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]] The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam , Tamil Nadu India is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha , a resting form of Vishnu . The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (6,31,000 Sqm) with a perimeter of 1,116 m or 10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in the world . The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls and contains 21 gopurams. Among the marvels of the temple is a "hall of 1000 pillars" (actually 953). Much of the existing temple dates to renovations occurring between the 13th and 18th centuries. However the temple is mentioned in literature as old as the Silapadikaram and Nalayiradivyapirabandam (c.a. 3rd century CE ) while in contrast, the rajagopuram (main Gopuram ) did not reach its current height of 73 m. until 1987. The 11th century philosopher and Vaisnava saint, Ramanuja , preached from Srirangam and to this day, the temple is a center for the Vishishtadvaita school founded by him. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE There are in total EIGHT Self-Manifested shrines or Svayam Vyakta Ksetras (''Swayameva'' ''Vaktha'' ''Kshetras''- which means "on his own volition"), of Lord Vishnu , according to the Sri Vaisnava philosophy namely, Srirangam, Srimushnam , Venkatadri , Saligramam , Naimisaranyam , Totadri , Pushakara and Badrinath . Of these SRIRANGAM is the first and of foremost importance. In Vaishnava parlance, the term Kovil , meaning home of the Lord, refers only to the SRIRANGAM RENGANATHASWAMY Temple and the presiding deity of this temple only is celebrated as "NAM-PERUMAL"(our-Perumal) (Vishnu in tamil is known as "Perumal"). The presiding deity is also known as "azhagiyamanavalan" in Tamil . The largest temple complex in India, Srirangam, is the first and the most important of the 108 Divya Desams of Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya . 156 acres in extent, the temple complex surrounded by 7 "prakaras" (concentric walls), 21 Gopurams (towers), is an island between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers and is the largest temple. Every aspect of this temple, its history and the festivals which continue to this very present day are magnificent with no parallels in Hindu Mythology. Legend informs that, Vibhishana on his return from Ayodhya, after the coronation (pattabhishekam) of shri Ramachandra , is gifted with the ''pranavakara vimana'' (the sanctum sanctorum where Sri Renganatha lives with his Consorts). Vibhishana on his return to Sri Lanka, decides to celebrate the festivals which are due for that period of the year, on the bank of Cauvery (and places the Vimana adjacent to the ''Chandra pushkarani'', presently in the temple complex) only to find that the LORD had made SRIRANGAM HIS ABODE. HISTORY Brahma pursues a steadfast penance to gain the Knowledge of Who his preceptor was and SRIMAN NARAYANA sprang from ''parkadal'' along with the ''pranavakara Vimana''(as seen in the temple today) and is taken by Brahma to his abode, "Sathyalokha". Brahma after over a period of time, gifts it to SURYA (Sun), thereby, SRI RENAGANATHA becomes the Main DEITY of the '''''Ikshvaku''''' dynasty of which LORD RAMA was a ruler. Lord Rama, gave it to Vibhishana, as a symbol of his love. It is known that Srirangam is named after Ranganayaki ( MahaLakshmi , wife of Renganatha) on whose penance the LORD arrives here. There is also another version which says that King DarmaVarma of the Chola Dynasty and few other sages having prostrated to Lord Renganatha in the boundaries of Ayodhya, requested Dasaratha for the same. Struck with utter disappointment on not receiving it, they started their hardcore penanace on the banks of Kaveri . The Lord, yielding to their penanace arrives here. The temple amazes us with its astounding architecture and sculptural beauty. The "hall of 1000 pillars" (actually 953)is a fine example of planned theatre-like structure and opposite to it, "Sesha Mandap" with its intricacy in sculpture is a delight. The Rajagopuram (main gopuram) 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. The temple is the place where the great Sri Vaishnava Acharaya, Sri Ramanuja, attained the lotus foot of his LORD and his "''Swayam Thirumani''" is preserved and offered prayers even today after 8 centuries. Even today his body is preserved in the temple in a seated position, by applying ''kumkumapoov'' (saffron) and ''pachaikarpooram'' (camphor) on the body every six months. To this day, the temple is a center for the ''Vishishtadvaita'' school founded by Sri Ramanuja. INVASION OF SRIRANGAM TEMPLE During the period of invasion by Malik Kafur and his forces in 1310 – 1311 , the Murthi of ''Namperumal'' was stolen and taken to Delhi. In a daring exploit, devotees of Srirangam ventured to Delhi and enthralled the king with their histrionics. Moved by their talent, the King 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 to the GOD in front of the sanctum sanctorum and 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. Having assumed that the magical power of the deity had killed his daughter, there was a second invasion to srirangam in the 14th century itself, after a gap of almost a decade. This time it was more severe that the presiding deity, was taken away, before the muslim invaders reached Srirangam, by the group led by the Vaishnavite Acharaya, ''Pillai Lokacharyar'', who Passed away en-route to Thirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. The Goddess "Renganayaki" was taken in a separate procession. Swami Vedanta Desika, an Acharya par excellence, closed the sanctum sanctorum of the temple with bricks and thereby protected the temple for generations to come. Almost after six decades, the presiding deity returned to Srirangam and the same Swami Vedanta Desika, who built a brick wall in front of the sanctum sanctorum broke it open. We learn that the deity of Srirangam lived in the hills of Tirumala Tirupati for quite a long period of time. It will be very interesting to note that it was the Damsels of Srirangam who actually diverted the Captain of the army from the complex of the temple. Almost 13000 Vaishnavites were killed in the struggle to protect the temple. It is not surprising therefore, to note that, the temple and the life of the people even today are interwined. The Lord is their Ruler and also their Child. It is believed that Sriman Narayanan presently lives in SRIRANGAM and not in his Abode the Vaikuntam. TEMPLE AND ACHARYAS Apart from the 247 pasurams (hymns) sung by the 11 Alwars (all Alwars had sung the praise of Sri Renganatha), there are other Shlokas composed on the Lord, by other Acharyas in Sanskrit namely: # Sriranga Gadhyam - Sri Ramanuja # Sri Renganathashtakam - Adi Shankaracharya # Paduka Sahasram - Swami Vedantha Desika 4.Rengaraja Stavam - parasar bhattar 5.Rengaraja Sthothram - Kurathazhwar 6.Bhagavaddhyana Sopnam & Abheethi Stavam - Swami Vedanta Desikan Thondariadi Podi Alwar and Thirupaan Alwar, sang exclsively on Renganatha. Andal attained Sri Renganatha on completion of her (Thiruppavai - a composition of 30 verses) in Srirangam. All Acharayas of Hinduism till date offer their prayers to this GOD. 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. SRI RANGANATHASWAMI TEMPLE IN SHIVANASAMUDRAM Shivanasamudram The deity at this temple is known as Madya Ranga. SRI RANGANATHASWAMI TEMPLE IN SRIRANGAPATNA Srirangapatna The deity at this temple is known as Adi Ranga. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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