One of the most famous and revered Hindu temples in India is the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu. The temple is known for its architectural and historical significance, and it is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. Other notable Hindu temples in India include the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
History of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu is one of the most ancient and famous Hindu temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu. According to legend, the temple was built by the sage Bhrigu during the Treta Yuga. The temple has undergone many renovations and additions over the centuries by various dynasties and rulers, with the most significant being made by the Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara Empire in the medieval period.
The temple complex is massive, with 7 concentric walls enclosing the temple, and 21 gopurams (towers) adorning the outer walls, out of which the Rajagopuram is the largest, towering at a height of 73 meters. The temple is also known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, and it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture.
The temple is also an important pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites, and it is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year, particularly during the 21-day Brahmotsavam festival, which is celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January).
The temple was included in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites in 2017.
What is the legend behind this temple?
The legend behind the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu is that it was built by the sage Bhrigu during the Treta Yuga. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu was pleased with the devotion of the sage Bhrigu and appeared in front of him. Lord Vishnu asked the sage to choose a boon. The sage requested Lord Vishnu to reside in Srirangam and bless his devotees. Lord Vishnu agreed to the sage’s request and assumed the form of Sri Ranganathaswamy, reclining on the coils of the serpent Adisheshan.
Another legend is that Once Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva had an argument over who is superior among them. To settle the dispute, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of them in the form of Sri Ranganathaswamy, reclining on the coils of Adishesha. Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva were both awestruck by the beauty and grace of Lord Vishnu and they realized that Lord Vishnu is the supreme Lord and the creator of the universe.
Both of these legends give the temple a long-standing religious and spiritual significance, and it is believed that a visit to this temple can help devotees attain salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Significance of the Ranganathaswamy temple
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu is considered to be one of the most significant Hindu temples in India due to its religious, historical, and architectural significance.
Religious significance: The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is one of the main deities in Hinduism and is considered to be the preserver of the universe. The temple is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that a visit to this temple can help devotees attain salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Historical significance: The temple has a long history, with many rulers and dynasties making contributions to its construction, expansion, and renovation over the centuries. The temple is a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of South India, reflecting the art, architecture, and religious practices of different periods in history.
Architectural significance: The temple is known for its architectural and artistic beauty. It has 7 concentric walls enclosing the temple, and 21 gopurams (towers) adorning the outer walls. The Rajagopuram, the tallest tower in the temple complex, towering at a height of 73 meters, is considered to be one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. The temple is also known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology.
In addition, the temple is an important pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites and attracts thousands of devotees every year, particularly during the 21-day Brahmotsavam festival, which is celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January). The temple was included in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites in 2017, which is a recognition of its significance.
Who built the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam?
The temple was built by Thirumalaraya in 894 AD, a vassal of the Ganga dynasty. In the early 12th century, Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana granted the village of Srirangapatna to the Vaishnava saint Ramanujacharya as an agraharam.
Interesting facts about Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu.
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu is one of the most ancient and famous Hindu temples in India.
It is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu.
The temple complex is massive, with 7 concentric walls enclosing the temple and 21 gopurams (towers) adorning the outer walls, out of which the Rajagopuram is the largest, towering at a height of 73 meters.
The temple is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu.
The temple is known for its architectural and historical significance and it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture.
The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology.
The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites and attracts thousands of devotees every year, particularly during the 21-day Brahmotsavam festival, which is celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January).
The temple was included in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites in 2017.
The temple has been attacked and destroyed multiple times over the centuries, mainly by the Muslim invaders, and was subsequently rebuilt and restored by the Hindu kings and their followers.
The temple is considered one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world.
The temple has 39 pavilions and 50 sub-shrines, and the temple has a total of 7 prakaras (enclosures) and 21 gopurams (gateway towers)
The temple is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, such as Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and Garuda Seva.
What is special in Srirangam?
Srirangam, a town located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, is special for several reasons:
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most ancient and famous Hindu temples in India, and is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu. The temple is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu, and is considered to be one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world. It has 7 concentric walls enclosing the temple and 21 gopurams (towers) adorning the outer walls, out of which the Rajagopuram is the largest, towering at a height of 73 meters.
Pilgrimage Site: Srirangam is a major pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites and attracts thousands of devotees every year, particularly during the 21-day Brahmotsavam festival, which is celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January).
Historical and Architectural Significance: The temple is known for its architectural and historical significance and it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. The temple has been built and rebuilt over the centuries by different rulers, and it is a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of South India.
rich cultural heritage: Srirangam is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, such as Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and Garuda Seva.
Natural beauty: Srirangam is surrounded by the Kaveri River and is rich in natural beauty, including lush greenery and scenic spots.
Spiritual Significance: Srirangam is considered to be one of the seven most sacred places in India or Mokshapuris. It is believed that Lord Ranganatha, the main deity of the temple, grants salvation to his devotees, and even a single visit to the temple is said to wash away all the sins of a person’s lifetime.
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