed in Hindu architectural style and is believed to be constructed during the Vijayanagara period (1336–1565). The temple follows and worships the Thenkalai tradition of Sri Vaishnavism.
The abode of a deity often described as Nam Perumal and Azahagiya Manavaalan, Tamil for “our god” and “beautiful groom”, the magnificent Ranganathaswamy Temple is home to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu in a reclining pose.
History and Legend of Srirangam Temple
According to the legends, the Vimana of this temple was originally found by Lord Brahma while churning the ocean. It was brought to earth by severe austerities performed by King Ikshvaku, the forefather of Lord Rama. It remained in their lineage for several centuries, where the Vimana would be passed to a king after kings. After Lord had his victory over Demon Ravana, he gave the Vimana to the Vibishana, brother of Demon Ravana. It was consecrated by Lord Ganesha in the form of a small boy, who wanted the Vimana not to taken to Srilanka with King Vibishana.
It is one of the oldest temples, and much revered by Vaishnavites. It has a splendid history which started from 4th century AD, has great inscriptions in the temple was that of the 1st millennium AD. It has withstood several invasions. It is in this temple, Poet Kambar has staged his great work “Ramayanam”.
Srirangam Temple
Srirangam is a beautiful island surrounded by river Cauvery and Kollidam (tributary of Cauvery). Its length is about 8 miles and 4 miles in breadth. The population of Srirangam is about 50 thousands. It is 7 km from Trichy junction and it also has a railway station. The island town is surrounded by 7 walls. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the famous vaishnavite temples in India. There are 21 gopurams, the Rajagopuram (principal tower) is largest gopuram in south India. The 72m high, 13-tiered gopuram (towers) was built in 1987 and dominates the landscape for miles around, while the remaining 20 gopurams were built, between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Srirangam is a holy place. Importantly for vaishnavites, because, their God Vishnu is in the name of “Renganathar” in a sleeping posture (called Anantha sayanam), which could not be seen anywhere else like this. Srirangam has got importance because of Ranganathar temple. The Geographic location of this island between Rivers cauvery and kollidam is also a reason. There is a flower market in this place called as “sathara veedhi” from where flowers and Garlands are exported to various foreign countries.
A Garden which grows mangoes is also here. The name of that is “Thathachariar Gardens”. They export tons of mangoes every year. There are totally five matriculation schools, Three Government aided schools and six primary schools providing an excellent education. This place is famous for Residential apartments. There are more than five hundred apartments in this place. Bus services are available round the clock to reach Srirangam. Numerous taverns and inns are here to accommodate large number of tourists. Three art galleries are present where; people forget themselves in the beauty of antiques and crafts.
Srirangam Temple Timings
General Darshan Timings 09:00 to 12:00
Darshan Timings 13:15 to 18.00
Darshan Timings 18:45 to 21.00
Srirangam Temple Timings for Pooja
Pooja time – ( No Darshan) 07:15 to 09:00
Pooja time – ( No Darshan) 12:00 to 13:15
Pooja time – ( No Darshan) 18:00 to 18:45
Srirangam Temple Timings for Sevas
Viswaroopa seva 06:00 to 07:15
No Darshan after 21.00 at Sanctum Sanctorum
Quick Seva – Rs.250/- per head.
Viswaroopa Seva – Rs.100/- per head.
General Entrance – in All Seva timings
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
- The above Srirangam Temple Timings are subject to change on festival days.
- Temple Guesthouses available near the main entrance of the temple.
- Cloakroom available near the Garuda mandapam
Srirangam temple Sri Ranganathaswamy is blessing in three different islands of the holy river Cauvery. It flows from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu.
The first island is Srirangapatnam and it is called Aathirnagam (Origin of Rangam), located in Mysore (125 km distance from Bangalore to Mysore route).
The second island is Sivanasha Samuthiram and it is called Mathiyarnagam (Middle of Rangam), situated 70 km distance from Srirangapatnam.
The third island is Thiru Navalantheevu and it is called Srirangam and also called Antharangam (last part of Rangam – meaning of heaven) is situated in Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli district, India.
Srirangam can be reached by bus and train (International airport is also available in Trichy). This prehistoric architectural temple welcomes all pilgrims and tourists with open arms.
