Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Ranganatha(a form of Lord Vishnu in reclining pose), located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu state. It is huge spread across 156 acres and considered to be the first and most important of the Divya Desams(main Vaishnava temples). The temple is also known by other names like Srirangam Temple, Ranganathar Temple and Sri Ranganatha Temple. The temple was re-constructed during the Vijayanagara period in late 14th century after being attacked by Muslim invaders and follows the Thenkalai tradition of Sri Vaishnavism.

Srirangam temple is known as one of the world’s largest functioning Hindu temple. It is vastly influenced by Dravidian style architecture and is enclosed by huge walls and around 21 gopurams in all 4 directions. The Rajagopuram at a height of 72m is considered to be the tallest in South India. It is located in between 2 rivers Cauvery and Kollidam(tributary of Cauvery). There are 81 other shrines within the complex.

The complex also houses Sri Ramanuja Shrine in the fourth pragara. Sri Ramanuja was a famous Vaishnava teacher and spent nearly 70 years of his life here serving the Lord and spreading Vaishnavism.  A sanctum here has his mortal remains. It was here that Ramanuja made peace with his body and gives Darshan in Padmasana. His hair and nails can still be seen. Twice a year green camphor and saffron are ground into a paste and applied to his body.

This was covered as part of my Tamil Nadu road trip.