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. This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Ranganatha, also known as Sri Ranganatha, Ranganathar, or Ranga, is a Hindu deity, more well-known in South India. ... The word temple has different meanings in the fields of architecture, religion, geography, anatomy, and education. ... Srirangam (Tamil: ஸ்ரீரங்கம்), also known as Thiruvarangam, is an island town in the district of Tiruchirapalli ( also known shortly as Trichy or Tiruchi) in South India. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... Srirangam (Tamil: ஸ்ரீரங்கம்), also known as Thiruvarangam, is an island town in the district of Tiruchirapalli ( also known shortly as Trichy or Tiruchi) in South India. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... This article discusses the adherents of Hinduism. ... Ranganatha, also known as Sri Ranganatha, Ranganathar, or Ranga, is a Hindu deity, more well-known in South India. ... For other meanings, see Vishnu (disambiguation). ... The Divya desams are 108 temples that are regarded by Srivaishnavite Hindus as being of special holiness. ...

The temple

The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (6,31,000 m²) with a perimeter of 1,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India^[1] and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. In fact, Srirangam temple can be easily termed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world (Angkor Wat being the largest non-functioning temple). The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls with a total length of 32,592 feet or over six miles. These walls are enclosed by 21 Gopurams (Towers). Among the marvels of the temple is a "hall of 1000 pillars" (actually 953). The main entrance to the temple proper, seen from the eastern end of the Naga causeway Angkor Wat (or Angkor Vat) (Khmer: អង្គរវត្ត), is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. ...

Though the term Kovil is generically used in Tamil to signify any temple, for many Vaishnavas the term Kovil exclusively refers to this temple, indicating its extreme importance for them. The presiding deity Lord Ranganathar is praised in many names by His devotees, including "Nam-Perumal" (our Lord in Tamil), "Azhagiya Manavalan" (The beautiful groom in Tamil), while His divine wife Ranganayaki is affectionately called "Thayar" (Holy Mother). Apart from the main shrine of Ranganathar, the complex also houses shrines of dozens of forms of Lord Vishnu including Sudarshana Chakra, Narasimha, Rama, separate shrines for Ranganayaki and dozens of other shrines for the major saints in the Vaishnava tradition, including Ramanuja. The temple follows the traditional Thenkalai sect of Iyengars, who are mainly identified by a "Y" shaped mark in the forehead. Tamil ( ; IPA: ) is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people, originating on the Indian subcontinent. ... Vaishnavism is the branch of Hinduism in which Vishnu or one of his avatars (Catursana, Narad, Varaha, Matsya, Yajna, Nara-Narayana, Kapila, Dattatreya, Hayasirsa, Hamsa, Prsnigarbha, Rsabha, Prithu, Narasimha , Kurma, Dhanvantari, Mohini, Vamana, Parasurama, Raghavendra, Vyasa, Balarama, Krishna, Buddha, Kalki) is worshipped as the supreme God and is a monotheistic... Sudarshana Chakra (Sanskrit: सुदर्शण चक्रम्) is a spinning disc like weapon with very sharp edge, which is one of the weapons in the Hindu God Vishnus hands. ... (man-lion) (also spelt as Narasingh, Narasinga) (नरसिंह in Devanagari) is described as an incarnation (avatara) of Vishnu within the Puranic texts of Hinduism [1] who takes the form of half-man / half-lion, having a human torso and lower body, but with a lion-like face and claws. ... This article is about the incarnation of Vishnu. ... Vaishnavism is the branch of Hinduism in which Vishnu or one of his avatars (i. ... Ramanuja (Tamil: ,  [?]; traditionally 1017–1137), also known as Ramanujacharya, was a theologian, philosopher, and scriptural exegete. ... Therkku in the Tamil language means South. ... Iyengar (or Aiyangar) is the name of a community of Tamil Brahmins of South India whose members subscribe to the Visishtadvaita philosophy codified by Ramanuja. ...

Tiruchirapalli (also spelled Tiruchchirappalli, commonly known as Tiruchi or Trichy, formerly known as Trichinopoly under British rule) is a city situated on the banks of the Kaveri river, centrally located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ...

Legend

Sriranga Mahathmiyam is the compilation of mythological and religious accounts of the temple, detailing the origins of its greatness. According to it, Lord Brahma, the Lord of Creation in Hindu mythology was once in a state of 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.^[2] 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, and when he returned victoriously from Sri Lanka after destroying Ravana, he gave it to King Vibhishana as a token of appreciation for the latter's support for Rama against his own brother, Ravana. When Vibhishana was going via Trichy en route to Sri Lanka, the Lord wanted to stay in Srirangam. Vibhishana, while on the way back to his Kingdom, passed through Trichy, and wanted to take a bath 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. Following his plan, when Vibhishana was fully into the water, Vinayaka placed the idol firmly on the sand on the banks of the Kaveri. Seeing this, the angry Vibhishana chased the boy to punish him, but the boy kept running and climbed over the rock near the Kaveri bank. Vibhishana finally caught the boy and hit him on the fore-head, upon which the boy revealed himself to be Lord Vinayaka. Vibhishana immediately apologized and the Lord gave him his blessings after which Vibhishana continued on his way to Lanka. This article is about the Hindu god of creation. ... Vishnu (Hindi: (विष्‍णु) is a form of God, whom Hindus pray to. ... Srirangam (Tamil: ஸ்ரீரங்கம்), also known as Thiruvarangam, is an island town in the district of Tiruchirapalli ( also known shortly as Trichy or Tiruchi) in South India. ... Srimushnam is a panchayat town in Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. ... Tirumala (తిరుమల), the abode of the Hindu God Lord Venkateswara, is situated on a very ancient ridge of mountains in a southern district of Andhra Pradesh. ... Although much less popular as the lingam is used for worship of Shiva, Vishnu is worshipped as an abstract form (i. ... Muktinath, a sacred place both for Hindus as well as the Buddhists, is located at an altitude of 3,710 meters, at the foot of the Thorung La mountain pass (part of the Himalayas) , Mustang district, Kingdom of Nepal. ... , Badrinath is a Hindu holy town and a nagar panchayat in Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. ... Manu may refer to: In geography: Manu, a town in Sokoto State, Nigeria Manu, province in the Madre de Dios region of Peru Manu National Park Manu River In acting: Manu, member of the cast of a controversial film released in 2000 called Baise-moi Manu Intiraymi, American television and... This article is about the concept in Hindu philosophy. ... A depiction of Ravana, Hindu rakshasa King of Lanka In Hinduism, Ravana (Devanagari: रावण, Telugu: రావణాసురుడు IAST ; sometimes transliterated as Raavana or Ravan or Revana) is the principal antagonist of Rama in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. ... Vibhishana (Sanskrit: विभीषण, ) is a character in the epic Ramayana. ... Tiruchirapalli (also spelled Tiruchchirappalli, commonly known as Tiruchi or Trichy, formerly known as Trichinopoly under British rule) is a city situated on the banks of the Kaveri river, centrally located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. ... Tiruchirapalli (also spelled Tiruchchirappalli, commonly known as Tiruchi or Trichy, formerly known as Trichinopoly under British rule) is a city situated on the banks of the Kaveri river, centrally located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. ... The Cauvery (sometimes written as Kaveri) is one of the major rivers of southern India. ... Popular image of Ganesh In Hinduism, Ganesha (Gaṇeśa, lord of the hosts, also spelled Ganesa and sometimes referred to as Ganesh in Hindi, Bengali and other Indian vernaculars). ... The Cauvery (sometimes written as Kaveri) is one of the major rivers of southern India. ... Popular image of Ganesh In Hinduism, Ganesha (Gaṇeśa, lord of the hosts, also spelled Ganesa and sometimes referred to as Ganesh in Hindi, Bengali and other Indian vernaculars). ...

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 amongst these dynasties, utter importance was given to the safety and maintenance of these temples.

The temple is mentioned in Tamil works of literature of the Sangam era, including the epic Silapadikaram. However, archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century AD.^[3]. The Sangam is a collection of Tamil literature composed between 1,500 and 2,000 years ago. ...

Invasion of Srirangam Temple

A view of the main gopura of the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. Source:The National Geographic Magazine, Nov. 1909

During the period of invasion by the Emperor Malik Kafur and his forces in 1310–1311, Namperumal was stolen and taken to Delhi. In a daring exploit, devotees of Srirangam ventured to Delhi and enthralled the emperor with their histrionics. Moved by their talent, the emperor was pleased to gift them the presiding deity of Srirangam, which was requested by the performers. Things took a drastic turn immediately. Surathani, his daughter, fell in love with the deity and followed him to Srirangam. She prostrated herself to the God in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum and is believed to have attained the Heavenly Abode immediately. Even today, a painting of "Surathani" (known as "Thulukha Nachiyar" in Tamil) can be seen in the Arjuna Mandap adjacent to the Sanctum Sanctorum for whom, "chappathis" are made daily. This greatly explains the secular nature of the temple and also its all inclusive nature. Malik Kafur (fl. ... [edit] Events May 11 - In France, 64 members of the Knights Templar are burned at the stake for heresy Abulfeda becomes governor of Hama. ... Events Bolingbroke Castle passes to the House of Lancaster. ...

Having assumed that the magical power of the deity had killed his daughter, there was a second invasion to Srirangam in 1323 A.D. This time it was more severe. The presiding deity was taken away before the emperor's troops reached Srirangam by a group led by the Vaishnavite Acharaya, Pillai Lokacharyar, who died en-route to Thirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. The Goddess "Renganayaki" was taken in another separate procession. Swami Vedanta Desika, instrumental in planning the operations during the siege of the temple, closed the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple with bricks, after the processions of the presiding deities had left -- thereby protected the temple for generations to come.

13,000 Sri Vaishnavas, the people of Srirangam, laid down their lives in the fierce battle to ensure that the institution was protected. In the end, "Devadasis", the danseuse of Srirangam, seduced the army chief, to save the temple.

After nearly six decades, the presiding deity returned to Srirangam and the same Swami Vedanta Desika, who had built a brick wall in front of the sanctum sanctorum, broke it open. We learn that the deity of Srirangam had lived in the hills of Tirumala Tirupati for quite a long period of time.

It is not surprising to note that the temple and the life of the people, even today, are intertwined. The Lord is their Ruler and also their Child. It is believed that Sriman Narayana presently lives in Srirangam and not in His abode, Vaikuntham. Narayana (Sanskrit: नारायण; ) or Narayan is an important Sanskrit name for Vishnu and is in many contemporary vernaculars, a common Indian name. ...

Significance of the Temple

Stone carving at Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. Source:The National Geographic Magazine, Nov 1909

Religious documentation informs us that this temple is the only one of its kind for Lord Vishnu that was sung in praise by all the Alwars (Divine saints of Tamil Bhakthi movement), having a total of 247 "pasurams" (hymns) in its name. Acharyas of all schools of thought -- Advaita, Vishistadvaita and Dvaita -- recognize the immense significance this temple, regardless of their affiliation. The Alvars are Hindu saints, followers of Lord Vishnu. ... Advaita Vedanta is probably the best known of all Vedanta schools of Hinduism, the others being Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita. ... The book, All about Hinduism by Swami Sivananda discusses aspects of Vishisthadvaita, theological school founded by Ramanuja. ... Dvaita (Devanagari:द्बैत, Kannada:ದ್ವೈತ) (also known as Tattvavada and Bheda-vada), a school of Vedanta (the most widespread Hindu philosophy) founded by Madhvacharya, stresses a strict distinction between God (Vishnu) and the individual living beings (jivas). ...

The temple amazes us with its astounding architecture and sculptural beauty. The "hall of 1000 pillars" (actually 953) is a fine example of a planned theatre-like structure and opposite to it, "Sesha Mandap", with its intricacy in sculpture, is a delight. The Rajagopuram (the main gopuram that is one of the tallest religious structures in the world) did not reach its current height of 73 m. until 1987, when the 44th Jeer of Ahobila Mutt initiated the process with the help of philanthropists and others. Gopuram of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam Gopuram, a prominent feature of the Hindu temple architecture of South India, is the rising tower at the entrance of a temple. ...

Sri Ranganatha Mahatmyam

There are in total eight Svayam Vyakta Ksetras ("self-manifested shrines"), of Lord Vishnu, according to Sri Vaisnava philosophy namely, Srirangam, Srimushnam, Venkatadri, Saligramam, Naimisaranyam, Totadri, Pushakara and Badrinath. Of these, Srirangam is the first and of foremost importance. The temple is situated on an island, enclosed by the Kaveri river and Kollidam river. It is the foremost of Pancharanga Kshetrams. Swayambhu (also spelt Svayambhu) means self-manifested, and refers to Hindu murthis which are considered to be self-manifestations of the deity. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Srimushnam is a panchayat town in Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. ... This article is about the town of Tirumala-Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. ... Saligramam is a part of Chennai corporation. ... , Badrinath is a Hindu holy town and a nagar panchayat in Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. ... The Kollidam (also Kolidam and sometimes Coleroon in English) is a river in southeastern India. ... Pancharanga Kshetrams literally means 5 Ranganatha temples (pancha: five; Kshetrams: holy places). ...

Prasadam

On most days, the devotees are treated to Chakra pongal (a type of sweety 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. The Tamil Calendar is followed by the Tamil speaking state of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India, and by the Tamil population in Malaysia, Singapore & Sri Lanka. ...

Composers

Ramanuja and Srirangam

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. His Shrine is found in the fourth "prakara" of the temple and his "Thirumeni" is preserved in the temple in a seated position, by applying saffron and camphor every six months in a ritualistic style. Sri Ramanuja Acharya (1017 - 1137 AD) was an Indian philosopher and is recognized as the most important saint of Sri Vaishnavism. ...

"Kovil Ozhugu" is a codification of all temple practices, religious and administrative, shaped and institutionalised by Sri Ramanuja after receiving the due rights from Sri Periya Nambi.

The doctrine of Vishishta-advaita philosophy, Sri Bhashyam was written and later compiled by Swami, over a period of time. During his stay in Srirangam, he is said of have written "Gadhya Thrayam", which is recited in the temple everyday. The temple is a center for the Vishishtadvaita school where Sanskrit Vedas and Tamil works are preached and taught with great reverence. VishishtAdvaita Vedanta (IAST ;Sanskrit: विशिष्टाद्वैत)) is a sub-school of the Vedānta (literally, end or the goal of the Vedas, Sanskrit) school of Hindu philosophy, the other major sub-schools of Vedānta being Advaita and Dvaita. ...

Temple and Religious Works

Apart from Vedas, Upanishads, Ithihasas and Puranas, the general works of Sanathana Dharama, the following were exclusively composed in Srirangam.

1. Sri Bhashyam - Sri Ramanuja
2. Sriranga Gadhyam - Sri Ramanuja
3. Sri Renganathashtakam - Adi Shankaracharya
4. Paduka Sahasram - Swami Vedanta Desika
5. Rengaraja Stavam & Gunaratnakosham - Sri Parasar bhattar
6. Rengaraja Sthothram - Kurathazhwar
7. Bhagavaddhyana Sopnam & Abheethi Stavam - Swami Vedanta Desika

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. All Acharayas of Hinduism till date offer their prayers to this God. In toto there were 247 hymns of the 4000 Pasurams (Nallayira Divyaprabandham) composed here. Except Madhurakavi Alvar, all the other eleven Alwars have done Mangalasasanam (Praise) about the Ranganathar in Srirangam. Ramanuja (Tamil: ,  [?]; traditionally 1017–1137), also known as Ramanujacharya, was a theologian, philosopher, and scriptural exegete. ... Ramanuja (Tamil: ,  [?]; traditionally 1017–1137), also known as Ramanujacharya, was a theologian, philosopher, and scriptural exegete. ... Swamy Vedanta Desika, Sri Vaishnava Philosopher Vedanta Desika (1269 – 1370) is the second great name in Vaishnavism. ... Swamy Vedanta Desika, Sri Vaishnava Philosopher Vedanta Desika (1269 – 1370) is the second great name in Vaishnavism. ... Thondaradippodi Alvar, who is also named as Vipra Narayanar led his life as the slave to the Perumal and worked for the Perumal by dedicating him with Garlands. ... The Alvars () were twelve Vaishnava saints, who during the early medieval period of Tamil history (between the seventh and the tenth centuries CE) helped revive devotional Hinduism (bhakti) through their hymns of worship to Vishnu and his avatars. ... Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... A Tamil saint/composer of the 6th to 8th century. ...

This temple is rightly called the "Bhoologa Vaikuntam" (heaven on earth). The Alvars are Hindu saints, followers of Lord Vishnu. ... He was born in a brahmin family in Srivilliputhur, near madurai in the 6th to 9th century CE and was named vishnuchittar meaning one who has vishnu in his mind. Legend says he rejected the vedic philosophical debates of his upbringing to focus bhakti especially on doing simple tasks for... Aandaal Aandaal (Tamil: ) is a 10th century Tamil saint and one of the twelve Alvars (saints) and the only woman Alvar of Vaishnavism. ... Born in the asterism Punarvasu as Kulasekara Verma, he was king of the Chera Kingdom and lived in kollam in kerala. ... A tamil mendicant-saint revered in the srivaishnavismschool of south india probably between the 4th to 8th century CE. There are no historical records of this alvars. ... Thondaradippodi Alvar, who is also named as Vipra Narayanar led his life as the slave to the Perumal and worked for the Perumal by dedicating him with Garlands. ... Portrait of Thiruppan Alvar Thiruppaan Alvar is one of the 12 Alvars. ... The Alvars () were twelve Vaishnava saints, who during the early medieval period of Tamil history (between the seventh and the tenth centuries CE) helped revive devotional Hinduism (bhakti) through their hymns of worship to Vishnu and his avatars. ... Poigai Alvar was one of the twelve Alvars and was a Hindu saint. ... Bhoothathalvar was one of the twelve Alvars and was a Hindu saint. ... Payalvar was one of the twelve Alvars and was a Hindu saint. ... Nammalvar was a Hindu bhakti saint, well-known for his many poems about devotion to Vishnu. ...

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

Muthuswamy Dikshitar composed a krithi 'Rangapuravihaaraa' on Lord Ranganatha in the ragam Brindavana Saranga, which has been popularized by M.S. Subbalakshmi. Muttusvami Dikshitar is one of the Carnatic music composer trinity. ...

Near by Temples

• Thiruvallarai Temple

Thiruvallarai, also spelled as Thiruvellarai, is a small temple town in Tamil Nadu, India. ...

Other notable temples with the same name

1. Sri Ranganathaswami Temple (Srirangapatna). The deity at this temple is known as "Adi Ranga."
2. Sri Ranganathaswami Temple (Shivanasamudra) at Shivanasamudra. The deity at this temple is known as "Madya Ranga."

The Gopuram or gateway to the temple. ... The Sri Ranganthaswamy temple in Shivanasamudra, in the Indian state of Karnataka, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Ranganatha, a manifestation of Vishnu. ... Shivanasamudra (or Shivasamudram) is a small town in the Mandya District in southern Karnataka, India near Mysore. ...

References

External links

• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
• Nathamuni-Alavandar.org - Dedicated to Shriman Nathamungal and Shri Alavandar
• Thiruvarangam
• Ramanuja.org Divyadesams
• Srirangam Temple in Architectural Perspective
• Pasuram set to the Raga Hindolam - YouTube Video