The Ranganathaswamy temple in Sreerangam, Trichy (Tiruchirappalli, TN) is an ancient temple is about 200 miles south of Chennai. (Read more here)
The Place Srirangpatna had the name of the Srirangapuri in the early ages later it got the name of the Srirangapatna. The town is an island being surrounded by the river Cauvery. In this town, there is the temple of Sri Ranganatha. (Source)
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, also known as Srirangam Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. It is located on an island in the Cauvery River in the city of Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
The temple is particularly famous for its annual 21-day festival called Vaikunta Ekadashi, which celebrates the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon king, Bali. During this festival, the temple is decorated with thousands of lights, and devotees come from far and wide to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
The temple is one of the largest and most famous temples in India, covering an area of 156 acres and consisting of seven concentric enclosures, with the main sanctum located in the innermost enclosure. The temple’s history dates back to the 3rd century BCE, and it has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, resulting in a mix of architectural styles.
The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it attracts millions of visitors each year. It is known for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and artwork, including the famous Garuda mandapa, which has 108 pillars with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and deities. The temple also houses several other smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva.
Some interesting facts about the SreeRanganadha Swamy temple:
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the largest temple complexes in India. It covers an area of 156 acres and has 21 gopurams (tower gateways) and 50 shrines.
- The temple is located on an island formed by the Cauvery River and is surrounded by seven walls with a total length of 32,592 feet, making it one of the largest temple fortresses in the world.
- The temple has a rich history and was first built by the Cholas in the 10th century. It was later expanded and renovated by several dynasties, including the Pandyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagar Empire.
- The temple has a unique feature of having seven enclosures, each with its own gopuram, walls, and gardens. The innermost enclosure is the most sacred and houses the main shrine of Lord Ranganatha.
- The temple has several interesting rituals and festivals, including the Vaikunta Ekadasi, which is celebrated with great pomp and show, and the Adi Brahmotsavam, which is a ten-day festival held in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August).
- The temple has several notable architectural features, including the 236-feet tall Rajagopuram, which is the largest gopuram in Asia, and the 1000-pillar mandapam, which is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
- The temple is believed to be the only temple in India where the deity faces south, rather than east, which is considered auspicious in Hinduism.
- The temple has several legends and myths associated with it, including the story of Lord Rama worshipping Lord Ranganatha before crossing the ocean to Lanka in the epic Ramayana.